This winter may be a foretaste of the "new normal." Some scientists believe that the ebb and flow of solar activity - specifically, sun spot activity - correlates with milder (more sun spot activity) or colder (less sun spot activity) winters, among other things. According to these scientists, sun spot activity is currently almost nonexistent - and they say this is why the winter of 2009/2010 has been so brutal. But the really happy news is that sun spot activity is not expected to tick up for possibly several years - which could mean winters like the current one into the foreseeable future.

This will be hard on everyone - but especially on people not used to Arctic temperatures and Montana-style snow for months on end. Their vehicles, too.

Single digit cold reduces battery cranking power by half or more; oil gets thicker and doesn't flow as well - making the engine harder to start. Wear and tear goes up; gas mileage goes down.

Tip: Buy an engine block heater. Commonly used in historically cold areas, these will probably become a common sight in newly cold areas, too. Most use either a magnetic pad you slap onto the bottom of the engine's oil pan (with a heating element in it) or a heating element that slides into the dipstick. Some warm the radiator - or are physically plugged into the engine via an adaptor. (See http://www.zerostart.com/coldStart/engine_block_heaters.asp for more info.) But all work on the same basic principle: You plug the block heater into any household 110v outlet at night and it will keep the temperature of the engine's oil/coolant from dropping to whatever the outside air temperature is. Next morning, your vehicle will start easier, warm up faster and use less gas. Probably wear and tear is reduced as well.

Heavy/compacted snow sometimes doesn't melt for days - or even weeks, if it stays cold enough outside. You might not see pavement for a long time. All-season tires are ok in usually moderate climates, with the occasional (brief) snow that's no more than a few inches. But when the snow is measured in feet and it stays for days/weeks, you might want something more aggressive.

Tip: It might be worth buying a set of snow tires - even studded tires (if legal in your area). These can make a world of difference, even if you don't have a 4WD or AWD vehicle. Really good snow tires can get you places a 4WD or AWD vehicle with all-seasons would have trouble with. It's an additional expense, sure. But it beats sliding off the road into a ditch or even just not being able to get where you need to go.

Ever get caught behind a big salt truck/plow? These things spit gunk onto your windshield and the caustic salt combined with abrasive grit can quickly dull your wiper blades to the point that they smear more than they clear.

Tip: Buy winter blades in the fall. These are tougher and made specifically to handle salt/grit and hold up better in bitter cold. They do a much better job of keeping your windshield clear, so you can see where you're going. Also use winter formula washer fluid. Keep an extra jug in the trunk, too. You'll be happy you did if you run dry and there's no 7-11 or other place to buy some around for miles.

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.