Preparations for COLD - minus 5c

[NiallRussell]

I'm planning on driving to Nordkapp this winter, and it's going to be cold. I've been there before but that was this time last year, not winter.

Apart from the non mechanical preparations such as clothing, snow chains, lights, emergency equipment, etc, what are the things that should be done to the car??

Oil's - is there an oil I should be using for the really cold temperatures?
Change the anti-freeze mix?
Transfer / gear box oil?
I've got a good 1600 CCA from the batteries, but should I change the starter motor to be confident of max power???

Any advice welcome.

 

[Beneagles]

-5C isn't really that cold. The usual anti-freeze mix will see you ok to about -37C. You can use a stronger mix...but you start to lose cooling efficiency.
If concerned, change the transfer/gear oil...but again, the usual brands will cope with that temperature range.
i would recommend running a 10% petrol mix in the diesel to reduce the possibility of waxing - but again, is about -15C before that really becomes an issue.

 

[NiallRussell]

So it's a far more do-able drive than non-do-able? Almost sensible?

Been told it can get to -15 at night.

 

[mikescuba]

In some bad winters here it has been down to -18c for several weeks. Other than the heaters being useless it has been fine. I am seriously thinking of fitting one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142135068428?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[NiallRussell]

My landy doesn't have a heater. I was thinking about one of those diesel heaters but to be honest my cab is so full of holes I'm just not convinced.

 

[Brown]

In winter in cold areas the diesel that's sold usually has sufficient additives to stop it solidifying. Check the ratings on the oils, anti-freeze etc, but they should be OK for most temperatures encountered in Europe, even Scandinavia. A screenwash that's good for low temperatures is handy. Some people add meths or ethanol.

When I'm going somewhere cold in the Land Rover I'm conscious of how cold I'll be if I break down. So extra coats, jumpers etc. are handy. Spare boots and socks too, because it's good to have something dry to put on after you've got wet trudging through the snow. Shovel. A mattock is good too for clearing snow out from under the car, or if the snow is hard packed. Spare can of diesel. An extra 20 litres can be very useful in remote rural areas and Land Rover don't give you very big tanks as standard. Odd for a vehicle that's supposed to be used in remote rural areas, but there you go.

 

[Retroanaconda]

As long as it's well looked after and serviced the vehicle will be fine in temperatures much colder than that. Check the manual for correct engine oil grade for your intended use.

I'd be more concerned with keeping yourself warm as said above. A diesel fired heater may be a useful addition.

 

[Seffy]

-5 is only a winters evening in parts of Scotland. -15 is not really so cold overnight, I remember a flight transfer at Minneapolis airport and popping out for a smoke and the temp was -34c at 4pm

You can make some nice "thermal blankets" for batteries out of the cheap folding silver sunshades More important that starter is alternator, heaters, lights, wipers and so forth will be placing quite a load on the electrical system. Personal protection is a bigger deal, clothes, food, even big garden rubbish sacks.

 

[Martin Goode]

The best £300 I've ever spent has been a heated front screen in my 90 300Tdi. If you can, you won't regret.

 

[NiallRussell]

heated front screen is sitting in the garage ready for fitting by my very own hands next week. As the car doesn't have a heater I thought NOT having a heated screen was just downright dangerous.

I don't think I will do a diesel heater, I will spend the money of clothing and I have a gas kitchen in the back anyway.

 

[mick the builder]

heated front screen is sitting in the garage ready for fitting by my very own hands next week. As the car doesn't have a heater I thought NOT having a heated screen was just downright dangerous.

Good luck with that.

 

[NiallRussell]

Good luck with that.

Should i be worried??

 

[discool]

Should i be worried??

Not at all, if you have the skills to fit your windscreen.

 

[Al2O3]

Where will you be setting off from?

 

[Martin Goode]

I'll add that I had my heated screen professionally fitted. I wouldn't recommend anyone do it, unless they have significant experience. It's a b*stard of a job!

 

[NiallRussell]

I'll add that I had my heated screen professionally fitted. I wouldn't recommend anyone do it, unless they have significant experience. It's a b*stard of a job!

Oh bugger!! I was going to save the money. I have read up on it and have plenty of time and an extra pair of hands. The bit I'm a little confused with is how to get the old one out! Do I just ring autoglass or someone and get them to do it now I've bought the bits??

Where will you be setting off from?

Car's in Reading at the moment. So will get ferry to calais and then drive up the coast to Denmark, up through sweden and then across to Norway at Storlien. Up the coast to NordKapp. I've done it in reverse but not in December.

 

[mick the builder]

Should i be worried??

If youve done one or two before andknow the pitfalls, no problem but a few members on here have broken them trying to fit them. I dont know why, maybe its because they are flat they dont like pressure in the wrong place?? I would try and give a fitter some beer tokens to do it for you, especialy as its heated and aint cheap but if you feel confident, good luck.

 

[mick the builder]

Oh bugger!! I was going to save the money. I have read up on it and have plenty of time and an extra pair of hands. The bit I'm a little confused with is how to get the old one out! Do I just ring autoglass or someone and get them to do it now I've bought the bits??



Car's in Reading at the moment. So will get ferry to calais and then drive up the coast to Denmark, up through sweden and then across to Norway at Storlien. Up the coast to NordKapp. I've done it in reverse but not in December.

cut the rubber out with a stanely knife and fit a good quality new one.

 

[mick the builder]

Car's in Reading at the moment. So will get ferry to calais and then drive up the coast to Denmark, up through sweden and then across to Norway at Storlien. Up the coast to NordKapp. I've done it in"" reverse"" but not in December.[/QUOTE]
Thats a long drive in reverse

 

[bluedog333]

Keep an eye on it, there have been at least 4 attempted thefts in Reading last week!