I’ll Take ‘Things That Aren’t Fun To Do Outside During A Minnesota Cold Snap’ For $500, Please

If you're going to live here in Minnesota, you need to be able to withstand a little cold and snowy weather-- some years, about 5 months worth, it seems. I get that. But that doesn't make it any less cold when you have to stand outside at the gas station and add air to all of the tires on your SUV.

Which is what I had to do earlier today. So, yes, if the category is "Things That Aren't Fun To Do Outside During A Minnesota Cold Snap," then crouching down in front of your tires while the wind whips around your face certainly isn't fun. But when the low tire pressure warning light on your dashboard comes on, one is forced to trudge out in the cold and add some air to all four tires.

Of course, this never happens when it's warm out-- mainly because (if I remember my high school physical science) it's the extreme cold that causes the air in the tires to compress, which then sets off the low tire pressure sensor and illuminates the light. And to keep your fuel efficiency up-- and not cause an odd wear pattern on your tires-- you need to add some air.

And unless you have a heated garage along with an air compressor (which I don't), this means you're going to get a little cold. Because you can't take the cap off the valve with gloves on. Nor can you use the tire gauge with gloves on. This means you're going to freeze your fingers. And your face. And any other part of your body that is now exposed to the wind.

All in all, it didn't take me THAT long, I guess-- even if I had to go to a second convenience store because the air compressor wasn't working at the c-store nearest my house-- and I'm sure there are many other tasks (and professions) that require one to be outdoors during this cold snap. I'm just glad I don't have to do them!