Winter car care (Rexburg: to buy, moving, bars)

[semorgan89]

I just moved to Rexburg from North Carolina (It doesn't get cold very often). What sort of precautions do I need to take with my car? I know it gets pretty cold here! Do I need something different than 10w30 oil? Do I need to have more antifreeze in the cooling system? Better battery? etc. Thanks!

[cleosmom]

I run a 5w oil in my cars, it's what my mechanic suggested and makes sense as it's a thinner grade, check with your mechanic though as the engine can make all the difference. My radiator is always good for -50*F and make certain your battery and can pull a cold crank. Good wipers, decent all season radials if you're used to snow and have at least front wheel drive, otherwise you might want to consider a well sipped tire like Blizzaks or even studs if you do any rural or over the road driving during winter.

[tdna]

Don't forget to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting, but I usually keep several hand warmer packets, 2 blankets, socks, hat, mittens, boots, jumper cables, road flares, a flashlight (with good batteries), bottled water, and some energy bars. I also make sure I have food and water for my dogs when they're with me (which is most of the time). Chances are, you'll never need the stuff. But, it could make all the difference if you do break down, find yourself in a ditch, or come across someone else in trouble on the road.
I would find a good mechanic and have your vehicle checked out. They can load test your battery, make sure your coolant is rated appropriately, etc. It's not expensive and it will give you peace of mind.

[DESERTRYDER]

tdna good information for us flatlanders moving north

[pw72]

Some simple things I learned decades ago still have merit:

Turn off all your accessories the evening before...radio, wipers, heat, fan, etc. Every little bit of battery power saved on an extremely cold morning helps. (I know, some will say it doesn't matter with today's circuitry, but I don't buy it).

If the car doesn't start, don't keep trying it. That will just burn the charge in the battery. Take a 10 minute break, then try again.

Old skool for sure, but some concepts stand the test of time!

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by tdna

Don't forget to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting, but I usually keep several hand warmer packets, 2 blankets, socks, hat, mittens, boots, jumper cables, road flares, a flashlight (with good batteries), bottled water, and some energy bars. I also make sure I have food and water for my dogs when they're with me (which is most of the time). Chances are, you'll never need the stuff. But, it could make all the difference if you do break down, find yourself in a ditch, or come across someone else in trouble on the road.
I would find a good mechanic and have your vehicle checked out. They can load test your battery, make sure your coolant is rated appropriately, etc. It's not expensive and it will give you peace of mind.

Thanks tdna, I was thinking about the first aid, but my French Dips were done and well...

[Fisherman 100]

Trickle chargers for battery. Used one on my 2002 Harley and have not had to buy a new battery yet.

[MtnFlyer]

Cleosmom mentioned good wipers which is absolutely a must, but make sure you get the non-freeze type. You don't see them as much in the south, but without them you'll be using a glacier to try to clear your windshield. One other thing you'll want to keep available is a brush with a long handle. Ohterwise you might come out of the office to find 6 inches of snow just waiting to avalanche into your driver seat as soon as you open the door.

[norcalmom101]

Don't forget a small shovel and some cat litter or sand. And Blizzaks are awesome!

[norcalmom101]

Also get a good quality ice scraper / brush with an extendable handle and keep your window washer resevoir full. I always keep some extra coats in the trunk in case the kids don't bring them, and also a couple of mylar emergency blankets.