Starting Ice-Cold Cars!
Starting and operating your car in cold weather is hard on that car.
Here are some great tips to help your car handle the cold a little better!
Tips:
- Turn off lights (especially headlights) and accessories (fan, wipers, rear defrost) before starting car to give the battery maximum juice.
- Keep cassette and cd players off. When you shut off your car, just select AM or FM at low volume. Wait a couple minutes for the radio to warm up before using CDs or cassettes.
- Keep the interior fan on lowest setting possible, as it slows engine warming process if you are sucking as much heat out as possible while the engine is warming up!
- Use 5w30 (or 5W20) oil for easy starts (most cars).
- Check washer fluid every 4 weeks, depending on the weather, since you tend to use more in colder weather.
- Keep tires at 30psi or better (preferably 32-36psi) for optimal fuel economy and traction.
- Don't let your car idle until it warms up (10 minutes +). Start it, wait 15 seconds or so, and drive it slowly until it warms up (no rapid acceleration).
- Keep locks lubed so they can't freeze easily.
- Keep 1/4 tank or more of gas at all times to avoid any fuel line freezing or tank water problems.
- Make sure you have even balance of antifreeze and water and test for below zero capability.
- Do not rev engine over 3K rpm for first 2 minutes as oil warms up.
- Avoid using defroster function when possible until engine is warmed - it uses the AC condenser, which weighs heavily on engine load.
- Don't use windows - they may be frozen to the rubber seal and may damage the seal if lowered.
- Keep head and tail lights clear of snow and ice for easy seeing and visibility.