Arctic Circle

Hi there,

Im new to this forum.

Im planning to drive to the most northern part of sweden this winter with a friend, and i was wondering what sort of reccomendations i could get RE what model to look into, and what specs would be needed. the temperatures will be real low, around -20.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

Hi-
it is worth getting something with a good interior- i.e. roof lining and good door seals. A 300 or a 200 TDi with new injectors, new glow plugs and an uprated heater (aluminium) which makes the whole experience much better.

As for protecting the engine, you can always put a far higher mix of antifreeze in the cooling system to stop it freezing, and also using a decent fuel additive to stop the diesel freezing in the lines.

Tyre wise, get something with a mud terrain pattern as they self clean and wont ball up with snow. Tyres have to be at least M+S rated to be legal in Sweden at that time of year so mud terrains will do you fine. a size like 235 70 16 is common to find abroad if you need a new one too.
A set of snow chains would be a very wise investment too- get used to fitting them in the warmth of the UK- not so much fin trying to work out how they work at -20!!!

Get yourself some survival gear too- gas stove with the canisters from halfords for about a tenner- if you get into trouble and have to camp in the car for any reason, you can light the stove and use it in the vehicle (leaving a vent open though for fresh air!!)
a survival suit and CB radio are useful bits too.

We used a tomtom 700 which survived the cold of the alps no problem and worked faultlessly.

Get a TRANGIA cooker.
Gas ones are no good in extreme cold.

Trangias burn alcohol for fuel. Cheap and cheerful, and burns fine no matter how cold it gets.

The Trangia cookers are Swedish. The Swedish army ones are tough.

NO moving parts. Just fill the burner with alcohol, and light it.

CharlesY

I was there at the end of January (near Kiruna). Daytime down to -20 and colder at night. The hotel had electrical hook ups outside for cars to plug in to because the oil will freeze at those temperatures (likewise diesel) so they have heating elements. In addition winter tyres (not muds but proper snow tyres) are mandatory from November onwards - most owners have two sets of wheels. The coach that picked us up from the airport had studded tyres.

My guess is that there is more to this than packing several pairs of warm undies into your largely un-modified UK spec vehicle and hoping for the best.

Hey thats great help. I'm not underestimating the trip, we've all got to start somewhere.

This has been very helpful

If you are thinking of keeping the vehicle for a time . and doing some other cold weather trips, I would look at fitting an eberspacher, or other such heater that burns vehicle fuel to warm the vehicle interior, can be used when mobile to supplement the poor heat you get with 200 / 3oo tdi.
The plus with this is that some models can also act as a engine heater when vehicle stopped in extreme cold stops oil solidifying . Local supplied fuel will be suitable for the temps. Have a look at BASK for suitable clothing (russian design) . I would replace the gearbox oil with a full synthetic when you service prior to trip. Re antifreeze dont exceed 50/50 mix this will give you more than adequate protection. get hold of a radiator blind , this will aid the vehicle when travelling slowly in x/cold conditions. Get two sets of chains , if you only have one fit to front axle.
Dont buy studded tyres as they are illegal to use in UK . BFG MT a good tyre choice , classed as M&S , although a bit noisy on tarmac. or AT more road oriented also classed as M/S . 235/85 r 16 size or 265/75r16 equiv to 750r16 (standard) JMHO HTSH