[arcticracer]

Hey gang, weather in Fairbanks right now is rainy, cool and grey. Around 60 I would say. A couple days ago it was 80 though. Yesterday we turned the corner and started losing daylight 1 minute. About 21 hours plus never gets dark really.

As for winterization of the new Civic, I have lived here 21 years and have winterized quite a few vehicles. A block heater is a MUST HAVE ITEM, should you park your car outside for more than a few hours. Also, a silicone oil pan heater, about 100 watts keeps crankcase oil warm and protects the engine in a cold start. I also will install a small, maybe 40 watt silicone heater on the transmission. Not as important on a manual, but necessary in my book on any automatic. These are thin orange colored flexible heating pads that you attach to the engine with high heat silicone adhesive.

Some people like to install battery blankets (heated wraps) but I don't use them. 10-20 years ago it was common to install interior heaters, little heaters around 1000 watts with a fan that helps warm the interior somewhat. It would increase the cab temp in a Toyota truck by 40 degrees.

Another trick is blocking the grille, helps a lot. I normally slide a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, but not right up against it.

Snow tires, extreme cold, lots of extra friction, etc. will take a steep toll on FE I know. BUT, I will do better than my 2004 F350 Powerstroke.

I used to have an 86 Civic Si Hatchback, the car was great, but the heater was dismal in Fairbanks winters. Would only heat well over about 25 MPH. Idling and around town I would freeze. I have every reason to believe my new Civid will not have that problem. My test drive showed ample very hot air flowing when heater was on full blast, at idle. I am hopeful for a warm winter in it.

Can anybody comment on late model Civid heater performance in very cold weather?