• Jalopnik
  • spy-photos
  • jalopnik-reviews
  • Profile logout login

#howtowinterizeyourcar

Jalopnik

Share Cancel
   
Upload an image | Add an image URL
×

logging in
  • FAQ. Include # before tag:
  • #offtopic,
  • #tips,
  • #spyphotos,
  • etc.

Detroit, 5:15 PM
Sat Dec 5
16 posts in the last 24 hours

Contact

Tip your editors:

Editor-in-Chief:
Ray Wert | | AIM

Road Test Editor:
Wes Siler |

Weekend Editor:
Murilee Martin |

Associate Editor - Houston:

Associate Editor - Detroit:

Editor-at-Large:

Contributors:

John Krewson |

Follow Jalopnik on:
Facebook
Twitter

SUBSCRIBE TO Jalopnik RSS

New: Breaking news and daily top stories via email
1753 Subscribers
Jalopnik
  • posts about #howtowinterizeyourcar more →

    How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps

    Assemble A Winter Survival Kit

    Check Your Windshield Wipers And Washer Fluid

    Check Your Antifreeze

    Check Lights, Heater And Defrosters

    Inspect Belts And Hoses

    Check Your Car's Brakes

    Make Sure Your Car Is Properly Tuned

  • Your version of Internet Explorer is not supported. Please upgrade to the most recent version in order to view comments.

    Dsmvwl  Admin  Promote to frontpage Approve user Ban user ×
    Image of Rust-MyEnemy Rust-MyEnemy
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    This is all terribly exciting.


    I almost wish our UK winter weather was even more crappy than it actually is.

     Reply
    Rust-MyEnemy was starred Rust-MyEnemy was unstarred
    Image of B B
    12/11/08

    In reply to Assemble A Winter Survival Kit
    last time I kept a "friend" stashed in the trunk, the cops didn't appreciate it too much.

    In fairness, though, she was really good at keeping me warm in the winter.
     Reply
    B was starred B was unstarred
    Image of armyofchuckness armyofchuckness
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Winterize your car for Florida:


    1. Roll down your windows.

    2. Laugh and laugh and laugh.

     Reply
    armyofchuckness was starred armyofchuckness was unstarred
    Image of pres pres
    12/11/08

    @armyofchuckness:


    That's what I do. Today would have been bad for that though, it was pouring around here.

     Reply
    pres was starred pres was unstarred
    Image of DoctorNine DoctorNine
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Snow is one of life's opportunities to have fun with friction. Use it wisely, or not at all.
     Reply
    DoctorNine was starred DoctorNine was unstarred
    Image of Uncle Bo Uncle Bo
    12/11/08

    In reply to Assemble A Winter Survival Kit
    Um... I think kitty litter is for your kitty. So I guess Jalopnik is suggesting to add a cat to your winter driving kit.


    Or maybe its for traction on snow or ice. But I'm going with the "bring a cat" idea for now.

     Reply
    Uncle Bo was starred Uncle Bo was unstarred
    Image of A strolling player A strolling player
    12/11/08

    @Uncle Bo, averting foreclosure: Put the cat under the wheels!
     Reply
    A strolling player was starred A strolling player was unstarred
    Image of WheatKing WheatKing
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    What... that list is well.. i dunno.. like a bad public service announcement.


    As I live in Canada.. I feel i know a bit about snow and driving in it.


    So..


    Here goes..


    If it snows and you've never driven in snow.. take a cab.


    If you don't do regular maintance on your car, well.. you get what you deserve, sunny or snowy


    If the highway is just wet, despite the fact that it's snowing, be prepared to be tailgated by an 18wheeler.. if you can't hack a wet highway when it's 30 degress outside, get the hell off the road.


    If you don't understand what the recirculate button does except heat your car up faster despite retaining moisture in the car, or why you might want to run the front window defrosters which doesn't allow air to recirculate(really.. what's with these people who have the heat on high, and fogged up interior windows building up with front on the inside??!?) stay the hell off the road. we can see you, but you can't see us..


    If you live in a southern state and it snows and your version of an all season tire is a nitto 555 or a bfg drag radial, please mount the video camera to the dash and ensure it's recording before you set out.. us northerners get a kick out of you guys writing your cars off in spectacular fashion.


    If your on the highway in a smart or any other fuel efficient vehicle whose tire track (width between the wheels) doesn't match the grooves left in the snow from other vehicles.. do yourself and everyone around you a favour and book into the closest motel/hotel and wait for a plow, or the sun to shine.. or buy a car not meant to be driven outside of the city limits.


    Oh.. and a special hello to the douche that was driving a bmw 325 along I80 during thanksgiving in PA, presumably going to visit his folks after leaving school in state college.. you may be driving the ultimate driving machine, but you live in PA and well.. slicks and snow and you driving less than 30mph tyin up traffic for miles.. grow a brain.. or sell your bmw you poser and buy a sunfire and snowtires


    So.. in review.. if you and snow aren't friends.. just stay the hell off the road..


