9 Tips to Winterize Your Car EcoModder Style

[SVOboy]

With winter fast approaching we’ll be seeing a lot more of this sort of thing.* We’ll also see our MPG drop off. This is normal. You will get lower mileage in winter, its just physics. However, there are a few things you can do to fight it. Here is my winterization list [...]

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[Daox]

Very good article if I do say so myself!

Thanks for the extra tips guys.

[MetroMPG]

Good list! I can tell you this article will probably see a fair amount of traffic over time - the block heater posts on MetroMPG.com are seasonal favourites. Lots of people Google these topics year after year.

[groar]

Thanks a lot

I will not need snow tires, as I can see snow only once every 2 years...
I finished my full grill block lately. Now the temperature on the dash board start to climb later, but reaches its steady temperature faster. No overheat
I will lower the tire pressure from 51 (max sidewall) back to 46, as max sidewall is too uncomfortable with the roads I have to use in my city.
I changed the wipers this week-end and used an anti-rain product : I was feeling like at wrap 9 in Star-Trek today
Finally my only interrogation is the EBH (engine block heater)...

Is one of you living in a 220V world have found a 220V EBH ? I can see only 110V EBH on Internet.

In fact I don't know if it can be profitable, economically or ecologically, as night temperatures are going under 0°C only 30 times by year in here. Currently with 5-9°C (41-48°F) I do feel the MPG drop in spite of the full grill block installed : 15% less FE compared to 20°C (68°F).

Denis.

[gascort]

Denis, good question about the 5-9C range - I'm sure it would help some, but how long to make the cost of the heater and the electricity pay off? I don't know. I believe Metro did it in much colder temps, up North there you know...
How about mentioning tarping the windshield? Saves lots of time idling and time out scraping in the cold. Several products are available that are specific for covering the car before you go in at night and you tuck it into the front doors. I've used a tarp in the past, and now that I'm a full on ecomodder, I'm going to put it up every night and at work whenever there's the slightest chance of precip.

[tasdrouille]

The block heater is worth it even in 10C + temps. Not only does it reduces fuel consumption, but it also reduces start up emissions by up to 80%.

REDUCED COLD START EMISSIONS THROUGH USE OF ELECTRIC ENGINE HEATERS

[groar]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

The block heater is worth it even in 10C + temps. Not only does it reduces fuel consumption, but it also reduces start up emissions by up to 80%.

REDUCED COLD START EMISSIONS THROUGH USE OF ELECTRIC ENGINE HEATERS

Very interesting doc thanks a lot

Damn, I want my EBH now !!! Dear Santa Claus...

On a French forum I was directed to webasto products (see Retrofit warmth with a parking heater from Webasto - www.parkingheater.com for North America). These heaters are using the car's gasoline to heat both the engine and the car's internal. They have a timer or a HF remote.
The pro is that you don't need an electric cable running from your house to your car : I park the car I'm using at the other side of the road...
The cons they have to be installed by professionals and there is none at less than 150 miles from home.

bbjsw10 already talked about them here : Block heater alternative (or EV interior heater).

Denis.

[Ford Man]

This has nothing to do with FE, but it's also a good idea to carry a set of jumper cables or a battery booster in the trunk. A battery can go out anytime, but colder temperatures will put more strain on the battery making it more likely to fail. If you're in an area that gets lots of snow it can also be beneficial to carry a bag of oil absorbent or kitty litter in the trunk too to put under the drive wheels to help you get traction if you get stuck in the snow. Also a blanket or a few extra layers of clothes in the trunk are a good idea in case you have trouble on the road you can stay warm until help arrives.

[gascort]

Originally Posted by Ford Man

Also a blanket or a few extra layers of clothes in the trunk are a good idea in case you have trouble on the road you can stay warm until help arrives.

As well as dressing for the weather; prepare for cold in and out of your car and you won't waste fuel idling it to get it warm in the morning.

[red91sit]

Well, we could do like some of the very wise Insight owners do...



Put a coat on your engine!