Coping with winter 'Down East'

xBy Jay Lerue


Have you ever seen a great looking older car, say a 1978 Chevrolet Camero that is from the southern States and been amazed to learn that it still has the original paint? Well, I know I have! But, there is no secret, or coincidence behind this. Simply put, the folks in the southern regions of the USA have no salt or harsh winter elements to rapidly ruin their cars. For this issue, I’m going to focus on “Winter-izing,” to better prepare you to offset some of the “frozen grip” that winter imposes on your car, as well as some winter driving tips, to help you make it from point A, to point B, safely. Let’s face a fact, despite the weather, we still have to get around and get to and from work, right? Well, here are some winter tips to get you through till the beloved spring.

As far as the weather is concerned, all four seasons, good weather and bad will require you to make changes to your car, whether it’s your tires, oil viscosity, coolant, etc, it all has a very direct impact on the overall performance (or protection) of your vehicle. We all know what our winters are like here in the Maritimes. One day it could be 5 degrees and suddenly, it drops to 20 below! We know what this does to our bodies and how uncomfortable it can be. The affect on our cars is really very similar.

Simply put, try to be prepared. Before heading out in the cold, make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. A good, new battery will also assist in good starting conditions. The faster your car starts, the faster you’ll get warm again! Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing. Keep in mind that when contained liquids freeze, the result is often a cracked or busted holding container. That means delays and lost dollars for replacement!

Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. Always remember that you can’t have enough tread in winter! Here’s something that few of us consider . . . your brakes will slow down your rims . . . but the tires will stop your car. Better tread means better stopping. Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial de-icer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it’s “snowed in,” sand or burlap for traction (hey, even kitty litter works!) and a towel to clean your hands. For those of us who cannot stand the cold on our hands, try filling an old spray bottle with rubbing alcohol.




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Spraying that on your windows will melt ice relatively fast, without freezing your hands off! It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have these supplies. I recall a time when I loaned my little Mazda to my cousin to drive one winter. While he had my car, a heavy snow storm came crashing down. I cannot tell you how grateful he was that I had granola bars and a bag of chips in the glove compartment! Simply put, if you can’t freeze it, don’t store it in your car, where food is concerned.

Keep a candle onboard as well, to keep you warm in an emergency. There have been many examples, where a single candle has helped to keep someone warm. It’s amazing how much heat can be generated from a single candle. Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists lock themselves out of their cars when shoveling themselves out. Simply carrying an extra key will prevent an expensive call to CAA for assistance. And before I forget, it is recommended that you use a thinner oil in winter, for better starting conditions. The thinner your oil is in the cold, the faster it heats up and does what it is intended to do.

Where winter driving is concerned, common sense is always important. A lot of times, people drive in winter, as if it were still summer. This is not a good idea! The following is meant to assist you in winter driving. Buckle your seatbelt. Each passenger is required to wear a seatbelt and small children must be in approved car seats. Allow enough time. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay. Your car will have to be running for the heater to work.

If you are stuck, you’ll be glad you have the gas to keep that engine running! Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog. Here’s a big one; slow down. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow or ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow removal equipment. Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment. When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or carbon monoxide problems. This is where keeping your exhaust in good condition pays off. Finally, remember that salt is your cars enemy! Washing your car and undercarriage in winter keeps salt from corroding your cars front end metal parts, destroying the rubber CV “boots,” and eating holes in the floor and body in general.
A good hot wash and wax at any reputable car wash facility will pay dividends in the long run. Till next time, have a great and safe winter!

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