How bad is it to drive in weather below freezing

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WhiteHeat306

Member

Nov 28, 2004

283

1

16

Philadelphia Suburbs

Dec 4, 2005

#1

• Dec 4, 2005

• #1

It's going to be like in the high 20s all week. Is this bad for your car at all, to drive it in really cold weather?

 

sunil6784

Member

Mar 31, 2005

620

0

18

42

Boston, MA

Dec 4, 2005

#2

• Dec 4, 2005

• #2

As long as your cooling system is properly protected (right antifreeze/water ratio), you should be ok. Although controversial, I like to let my cars idle for a few seconds (30) after starting, then take it easy (under 2k revs) until the car gets up to operating temperature. THe car should actually like the cold air, but once the car is warmed up.

 

sgarlic

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2001

3,085

1

56

Dec 4, 2005

#3

• Dec 4, 2005

• #3

I'd definately let it warm up for a few minutes first. I drove my '88 all the time during the winters in WI (weeks of consecutive negative temperatures) and never had a problem other than seemingly elevated power levels due to the denser, colder air.

 

88-GT

Member

Oct 8, 2004

183

2

18

39

Dec 4, 2005

#4

• Dec 4, 2005

• #4

Pfft thats not cold, right now it is -20*C, -4*F I guess. I dont think it is overly hard on them as long as you use an appropriate oil and give it some time to get warmed up before driving it. As said before also make sure your coolant is up to snuff. Although all this being said as mine sits on block in the backyard hibernating for the winter, salt and icy roads being the cause.

 

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WhiteHeat306

Member

Nov 28, 2004

283

1

16

Philadelphia Suburbs

Dec 4, 2005

#5

• Dec 4, 2005

• #5

I usually let it warm up to about 160* before I go anywhere.

My coolant system is fine and I just put some 10w-30 in it. Thanks for the replies so far guys.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Dec 4, 2005

#6

• Dec 4, 2005

• #6

The recommended method is to let it idle for ~ 30 seconds and then drive easy till up to temp. This warms the whole car up (not just the motor, but the drivetrain, etc) and does it quicker than letting the car idle stationary.

 

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WhiteHeat306

Member

Nov 28, 2004

283

1

16

Philadelphia Suburbs

Dec 4, 2005

#7

• Dec 4, 2005

• #7

HISSIN50 said:

The recommended method is to let it idle for ~ 30 seconds and then drive easy till up to temp. This warms the whole car up (not just the motor, but the drivetrain, etc) and does it quicker than letting the car idle stationary.

Click to expand...

OK I'll try that.