What changes should I make to my car in order to safely travel in very cold temperatures?

Question

I'm going up to West Virginia for a few days and I'm taking my 2005 Corolla. I'm from Florida and have never driven in snow. What changes do I need to make to my car so that it can survive 6 degrees Fahrenheit? Do I need to add something to my gas tank so the gasoline doesn't freeze? One of the days it is said to be 20 degrees with winds up to 34 mph.

I know I need to drive a lot slower in the snow and watch out for ice. The tires I have on are M-S rated which is suppose to be able to handle snow.

thanks.

Answer 1

Don't worry about your gasoline, it won't freeze...but ice crystals might be a problem, keep the tank as full as you can...you do need to worry about the coolant in your system though.  Anti-freeze is VERY important...you should probably have your radiator flushed and let your mechanic know you're going up north.

I can't say about the tires, but you're not going to be used to driving in the snow so

S L O W down and keep your car under control.

Hope this helps.

-Em

Answer 2

DO NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL....

i repeat do not use cruise control..

don't need anything in gas, unless you put

in some fuel dryer,,    

do not use cruise control on slippery roads..

Answer 3

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Answer 4

lol no, just bring a couple blankets and a jacket so if your car does break down you dont freeze. And those temps arent even that bad, i would kill for that. its been 0 degrees all week here.

Answer 5

M-S snow tires are a joke, it means nothing because no organization monitors or regulates which tires get the M-S symbol.

You need to look for tires with the snowflake symbol.

I would carry tire chains in your trunk, booster cables, sleeping bags, tow ropes, blankets.

Does your car have a block heater? If not get a magnet oil pan heater (only works if your oil pan is made of steel)

Put a winter front on your car this will keep your engine warm.

Answer 6

the only thing you should do is check your antifreeze and make sure it is able to handle the cold weather and maybe change your oil to a different weight.

Answer 7

6 degrees isn't that cold.  Have someone check the specific gravity of your coolant, this will determine the freezing point.  It should be fine. your front wheel drive that's good.  Maybe get some windshield washer fluid with alcohol in it to keep it from freezing.  Keep warm close and food in the car and bee care full.  I lived in N. Minnesota for a wile and drove in -40 degrees before.  Getting your car started in the morning can be tough but have your battery checked.  It's probably original and can't be trusted in cold whether if it's 3 years old.  I find that's about the time they start to fail.  Get a good interstate battery.  the warranty is good and most service stations, gas stations and auto parts stores deal with interstate.  It's the only battery we sell.

It can be checked easily by a qualified tech and shouldn't cost very much at all.  We check for free.   the battery will be taxed hard by cold weather and even thought it works fine in Florida......  its cold in Virginia.

Answer 8

That'sat's a low rarely seen in these areas.

i like the antifreeze suggestion and th oil should be 5/30 weight instead of the regular 10/30 weight.

that's so if it does get very cold the oil won't slow down the cranking of the engine when you go to start the car.

20 degrees is more likely.

Answer 9

Just move that control on the middle of the dash from pointing at the blue, to pointing at red, and you'll be all set Captain.