Preparing vehicles for life in Maine (Hope: home, to buy, roofing)

[Elcarim]

Good question, Casper, but I'm going to open a new thread to address these things. I've had several vehicle prep questions recently that I've been mulling over.

Casper's question: Would it be advisable to get our vehicles undercoated?

Also, are there some particularly good wiper blades we should install?

What else should we be thinking about before bringing a southern vehicle to the North Pole?

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

Good question, Casper, but I'm going to open a new thread to address these things. I've had several vehicle prep questions recently that I've been mulling over.

Casper's question: Would it be advisable to get our vehicles undercoated?

Not really. Most are very well corrosion-proofed from the factory now. Some places will not undercoat a vehicle that has been on the road for a while because it traps contaminates against the body and they claim will accelerate a problem in those areas. I don't know how true that may be, but it sounds plausible to me.

Also, are there some particularly good wiper blades we should install?

I like the new slim bladed ones from either Rain-X or similar design. They stay on the windshield better at highway speeds and so far they really clear the window for us great.

What else should we be thinking about before bringing a southern vehicle to the North Pole?

What I have found moving either from the South to the North, or the other way around is that I generally have to replace the tires on the vehicle rather quickly. They will weather check fast with a change in environment. Don't know why, but it has held true every time I have made a drastic change in climate. Another thing is to flush your radiator and get new fluid.

[Seaglass]

I think winter wiper blades are pretty indispensable...RainX does make them, so if you buy RainX blades, make sure you have the winter kind. Also, this sounds like a no-brainer, but make very sure your wiper fluid isn't of the southern variety (without antifreeze in it), otherwise you'll end up with a windshield obscured by solid ice when you least expect it.

A lot of people have remote car starters and engine block heaters...I found both to be very handy on those 5-degree mornings.

[forest beekeeper]

It is my understanding that undercoating violates most warranties.

[RANGER.101ST]

good battery,good tire's,anti-frezz and your good to go.

[Elcarim]

What's the name of that winter wiper fluid? We stopped to buy an emergency bottle on our way home from Maine last year when we were caught by a blizzard. We had to call an Auto Zone and ask them WTH do we do???? We can't see! After a nice little chuckle, he told us! But I can't remember the name.

[Cornerguy1]

Winter-grade washer fluid is available at every WalMart, gas station, etc. It will give a freeze rating on the bottle like -20. Be sure to carry an extra jug in the trunk because you can go through an amazing amount of the stuff when driving on a sloppy highway.

If you're worried about bring your salt-free vehicle into the rust belt, you can try getting it oiled every year. It's wise to go further than just oiling the underside; get the rocker panels, A pillars etc drilled and sprayed inside. I've got a 1987 Ford Ranger with flawless body work that says oil-type rustproofing works.

[RANGER.101ST]

the salt the state puts on the roads is harsh on break lines my truck is 2 yrs old and they have been replaced once allready.but when it was done i had coated lines put on.just something you my want to think about if you need to have yours replaced.

[Casper1212]

Thanks, guys! My truck is new, but DH's is a 59 Apache, so undercoating it is for him. We just put tires on both of them. Hope they last a while. My truck takes 17 inch tires and they weren't cheap. A lot of the stuff you've advised just isn't available down here. I went to Auto Zone today to get a few things since we'll be going to Illionois during the holidays. All I was able to get was an emergency starter and a tow rope. They didn't have any window scrapers, much less the long ones with a brush that I need to reach across the hood of my truck. We did get an antifreeze test kit, since we use antifreeze down here to help prevent overheating. It it doesn't test for sub zero temps, I'll probably drain the radiator and go with straight antifreeze like I used to do in Missouri. Teflon blades have lasted longer here in the heat than regular. How about up there? I'll look for the Rain X blades and the windshiled washer fluid with anti freeze in it. Using oil sounds like an idea. If I don't find this stuff here, I'll find it when we go to Danville. I'll pick it up along with the winter clothes I plan to shop for. And I can ask Dad what else we should consider. He asked Mark is we remember how to drive on ice. It will be interesting to see how my truck does under those conditions. It takes the dirt roads around here like an off road vehicle, and rides on the highway as comfortably as any other SUV.
Elcarim, have you made your move to Maine yet?

[Cornerguy1]

I'll probably drain the radiator and go with straight antifreeze like I used to do in Missouri.

No, no, no! Straight Prestone in your rad is a bad idea.

A 50-50 mix of most quality automotive anti-freezes and distilled water will offer protection to around -25. If you're heading for the Arctic, then go 60-40 with the mix. That'll get you to around -35.