Lost Fall, Oil Issues

[RH77]

This is more of a complaint/rant, so bear with me (others may build on this)...but we went from Summer -> Early Winter with no classic KC Fall.

We have been 23F colder than average for October (and currently no sun for 120 hours and counting). Needless to say, FE took a huge hit. Even with a grille block, rad sandwich insulation and no PS, we're back to EM baseline last tank (around 33 MPG).

Speaking of which, Armstrong "PS" is getting harder with the cold and jolting bump-steer is the norm. Late 30's startup and 40's for operation is too early. Terrible road construction in Kansas left exposed railroad tracks and a huge suspensional collision yesterday. Now the alignment is screwed-up and it's tough to track straight. Tire rotation (got a cheapo impact wrench) and an alignment is in order (can't do that in the home garage) The overlinflated tires are fine, thankfully. Lost a little air.

They have a "Bump" sign for a mild road replacement plate, but nothing for a suspension bending grade crossing (what's with that -- every State does it). While I'm ranting, they also have lane closure signs for lanes that won't be closed for hours. KDOT can, well, nevermind.

About the oil.

I must have been stuck the 90's or something, but I inadvertently bought 10W-30 for a 5W-30 application (bought oil for the In-Law's Civic, and forgot my own viscosity!)

The extra cold-weather thickness can't be good for FE either, but the EBH has to help.

Combine the weather and my own accidental stuff and we have a some FE issues. So that's it.

/Rant

So I rented a Prius II last week. Cool stuff. (Gotta end on a positive note).

RH77

[cfg83]

RH77 -

Poor Teggy. I'd hate to think what would happen to my SW2 if I had to deal with harsh winters.

CarloSW2

[Christ]

If you have greaseable components in your steering system, through pack them with synthetic grease with a lower freeze point. It'll help your steering.

It takes a little bit of work, but you basically have to remove each part from it's mounting, pack them until the old grease leaks out everywhere, and wipe it all up before replacing them in their mounts.

[bgd73]

Your complaints. It makes my little my sister seem manlier. just kidding.

I am in maine, we got ice snow and 60 degree south winds at the same time. Keeping the car from popping like a failing tin can (yes even an 87 subaru) has been my mig welded outrageous goal.

As far as extremes and the rest of america..it is easily prophecied.

I keep an eye on oils, new stuff. crazy dynamics is a must have defended in the oil. (I spotted castrol edge recently for example- synthetic is still a bit of a exxagerated falsity).

Struts lose memory in cold snaps, even high end brands...although..high end is still a better choice.

tires? go for extremely high treadwear rating, they grumble, thump and pretend out of balance sometimes..but all prevails again...

windshield wipers. they all suck. no matter what. I used to work on 707 airplanes...now there is some wipers I'd like to have...

keep waters out and vent with a trickle open...never shut the car completely. most trunk going sedans need not worry, hatchbacks however...

exhaust systems. holy cow. oem is a nightmare...

steel in general. it is fender guage in fancy shapes doing big work, successful in death valley and australia...everywhere else however...

and lastl, but not least..Fuel Injection Sucks.