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Hello from Fairbanks, AK,
Thanks for another good video with more good information. I can’t remember the last time the thermometer was above -20 so I thought I would add a few things that we use to keep our cars running.
Engine block heaters are good start. Most everyone up here also has battery and oil pan heaters as well. I don’t have one but a lot of people have trickle chargers for their batteries as well. I have even heard of heaters for automatic transmissions. I drive a manual so I don’t have one. A timer or outlet with a switch in the house that you can turn on 20 min before you need to start your car will help with the electric bill. Remote start isn’t critical but it is very convenient. If it’s down around -40 I will also let the engine run a little with no load on it to let it warm up. I’ve heard of rods and other expensive things breaking because the metal becomes brittle at those temps.
Traditional oils will sludge up and not flow as well when it gets to be around -20. Synthetics tolerate the cold better. Use synthetics for your oil, tranny, transfercase, and differentials.
When it gets below a certain temperature some shops charge at least $100 just to look at your vehicle. Like you mentioned get any repairs that you have been putting off done before winter sets in.
Diesel will also sludge up when it gets too cold. At work we put in half a bottle of Howes Diesel Treat when we fill up.
All the shops up here just recommend 70/30 antifreeze. If your car doesn’t get up to normal operating temperature or the heater doesn’t keep you warm, cover up your radiator. There are commercially available products, but cardboard works just fine.
Instead of snow tires I recommend driving slow.
Your survival kit was a good start. I carry something to start a fire with, a recovery strap, shovel, snacks, and arctic gear that will cover me head to toe whenever I leave town.
I’m sure there is more, but that’s all I can think of for now. I hope it helps.
P.S. A heated garage makes life a whole lot easier.Hello from Fairbanks, AK,
Thanks for another good video with more good information. I can’t remember the last time the thermometer was above -20 so I thought I would add a few things that we use to keep our cars running.
Engine block heaters are good start. Most everyone up here also has battery and oil pan heaters as well. I don’t have one but a lot of people have trickle chargers for their batteries as well. I have even heard of heaters for automatic transmissions. I drive a manual so I don’t have one. A timer or outlet with a switch in the house that you can turn on 20 min before you need to start your car will help with the electric bill. Remote start isn’t critical but it is very convenient. If it’s down around -40 I will also let the engine run a little with no load on it to let it warm up. I’ve heard of rods and other expensive things breaking because the metal becomes brittle at those temps.
Traditional oils will sludge up and not flow as well when it gets to be around -20. Synthetics tolerate the cold better. Use synthetics for your oil, tranny, transfercase, and differentials.
When it gets below a certain temperature some shops charge at least $100 just to look at your vehicle. Like you mentioned get any repairs that you have been putting off done before winter sets in.
Diesel will also sludge up when it gets too cold. At work we put in half a bottle of Howes Diesel Treat when we fill up.
All the shops up here just recommend 70/30 antifreeze. If your car doesn’t get up to normal operating temperature or the heater doesn’t keep you warm, cover up your radiator. There are commercially available products, but cardboard works just fine.
Instead of snow tires I recommend driving slow.
Your survival kit was a good start. I carry something to start a fire with, a recovery strap, shovel, snacks, and arctic gear that will cover me head to toe whenever I leave town.
I’m sure there is more, but that’s all I can think of for now. I hope it helps.
P.S. A heated garage makes life a whole lot easier.