Getting ready for winter: keeping engine/battery warm

[Jeff S.]

Question for you all: How do you keep your T4R warm in winter months if you live in the North?


I recently moved to Bozeman, Montana. I'm used to heavy winters from the Lake Tahoe region, but it can get -40 below for weeks in Montana, and I'm not quite ready for such extreme cold. I'd like to protect my 4Runner.

I thought about going the block heater route, but that's too much. What about just throwing an electric blanket over the engine (under the hood)?

I already run synthetic oil, for the record.

Any advice? Thanks

 

[empty403]

Question for you all: How do you keep your T4R warm in winter months if you live in the North?


I recently moved to Bozeman, Montana. I'm used to heavy winters from the Lake Tahoe region, but it can get -40 below for weeks in Montana, and I'm not quite ready for such extreme cold. I'd like to protect my 4Runner.

I thought about going the block heater route, but that's too much. What about just throwing an electric blanket over the engine (under the hood)?

I already run synthetic oil, for the record.

Any advice? Thanks

The electric blanket may not work well on top of the engine, as heat rises. Why not just park it in your garage? That should be sufficient. If you don't have a garage, it may be best to get a block heater. Your vehicle should be able to start without it, though, just give it a 2min idle warmup and drive at low rpms until the vehicle is at its normal operating temp.

 

[ClockWork]

The electric blanket may not work well on top of the engine, as heat rises. Why not just park it in your garage? That should be sufficient. If you don't have a garage, it may be best to get a block heater. Your vehicle should be able to start without it, though, just give it a 2min idle warmup and drive at low rpms until the vehicle is at its normal operating temp.

Letting your car warm up at idle is a myth -especially with modern synthetic oils which maintain viscosity throughout temperature extremes. Driving easily until warm is the best as all fluids and mechanical components warm and not just the engine/oil.

Note that unlike American cars - the 4Runner starts on around the fourth or fifth crank - this is to ensure that there is oil circulating before ignition.

 

[Streetfighter]

Question for you all: How do you keep your T4R warm in winter months if you live in the North?


I recently moved to Bozeman, Montana. I'm used to heavy winters from the Lake Tahoe region, but it can get -40 below for weeks in Montana, and I'm not quite ready for such extreme cold. I'd like to protect my 4Runner.

I thought about going the block heater route, but that's too much. What about just throwing an electric blanket over the engine (under the hood)?

I already run synthetic oil, for the record.

Any advice? Thanks

I wouldnt worry to much about engine...if you have light oil in there it should turn over.

Fuel and Battery is what gets killed by the cold.

Friend of mine had his fuel lines frozen...had to tow it to a heated garage and wait.

FYI

 

[Jeff S.]

Thanks guys. I currently do not have a garage. I do let my car idle for a few minutes...

I'm most worries about the battery, and was hoping I could just toss an electric blanket under the hood to keep it at least moderately warm. There are better and more effective methods, but they cost money. An engine block heater, battery heater, and engine-specific heating pad are all a lot of money. I'm currently an out-of-state student, so cost matters.

This seems like an effective product, but is way overpriced at $270.
Powerblanket Electric Engine Blanket & Heater — 4ft.L x 5ft.W, Model# EH0405-Motor | Engine Heaters + Blankets | Northern Tool + Equipment


Just looking for simple/cheap methods to protect my beloved truck from the bitter cold.

 

[DC runner]

Actually, A new battery is your best bet.

I lived in Livingston MT, which is about 30 miles west of Bozeman.

Cold kills weak/dying batteries. Save yourself the hassle and just buy a premium grade die hard battery. A brand new, premium quality battery will handle the MT winter fine. Don't waste your money on a "battery" heater.

I never used any of that crap, including a block heater. I knew some people that did and they had old chevy's that were Carb'ed and needed it. Your 4th gen, fuel injected, 4runner with a new battery and synthetic oil will be just fine.

Also. That battery wont do ****. Pardon my french. It gets to -40 with the wind chill... wind CHILL. As in BLOWING. The only engine warmer that will do anything is a block/oil heater. Some ****ty electric blanket that "lays" one top of the engine, with all that air space, will just eat electricity and suck 200 bucks out of your wallet.

Seriously. Save the money. Buy 3 things. 1. NEW premium battery. NOT some cheapy. Get a good DIE hard or something. 2. Can of cold start. If it gets really, really stinking cold, a good spray of that in the air intake will start it right up and 3. Fuel line water out. If your truck gets covered with snow, and stays that way for a long time it is always good to put some in just in case moisture worked its way into the fuel.