    Oh.. and awd and snow tires RULES.. but AWD and slicks don't.. and that brakes and ice don't work, but studded tires and ice do ;)

     Reply
    WheatKing was starred WheatKing was unstarred
    Image of Plecostomus [Tyrrell] Plecostomus [Tyrrell]
    12/11/08

    @WheatKing: I was running all seasons across nebraska in February 2004 on I-80... Snow tires would REALLY have helped.


    For what it's worth, if you're friends with RWD and oversteer and countersteer, snow can be both a hoot and completely terrifying

     Reply
    Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was starred Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was unstarred
    Image of ROCKYLIFE ROCKYLIFE
    12/11/08

    @WheatKing:

    Yes, finally someone identifies the strength of AWD for what it is - power/traction - not advanced handling (well, slightly better than FWD). Salute.
     Reply
    ROCKYLIFE was starred ROCKYLIFE was unstarred
    Image of DoctorNine DoctorNine
    12/11/08

    @ROCKYLIFE: "..finally someone identifies the strength of AWD for what it is - power/traction - not advanced handling..."


    Because, of course, power and traction have nothing to do with handling. Your observational skills are simply awe inspiring.

     Reply
    DoctorNine was starred DoctorNine was unstarred
    Image of Dr. H. F. Danger Dr. H. F. Danger
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    I have a remote-start installed on my wife's car. Saves me a lot during these New England winters. I keep the heater settings on high and the defrost on, that way when I get to the car the inside is toasty and the snow is melted from the glass.


    Boston winter tip: Strap on some boots and ride the T.

     Reply
    Dr. H. F. Danger was starred Dr. H. F. Danger was unstarred
    Image of HSimpson HSimpson
    12/11/08

    @Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star: the way the T runs you'd need all of the above items as well as nose clamps to keep the smell of urine at least somewhat contained
     Reply
    HSimpson was starred HSimpson was unstarred
    Image of Dr. H. F. Danger Dr. H. F. Danger
    12/11/08

    @HSimpson: The Pee is what keeps you warm.


    I think I saw someone peeing at the bottom of some stairs the other day.

     Reply
    Dr. H. F. Danger was starred Dr. H. F. Danger was unstarred
    Image of ROCKYLIFE ROCKYLIFE
    12/11/08

    @Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star:

    I know they're greatly loved and all, but what's the benefit of buying and installing aftermarket junk into your electrical system, or quickly running outside for ten seconds and starting your car?


    Warms up just the same, and if you're wearing winter clothing anyway, it's hardly torture. I don't even get cold, it's so fast.

     Reply
    ROCKYLIFE was starred ROCKYLIFE was unstarred
    Image of Dr. H. F. Danger Dr. H. F. Danger
    12/12/08

    @ROCKYLIFE: I got it with the car, so I just use it. Also, when you live in the city, you don't want to leave your car running with the keys in it.
     Reply
    Dr. H. F. Danger was starred Dr. H. F. Danger was unstarred
    Image of pres pres
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Make sure your lugnuts are tight.


    Ugh.

     Reply
    pres was starred pres was unstarred
    Image of MushyHeirloom MushyHeirloom
    12/11/08

    @pres: now with 25% more malaise.: A Toyota truck lost a lug (dunno if the others were loose, or what) downtown a few weeks ago, wheel came off and hit a parked car. The truck just... stopped.


    Seriously, check 'em.

     Reply
    MushyHeirloom was starred MushyHeirloom was unstarred
    Image of pres pres
    12/11/08

    @FuzzyPlushroom:


    Geez...that's bad.

     Reply
    pres was starred pres was unstarred
    Image of Bentoboxx, My Tank is full of it Bentoboxx, My Tank is full of it
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Why does that 370Z have the new Mazda 3 grill? oh wait...
     Reply
    Bentoboxx, My Tank is full of it was starred Bentoboxx, My Tank is full of it was unstarred
    Image of Ash78, cube farmer Ash78, cube farmer
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Antifreeze is fairly sweet because it keeps your coolant fluid from overheating and from freezing


    Also, antifreeze is fairly sweet.

     Reply
    Ash78, cube farmer was starred Ash78, cube farmer was unstarred
    Image of Dr. H. F. Danger Dr. H. F. Danger
    12/11/08

    @The Name's Ash78, Housewares: Mix it with some Jack and you got a party.
     Reply
    Dr. H. F. Danger was starred Dr. H. F. Danger was unstarred
    Image of Plecostomus [Tyrrell] Plecostomus [Tyrrell]
    12/11/08

    @The Name's Ash78, Housewares: Good catch.


    "Your defroster should not smell sweet and sugary. If so, check your heater core, you're in for a one-way trip to the land of busted knuckles!"


