High Desert’s week of winter snow brings car troubles and commute delays

(update: adding video comments from drivers, tire shops)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This week’s winter snowfall across much of the High Desert has made getting around the area more difficult.

Snowstorms around the region often are followed by a clearing and thawing, as daytime temperatures rise above freezing. But this week's periodic snow and continued cold means many roadways are still covered by snow, ice - or slippery layers of both.

"Having Olney and Portland Avenue both closed has been horrendous," said Bend resident Bonnie Criswell. "To get home the last two nights, it's taking me a full hour."

For some, it’s also brought unexpected car troubles.

"My windshield wiper flew off last night coming home. So I'm here today to get it replaced," said Criswell.

The folks at Les Schwab Tire Centers in Bend says that has been common this week.

Manager Steve Curtiss said, "We've been having a lot of battery issues, of course, because of the cold snap. Windshield wipers breaking, so we service all that stuff, too."

He says some people are just now switching to winter tires, even though it's later in the season.

"If you're proactive and you get them on ahead of time, good for you. If not, you know we're here. As bad as the roads are, it's important to have the extra security of having good tires on your car." Curtiss said.

It's not just about your tires - your vehicle's battery and brakes should be checked as well. 

"If you drive your car daily, you know, the battery should be fine," Curtiss said. "But unfortunately, batteries don't always give you that fair warning of when they're going to go out."

If you're worried, the tire center says they can easily check your battery to see how much life it has left.

A typical battery lasts about 3-5 years, but factors like your driving habits and the climate can affect its lifespan.