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Winterizing Posted by Don [Email]  (#1099) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Don) on Wed, 1 Aug 2001 13:04:04
In Reply to: Winterized, Markes, Wed, 1 Aug 2001 12:31:28 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
While it is hard to imagine such things during our current heat wave, we up here in Canada have considerable experience with "winterizing" our cars. I am sure that almost everyone has dfferent opinions on the subject. I have seen people on both sides of the extremes:
1. Do nothing.
2. Put the car in storage as soon as the snow flies.
Personally, I bought my car to drive and so I will not go for the latter option. It is also clear that some things have to be done each year, even though SAABs are (I find) very well suited to northern climes (not surprising, given their place of origin).
Many people will get dedicated snow tires for their cars and steel rims on which to mount them. A good idea if you encounter snow at all. All season tires cannot handle all conditions and therefore are a compromise.
There is, I find, considerable disagreement with respect to rustproofing. I personally have not done it, but you will get many people that swear by it. Obviously, keeping the vehicle clean is a must. Heat will accelerate any chemical reaction, including rust - so a heated garage can do more harm than good if you do not keep the car free of ice and snow.
Many people change to a thinner oil for winter, but this is only really necessary for arctic conditions. Even when I lived in Northern Canada (and I mean the NWT, not Sudbury), 10W30 was pretty normal. Obviously, you must make sure that your antifreeze is sufficiently concentrated to resist whatever temperatures that you might encounter.
A block heater is a wonderful investment. Cars with Canadian specs come with them; it plugs into a regular 115V outlet and keeps the engine warm. They are not so well known in the US and Europe, but are considered vital in much of Canada.
There is also much to be said for running gas line antifreeze through your car from time to time. Keeping your tank relatively full (over half), I've heard, can reduce problems.
Obviously, you should be sure that your car is in good condition (brakes, tire tread, thermostat, etc.).
Aside from the above, carry a small shovel, tire chains if you got 'em, a bag of kitty litter for traction, and a good ice scraper. You should then be ready for anything that nature throws your way.
I would also be interested in anything that people have to say on the subject. My car has been great in ice and snow and behaves itself quite well, on the whole.
Don
Ottawa, Canada
'96 900s 2.3
, Wed, 1 Aug 2001 13:04:04 <-- Viewing This Message
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