So, do you do any winterization to your car?

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
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This idea seems strange to me, as I dont expect the tempeature to drop below freezing much more thna 1/2 a dizen times in a winter, and I don't expect to see any ice or snow that's any more significant than a little bit of frost (I live in California). Do you people in colder climates do anything to the car for winter?
 

wfbberzerker

Lifer
Apr 12, 2001
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we check our anti-freeze, use a different weight of oil, and get the tire pressure checked. aside from that, i dont really do anything else (here in wisconsin).

i should note, once it hits below freezing here, it generally doesnt go back for about 2-3 months
 

JC

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2000
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I live in Ca too....but it freezes here a fair bit during the winter. Gets down below 20F plenty. At least it warms up during the day, unlike elsewhere in the country :)

I just check my antifreeze, and have an ice scraper on hand. I've already had to scrape my windows this year.

JC
 

toph99

Diamond Member
Aug 25, 2000
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snow tires, make sure the battery has enough juice to start the car when it hits -40, make sure the block heater works, put in some 5w30, make sure anything that may have to be replaced before the spring is replaced(working on a car when it's snowing isn't fun or easy) stock up on washer fluid, ice scraper, make sure all the elements in the rear window defroster work, heater works, and get the car undersprayed.


gotta love canada.
 

hungrypete

Diamond Member
Aug 4, 2000
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hehe just make sure youve got enough antifreeze, and that its still good. Also nice to make sure your ice scraper and de-icer is where it should be :)
 

SerraYX

Golden Member
Jan 8, 2001
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I bless it a bit, that the ice doesn't make my poor unbalanced Mustang slip and slide to my death:)

Just the standard ice scraper and antifreeze, especially since I have no rear defroster:frown:
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
18,060
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Originally posted by: baffled2
I need to "winterize" myself, I'm always freezing lately no matter what I'm wearing.. brrr !!!! :Q

Someone needs more iron.:p

As for my car, I want to put at least 2 coats of wax on it before it gets too cold.
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
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Originally posted by: JC
and get the car undersprayed.

Whassat?
Undercoating that is sprayed on.

Here in Canada you would think cars are winterized all year long.

I already got the snow tires on, checked the anti-freeze, had the brakes done and an oil change.

For safety on the highway: put some spare blankets in the trunk, small shovel, kitty litter, flares, flash light, ropes, and non perishable food.

 

JC

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2000
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Originally posted by: Iron Woode
Originally posted by: JC
and get the car undersprayed.

Whassat?
Undercoating that is sprayed on.

Here in Canada you would think cars are winterized all year long.

I already got the snow tires on, checked the anti-freeze, had the brakes done and an oil change.

For safety on the highway: put some spare blankets in the trunk, small shovel, kitty litter, flares, flash light, ropes, and non perishable food.

So what does the undercoating do for you in the winter? You have it done every year? Doesn't it get kinda thick after a few years? I remember in the east, car dealers would sell you undercoating as a rustproofer, but it was actually just additional profit for the dealer. Same thing?

 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
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Other than snow tires, most of my stuff is covered by scheduled maintenance.

That being said, a good scraper/snow brush, a small bag of kitty litter and an emergency kit are things that all cars in winter climates should have in the trunk.
 

Jugernot

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
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Yes, batter, oil pan, engine block, and a couple other heaters that are plugged in every night when it starts getting cold (below zero).

As for oil, nothing special, I stick with 5w 30 year round.

Jugs
 

RaynorWolfcastle

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
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with the amount of salt and sand that gets spread on the roadways here in Canada, underspraying can do a good job of protecting from rust.
 

MrPhelps

Golden Member
Sep 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: baffled2
I need to "winterize" myself, I'm always freezing lately no matter what I'm wearing.. brrr !!!! :Q

I did "Winterize myself" I bought a remote car starter and it rocks. I go in a warm car on cold days.
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,708
430
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When I lived in Michigan, I had 2 sets of Dunlop Graspic snow/mud radials on some generic OEM wheels that I used from approx. November to March. In addition:

- Changed out OEM floor mats and replaced them with heavy duty types that were for winter
- Kept 2 gallons of windshield solvent in my trunk <--- always using this because of the road salt
- Kept jumper cables, blanket, gloves, flashlight, road salt, extra window scraper, lock de-icer, and small snow shovel in car (some in trunk, some in glove box)
- Checked coolant/antifreeze concentration with one of those bulb meters, added if necessary (flushed and filled system every three years and replaced thermostat)
- Checked belts, hoses, spark plugs, filters, etc.
 

Scootin159

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2001
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Put on all-season tires (would've preferred snow tires, but @ $100 for a set of 4, I can't argue (good all-seasons as well))

Lubed all the locks/lock mechanisms - won't do this every year, but it needs it this year

Put snow brush/scraper in the car

Locked the roof in place, no more tilting @ 50mph

Should probably put in some heavy duty floor mats....but they're a real pain with floor-mounted pedals (pivot @ the floor, not @ the top, kinda like what you have with computer steering wheels or arcade games).

Also a good idea to put some conditioner/oil on all your door seals to reduce the likely hood of a door freezing shut (and more so reducing the damage it does when you rip it open).

Don't let it get below 1/4th tank of gas

Edit: Also go through with a little touch-up paint & grab all those little stone chips & overwax (2 solid coats) it. It's 16 years old and has no hints of rust on it anywhere & I want to keep it that way.
 

Shockwave

Banned
Sep 16, 2000
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Originally posted by: Scootin159


Don't let it get below 1/4th tank of gas

Edit: Also go through with a little touch-up paint & grab all those little stone chips & overwax (2 solid coats) it. It's 16 years old and has no hints of rust on it anywhere & I want to keep it that way.


You actually do the gas tank thing!! i thought I was the only guy who did this. My friends always look at me funny too......Course, I try to keep above a hlaf tank. Betta safe then water logged right? ;) That IS why you do it right?/
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
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I get my car sprayed every year (although i don't know if that is quite needed) and i put my winter tires/rims on... that's the single best thing you can do for your car in snow conditions... regular all seasons or especially summers are TERRIBLE in snow (well, some are...) and having steel rims which are cheap, who cares... protect your good rims and keep them in the garage, and snow tires on the cheap rims.. it's the only way to go. :D