    "Because anti-freeze is fairly sweet, it keeps your coolant from freezing and raises the boiling point."

    Coolant alone will NOT keep your car from overheating.

     Reply
    Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was starred Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was unstarred
    Image of Ash78, cube farmer Ash78, cube farmer
    12/11/08

    @Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star: That's also good advice. Go in your trunk and check the status your jack. Be sure the bottle is at least half full!
     Reply
    Ash78, cube farmer was starred Ash78, cube farmer was unstarred
    Image of MushyHeirloom MushyHeirloom
    12/11/08

    @The Name's Ash78, Housewares: Lick it up!
     Reply
    MushyHeirloom was starred MushyHeirloom was unstarred
    Image of LTDScott LTDScott
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Throw a jacket in the trunk
     Reply
    LTDScott was starred LTDScott was unstarred
    Image of Plecostomus [Tyrrell] Plecostomus [Tyrrell]
    12/11/08

    In reply to Make Sure Your Car Is Properly Tuned
    Because refilling your brake fluid totally classifies as tuning.
     Reply
    Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was starred Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was unstarred
    Image of brad442 brad442
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    One thing EVERYBODY forgets....Check the air pressure in your SPARE TIRE also. nothin' like having 2 flats at the same time!
     Reply
    brad442 was starred brad442 was unstarred
    Image of Matt Hardigree Matt Hardigree
    12/11/08

    @brad442: Oh, good point. That happened the other day to a friend of mine who was the DD for a bachelorete party. Buzz. Kill.
     Reply
    Matt Hardigree was starred Matt Hardigree was unstarred
    Image of bzr bzr
    12/11/08

    @Matt Hardigree: "So hey, drunk ladies...guess we're not going anywhere for a while, huh?"


     Reply
    bzr was starred bzr was unstarred
    Image of Matt Hardigree Matt Hardigree
    12/11/08

    @bzr: until one of them boots outside the house of pies...
     Reply
    Matt Hardigree was starred Matt Hardigree was unstarred
    Image of BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    Hahahahaha.. MsClaus uses bikini here
     Reply
    BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ was starred BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ was unstarred
    Image of scroggzilla raids again scroggzilla raids again
    12/11/08

    @BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ - Spreading the Christmas Spirit: I know that you're from Brazil, and therefore unfamiliar with our American holiday traditions, but we usually require 3 ho's before we say Merry Christmas.
     Reply
    scroggzilla raids again was starred scroggzilla raids again was unstarred
    Image of BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ
    12/11/08

    @SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!!: HoHoHo... HaHaHa.
     Reply
    BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ was starred BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ was unstarred
    Image of Plecostomus [Tyrrell] Plecostomus [Tyrrell]
    12/11/08

    @BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ - Spreading the Christmas Spirit:


    Mary Christmas, Holly Christmas... all that's missing is Stephanie Christmas ;)

     Reply
    Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was starred Plecostomus [Tyrrell] was unstarred
    Image of Boosted Lego Wagon Boosted Lego Wagon
    12/11/08

    In reply to How To Winterize Your Car In Ten Easy Steps
    y Guide:


    1. Drink a fifth.
    2. Drink a fifth.
    3. Drink a fifth.
    4. Drink a fifth.
    5. Drink a fifth.
    6. Drink a fifth.
    7. Drink a fifth.
    8. Drink a fifth.
    9. Drink a fifth.
    10. Take the bus.

     Reply
    Boosted Lego Wagon was starred Boosted Lego Wagon was unstarred
    Image of Matt Hardigree Matt Hardigree
    12/11/08

    @boosted-lego-wagon: That's the Chicago way of doing it.
     Reply
    Matt Hardigree was starred Matt Hardigree was unstarred
    Image of Matt Hardigree Matt Hardigree
    12/11/08

    @boosted-lego-wagon: Wait, is that take a drink from a fifth or drink nine fifths.
     Reply
    Matt Hardigree was starred Matt Hardigree was unstarred
    Earlier discussions Other discussions Show all discussions Show featured discussions only Start a new discussion

Login

Enter your username and password.

Please enter a username.
Please enter your password.
logging in
Login via Facebook | Sign Up | Forgot Password?

Reset Password

Please enter your email address to have your password reset.

Please enter your email address.
Please enter a valid email address.
requesting password reset

Register

Registering will give you a user profile and the ability to add other users as friends. To become a commenter, however, you need to audition.

Want to know more? Consult the Comment FAQ and legal terms.

Please enter a username.
Please enter a password.
Please confirm your password.
Passwords are not identical.
Please enter a valid email address.
registration sent, waiting for reply

Submit Your Comment

You don't need to login to comment. Just enter your email address below.

See how your address will be displayed in the Comment FAQ.

Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid email address.
logging in

Login with your Facebook or Jalopnik account.

Sign up here.



  • Archives
  • About
  • Advertising
  • Legal
  • Help
  • Report a Bug
  • FAQ
Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.