 

[Jeff S.]

Actually, A new battery is your best bet.

I lived in Livingston MT, which is about 30 miles west of Bozeman.

Cold kills weak/dying batteries. Save yourself the hassle and just buy a premium grade die hard battery. A brand new, premium quality battery will handle the MT winter fine. Don't waste your money on a "battery" heater.

I never used any of that crap, including a block heater. I knew some people that did and they had old chevy's that were Carb'ed and needed it. Your 4th gen, fuel injected, 4runner with a new battery and synthetic oil will be just fine.

Also. That battery wont do ****. Pardon my french. It gets to -40 with the wind chill... wind CHILL. As in BLOWING. The only engine warmer that will do anything is a block/oil heater. Some ****ty electric blanket that "lays" one top of the engine, with all that air space, will just eat electricity and suck 200 bucks out of your wallet.

Seriously. Save the money. Buy 3 things. 1. NEW premium battery. NOT some cheapy. Get a good DIE hard or something. 2. Can of cold start. If it gets really, really stinking cold, a good spray of that in the air intake will start it right up and 3. Fuel line water out. If your truck gets covered with snow, and stays that way for a long time it is always good to put some in just in case moisture worked its way into the fuel.

Thanks. I'll forgo the blanket, and save money for a good battery. I'm actually still on the factory battery (2004), and have been planning on replacing it with a Diehard Marine Platinum when it dies. So far, it looks like the factory battery will never die. But at the first signs of trouble, I'll replace it.

Thanks for the other tips. I'll be driving everyday, so I'm not too worried about moisture, but I'll get a can of cold start.

 

[ClockWork]

Thanks. I'll forgo the blanket, and save money for a good battery. I'm actually still on the factory battery (2004), and have been planning on replacing it with a Diehard Marine Platinum when it dies. So far, it looks like the factory battery will never die. But at the first signs of trouble, I'll replace it.

Thanks for the other tips. I'll be driving everyday, so I'm not too worried about moisture, but I'll get a can of cold start.

Replace the battery now. The stock battery just dies. Starts fine and as robust as ever then nothing.

 

[Jeff S.]

Replace the battery now. The stock battery just dies. Starts fine and as robust as ever then nothing.

Funny you should say that....

I just went to the Toyota dealership, and they said the battery holds about 60% of its original charge, so I headed over to Sears; turns out they're not a corporate franchise, so I can't buy batteries from them (nor will Sears ship to them). The closest sears is 150 miles away. I like the diehard platinums, but that's a four hour trip just to buy an auto battery.

 

[empty403]

I wouldnt worry to much about engine...if you have light oil in there it should turn over.

Fuel and Battery is what gets killed by the cold.

Friend of mine had his fuel lines frozen...had to tow it to a heated garage and wait.

FYI

Good point - add some gas line anti-freeze when expecting a cold wave. You can also add a pint of rubbing alcohol into your windshield washer fluid.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

I would do the following:

1. Make sure your anti freeze/coolant is up to the proper mix for those temps
2. Get the windshield washer fluid that is good to -50F
3. Mobil1 or Amsoil 0w30 in the engine
4. Get a new Autozone Gold battery.
5. Buy a case of fuel line anti-freeze.
6. Keep the gas tank full.
7. Don't forget a survival kit with water/exposure blanket/food
8. Roadside assistance.
9. Pump up the spare tire.
10. Tire change tools, jumper cables, gas can, flares, flashlight

 

[DC runner]

And now that we scared you, don't worry. I lived there for a bit, in Livingston, which you should visit; it is the start of the yellow stone and gorgeous.

Anyway. Yes, it gets cold.. but life is well adjusted to it up there. Where as down south, NO ONE knows how to drive in it; Montana drivers know whats up. Don't be shocked when you see the little ole grandma in a 2 wheel drive car has to give YOU tips on how to drive. The most advanced machinery in the world can't compare to experience. Like any other place that is 1. high up and 2. COLD, people learn to deal with it.


Anyway. Follow the above suggestions and you will be fine. Keep your car well maintained and it will do just fine.


Now, just about the only place that can get serious in that area is the Bozeman pass. I lived in Livingston, which is about 20-30 minutes away, and Bozeman was the only place with good clothing stores and I would go there on a regular enough basis. The pass is 5000 feet up and when it dumps snow, it dumps now. When I lived there (decade ago) you had to have chains on at certain times and weather, or you had to wait the storm out. They had pull off places to throw chains on.

