Winter 2014 Public Service Announcement (buy, garden, moving)

[SkyDog77]

I hope everyone has their sprinklers winterized and garden hoses disconnected. Single digit lows on Wednesday!

Winter is coming.......

[EricNorthman]

Winter Storm Astro is on the way!

[2bindenver]

Pick any veggies out of the garden by Tuesday.

[stricklandia]

OK, for those of us CO newbies: what measures are prudent to "winterize" one's car? We have an Outback (AWD) so I'm not planning to get snow tires (chime in if this is faulty logic). But is there anything else I should do, such as swap out washer fluid, change the coolant, etc.? The battery is already near the end of its life, so I'm going to get a new one (as well as new wipers).

This is our first winter since moving from sunny San Diego, so all advice welcome. (And yes, I expect some "fun" comments about the winter newbie too, ha ha.)

[MountainK]

Strick, I recommend you create a winter survival kit and keep it in your car. No need to panic about this though, you likely won't need it this week, but don't head to the mountains without this. (Search other threads or Google for advice about what this should include.)

At the minimum you should buy a decent snow brush and windshield scraper if you have not yet done so. I doubt you would need snow tires, but decent all weather tires are a must. You certainly should check all fluids (coolant, etc. as you mentioned) and note that there is a winter version of windshield wiper fluid, which may not be what you've used in SD. Just look for a container that says it works in cold weather (that may be the only type sold around here.)

I like to save my winter newbie comments for the Texans, as I like San Diego. Welcome and good luck.

[SkyDog77]

Re: snow tires....Not necessary, but if you plan to be in the mountains a lot, highly recommended. I run them on both of my AWD vehicles. Keep in mind that AWD helps you go, but the second you touch that brake pedal, tires are the only thing that matter. If you find yourself sliding through stops, you can always reevaluate your decision.

Also nice to have in the car during the winter is an extra gallon of windshield washer fluid. Nothing worse than driving on the highway when the snow is melting and running out of fluid.

[shark6286]

This is all good advice.

Personally in winter I drive with winter tires. I am a skier and I go to the mountains regularly and having good tires gives me a piece of mind. I have two sets of wheels - I just swap them myself - no need to wait in line when the winter comes. Usually for winter tires you can go with smaller diameter rims and narrower, higher profile tire. This gives you a better traction and is less expensive. Always make sure the tires have a good thread.

Some ideas on what to include in your survival kit:

How to Make a Winter Survival Kit

[BarryK123]

Time to wash and put away those shorts you've been wearing.

[denverian]

I don't have a "winter survival kit". Not necessary if you only drive in the metro area.

[2bindenver]

It's important to change the windshield washer fluid to a de-icer variety. Also carry a spare pair of gloves, a hoodie, food & drink and a battery charger. If you drive into the foothills a bag of kitty litter.

It may be that you are the rescuer and not the rescuee.