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Guest
Anonymous Poster
l.swan@hotmail.com
Dec 17, 2008, 5:59 AM
Post #1 of 8
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Cold Weather Autos
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What are some of the best cold weather autos?
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heal
User
Dec 17, 2008, 8:25 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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I would say the Ford Tempo is a great cold weather vehicle
and also Taurus? what else..how about Ford Contour
(This post was edited by heal on Dec 17, 2008, 8:27 AM)
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heal
User
Dec 18, 2008, 4:08 AM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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I was guest that posted cold weather autos?
anybody want to state what they figure is a good cold weather auto?
i suppose if your vehicle gets in the garage all the time it doesn't matter
but if your trying to start outside what then?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 18, 2008, 8:13 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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I don't think there's one good answer for that.
My bet would be small to medium SUV or PU that are base models - lacking carpet and unnecessary options, V engines that are dominantly RWD and 4WD if you need it. Simpler and V engines hold temp a tad better.
A real key will be to have the best dang battery you can properly fit in and perhaps upgrade the battery cables. Synthetic oils anywhere they meet OE specs of the vehicle (they sure should) help as well. Consider more frequent service intervals than even manufacturer suggests all depending on the exact situation.
Nothing beats a real garage of course. Any protection helps when possible especially a wind block. Wind will really suck any heat from it after having been run faster than just the actual air temps alone will.
Really do some research on the batteries available. All aren't equal and plain specs don't always tell the whole deal. You should look for CCA (cold cranking amps) the higher the better, and look for "Gel-Cell" type batteries or ones boasting virgin lead or better metals for actually delivering what they claim.
If you need to get more serious then consider block heaters. Some vehicles may be available with a cold weather package and seek those out if buying new. You may want a vehicle from elsewhere if your local conditions are tough on vehicles,
T
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heal
User
Dec 18, 2008, 8:47 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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Yes Battery I believe is no.1
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 18, 2008, 9:19 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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So true! Don't forget what I said in there about battery cables. They used to be HD real copper (best) and as that got more expensive, lesser able metals are used and in the lowest gauge that you can get away with.
Delivering correct voltage to starter is critical not to mention the ever increasing electronically controlled/monitored engine functions.
There's nothing like cold to take real power away from a typical battery. Even the silly flashlight in the glovebox will complain!
I heard you mention on another post that you might expect temps around the -40ish mark. Doesn't much matter whether you mean F. or C. as they about cross there.
Been there, done that a few times. Worst was -45 ambient air temp with a 55mph wind and my car had to be exposed to it in driveway at a home on foothill to Mt. Washington, NH a real cold spot for New England.
That was wild! Car was started a couple times before turning in and a blanket put over grille for the night. It started but barely the next day. Old car, vinyl seats and foam filled vinyl trim parts. The armrest pad broke like glass with my elbow! The seat cracked from just getting in - holy smokes!
Was a while ago now but there's no way that time, the car would have started without having run it earlier and without the blanket over grille,
T
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heal
User
Dec 18, 2008, 12:38 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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Yes a huge blanket that would skirt the vehicle
would really help no doubt
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 18, 2008, 2:19 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Cold Weather Autos
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My truck has to stay outside. (it was a bad boy, once). I 'nose' it up to the garage door as close as I can to try and cut down on wind chill. I do this before Capt. Morgan's Spiced Rum. Got too close once.
Loren
SW Washington
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