I would recommend NOT trying to play in the snow during that kind of situation. We would always hear stories of college kids (from Bozeman) who were new to the area that would want to go play. 4x4 types that thought their 4wd truck could handle gusting winds and snow being dumped in the mountains.. they get stuck and have to be rescued.

End of nostalgia...

 

[Jeff S.]

And now that we scared you, don't worry. I lived there for a bit, in Livingston, which you should visit; it is the start of the yellow stone and gorgeous.

Anyway. Yes, it gets cold.. but life is well adjusted to it up there. Where as down south, NO ONE knows how to drive in it; Montana drivers know whats up. Don't be shocked when you see the little ole grandma in a 2 wheel drive car has to give YOU tips on how to drive. The most advanced machinery in the world can't compare to experience. Like any other place that is 1. high up and 2. COLD, people learn to deal with it.


Anyway. Follow the above suggestions and you will be fine. Keep your car well maintained and it will do just fine.


Now, just about the only place that can get serious in that area is the Bozeman pass. I lived in Livingston, which is about 20-30 minutes away, and Bozeman was the only place with good clothing stores and I would go there on a regular enough basis. The pass is 5000 feet up and when it dumps snow, it dumps now. When I lived there (decade ago) you had to have chains on at certain times and weather, or you had to wait the storm out. They had pull off places to throw chains on.

I would recommend NOT trying to play in the snow during that kind of situation. We would always hear stories of college kids (from Bozeman) who were new to the area that would want to go play. 4x4 types that thought their 4wd truck could handle gusting winds and snow being dumped in the mountains.. they get stuck and have to be rescued.

End of nostalgia...

Thanks for the reply! Lol, I'm not too worried. Like I said, I grew up in Lake Tahoe, and I used to drive a Toyota Celica with crappy tires in high school even when it snowed (they never cancelled school). I love snow (and repect the weather)....

Which pass due you refer? I may be driving from Bozeman to Big Sky a lot this winter....

 

[morphius909]

As a Canadian, I can say we are born with Block Heaters!

Why don't you want to go the block heater route?

In winter, your battery is the single biggest asset.

Get the Block Heater. And also you can get a battery blanket as well.

Mind you, my new BMW 335i isn't even capable of accepting a block heater, apparently the synthetic oil is sufficient enough.

Guess we'll see!

 

[MikeInNH]

Don't replace the battery unless you need to...There will be days where it 's near 0 before it ever reaches -40..and on those days if the battery is showing any sign of weakness then replace it.

Cold weather will kill a weak battery...HOWEVER...a battery that lives in cold climate will last longer then a battery that's subjected to long hot weather....

Car Batteries Get Beat by the Heat

As for the oil...In those extreme cold either get full synthetic or get yourself a block heater. I had a cousin who lived in an area like that...before synthetic oil was readily available for cars...and he lived in an apartment so no way to plug in a block heater. On those extreme cold nights he'd drain the oil...bring it inside..then put it back in the following morning...

 

[ClockWork]

Don't replace the battery unless you need to...There will be days where it 's near 0 before it ever reaches -40..and on those days if the battery is showing any sign of weakness then replace it.

Cold weather will kill a weak battery...HOWEVER...a battery that lives in cold climate will last longer then a battery that's subjected to long hot weather....

Car Batteries Get Beat by the Heat

As for the oil...In those extreme cold either get full synthetic or get yourself a block heater. I had a cousin who lived in an area like that...before synthetic oil was readily available for cars...and he lived in an apartment so no way to plug in a block heater. On those extreme cold nights he'd drain the oil...bring it inside..then put it back in the following morning...

As stated before and as someone who has had 2 Land Cruisers and a 4runner with the exact Panasonic same battery - they DO NOT SHOW SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN. They just work and then don't. Simple. No extra cranks, no sluggish cranks - you get nada when they die.

Emphasized the caps like you do.

 

[sportyota]

I live in Miles City, MT and I know how you feel with the cold weather...I bought my 08 4runner last december in colorado and the factory battery crapped out within the first 2 months of having it...but i just bought a new battery from napa and works perfect.

 

[cabowally]

You can also do what a lot of boat owners do and trickle charge. Get a $30 battery charger that has a 2 or 3 amp trickle charge function and hook it up every night. It will keep the battery topped off and the electric current keeps it warm.