Getting my car ready for winter (Grand Forks, Hope: home, income, living)

[schiphol]

Anyone, maybe Dan, know of a good place to get my car winterized and tuned up in the Grand Forks area that won't break a poor, non-income producing graduate student's wallet? I'm liberal with rep points, so all helpful responses will be appreciated as well as handsomely rewarded.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by schiphol

Anyone, maybe Dan, know of a good place to get my car winterized and tuned up in the Grand Forks area that won't break a poor, non-income producing graduate student's wallet? I'm liberal with rep points, so all helpful responses will be appreciated as well as handsomely rewarded.

Hi and welcome to town. Where did you end up living? Hope you are enjoying it so far as we drift into the early winter season soon. I have had Honda's or Chevy's and taken them to Rydell Chevrolet or Rydell Honda-Nissan for service and they do a great job and no pressure.

For non-dealership....Braaten's Auto Service on N Washington just north of the Railroad bridge is also very nice as I had to work with them to repair a dent in my vehicle. They also offer a 10 pct student discount. I am sure there are many other reputable places in town as well, but I havent been to them.

For winterization....wouldnt recommend too much (depending on car age). But the typical anti-freeze flush and fill and tune up would be sufficient. I would not worry about winter tires...if you have all season tires they are just fine. If you do park outside a whole lot and have access to plug ins I do recommend a engine block heater or if you really want someone to give you a nice present ask for a remote car starter. They are nice

Dan

[schiphol]

Thanks, Dan.

I'm just south of the Railroad bride off of S. Washington DeMers.
I have a 2004 Ford Focus that I purchased down south. So anyone here in Grand Forks can easily ID me. That thing was a money pit in hot climates and I'm just praying that I avoid the issues I had while I'm here.

The whole thing with block heaters: definitely better to have and not need than to need and not have. The responses have been 50/50 in regard to my car. Some say because of the year I shouldn't really need it, while others say get it NOW.

In any event, I'm really close to the place you mentioned as well as Tuffy's, Firestone, etc. If they give student discounts then I'm in.
Thanks again.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by schiphol

Thanks, Dan.

I'm just south of the Railroad bride off of S. Washington DeMers.
I have a 2004 Ford Focus that I purchased down south. So anyone here in Grand Forks can easily ID me. That thing was a money pit in hot climates and I'm just praying that I avoid the issues I had while I'm here.

The whole thing with block heaters: definitely better to have and not need than to need and not have. The responses have been 50/50 in regard to my car. Some say because of the year I shouldn't really need it, while others say get it NOW.

In any event, I'm really close to the place you mentioned as well as Tuffy's, Firestone, etc. If they give student discounts then I'm in.
Thanks again.

In terms of block heater or not....it all depends on how long it will be idle and parked outside. If you know you will leave your vehicle for days at a time and not drive it...and you have plug ins avbl then yes it is worth it. Otherwise...if you drive it everyday or most everyday AND your battery is good....then chances of any problems would be slim. Definitely want to have your battery you got in now looked at to be sure it is good for cold weather starts. If you have a good battery then your chances of any non starting mornings will be slim. So my advice....first check your battery and get a new one if psbl. If you drive most every day then I think your age of vehicle should be good enough so that a plug in is not necessary.

Dan

[TravisW]

I agree with Dan on this. If you have a good battery and run the car every day, you shouldn't need a block heater. Heck, I haven't used one for at least ten years.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by TravisW

I agree with Dan on this. If you have a good battery and run the car every day, you shouldn't need a block heater. Heck, I haven't used one for at least ten years.

I got one with my CR-V. At work I am parked often overnight mid-8 am outside and usually use the cord when it will be -15 or lower. When it gets colder than that in the mornings I can tell when I dont use the plug in as the engine will crank several times before coming on. I use it on average a dozen times a winter.

Now for anyone who wants to park their vehicle for several days...or who have an old battery...then those are the ones in trouble.

[schiphol]

Hmmm. I pretty much do use my car everyday. It's parked in a driveway when at home, which is most of the time, and parked in the Ramp at UND. I will be flying home for Christmas, thus leaving the car for about a month. (I don't live alone, plus there is one Garfield-type cat there too, so no one should even be thinking of burglarizing my house). Would it be so cold around that time that would cause me any concern?

Dan, I haven't forgotten about those rep points. I must be your biggest fan b/c I can't give you anymore until I start spreading some love around the forum.

[DaninEGF]

Originally Posted by schiphol

Hmmm. I pretty much do use my car everyday. It's parked in a driveway when at home, which is most of the time, and parked in the Ramp at UND. I will be flying home for Christmas, thus leaving the car for about a month. (I don't live alone, plus there is one Garfield-type cat there too, so no one should even be thinking of burglarizing my house). Would it be so cold around that time that would cause me any concern?

Dan, I haven't forgotten about those rep points. I must be your biggest fan b/c I can't give you anymore until I start spreading some love around the forum.

I would check on the battery in the car and verify with mechanic at time of your checkup the condition. If good...then you wont have any problems. For the month parking I wouldnt get a plug in just for that. But a good idea is to have a friend/roommate go out every so often and start the car if it is really cold. But not every year is very very cold...i.e. not every year it is -30 or lower so you might be lucky this year