I drive 5 miles a day -- winter maintenance tips?

[dk312]

Hello,

I recently bought a 4Runner, after not having a vehicle for the previous four years. Given that I've relied on public transportation the past several years, car care is something I've lost some knowledge on.

So my situation is, I drive my car from home to the train parking lot (which is around 5 miles round trip) M-F and then use it for errands on the weekends. The other night, after sitting outside in the Chicago winter for about 36 hours, after I started my car, it sputtered almost like it was going to die. Eventually it warmed up and it was fine but that was worrisome.

1. Is that normal for that to happen (normally I park it in my garage) due to the freezing weather?

2. What sort of things should I do to ensure that I don't have any issues, given the small amount of time I drive it? Does starting it randomly and letting it run for awhile do anything? I'm obviously a little ignorant about this kind of stuff, so any help would be much appreciated!

 

[ebg18t]

Drive it farther. You really need to get the truck warmed up.

 

[YotaDriver]

It's not normal to sputter on start-up, even when it's cold outside. I'd have your battery checked and make sure that scheduled maintenance has been performed on the vehicle prior to your having purchased it. For example...

1) Make sure the oil has been changed to a winter weight oil, like a 5W-30. I and many others prefer synthetic, but arguments can be made for either so just make sure the oil is clean.

2) Check to make sure your battery is good. A weak battery will show up when it gets really cold, which is exactly when you most want a strong battery.

3) Make sure your rig is tuned up in general, as in the spark plugs have been changed, the coolant has been flushed and replaced, and the oil in both your front and rear differentials and your transfer case is good. Again, I'm a sucker for synthetic but just make sure it's been done.

That's pretty much what I'd check to make sure my rig was ready for winter if I'd just purchased it and didn't know its history. Otherwise, make sure you've got a scraper and maybe even a shovel, and get ready for a looooong winter.

 

[NuclearN8]

agree with all the above.

also if you're not going to drive it further and at higher speeds then when it's stored in your garage at home you should have the battery on a float charge. Many companies make quick disconnect pigtails that you could plug and play. If nothing else, this will keep your battery fully charged.

good luck.

 

[verman84]

Hello,
I recently bought a 4Runner, after not having a vehicle for the previous four years. Given that I've relied on public transportation the past several years, car care is something I've lost some knowledge on.

So my situation is, I drive my car from home to the train parking lot (which is around 5 miles round trip) M-F and then use it for errands on the weekends. The other night, after sitting outside in the Chicago winter for about 36 hours, after I started my car, it sputtered almost like it was going to die. Eventually it warmed up and it was fine but that was worrisome.

1. Is that normal for that to happen (normally I park it in my garage) due to the freezing weather?

2. What sort of things should I do to ensure that I don't have any issues, given the small amount of time I drive it? Does starting it randomly and letting it run for awhile do anything? I'm obviously a little ignorant about this kind of stuff, so any help would be much appreciated!

Congrats. What did you pick up?

I too haven't owned a car for a few years (10) and then the wife and I decided it was time. Coming from Michigan I knew that I wanted something with a v6 and real 4 wheel drive which led us to the 4runner, we've owned our '08 since July and its been great.

I'm in Chicago as well and we're about to get pummeled with what looks like another harsh winter. Lots of bitter temps, ice, snow and unfortunately tons salt.

The sputtering doesn't sound normal. I've already had mine in temps nearing single digits this year and I've never had anything like sputtering upon start. I would definitely have that checked out to make sure its not something bigger.

As far as maintenance goes, if you're still on the original panasonic battery like I am (mine is 6 years old and 120k miles) it might be getting close to needing replacement. Cold weather takes a toll on batteries so if you notice worse performance in cold weather, consider upgrading your battery. Also, if you are mostly doing really short trips (lots of battery use without a lot of time for the alternator to recharge the battery), consider taking it for a longer drive on the weekend or hook the battery up to a charger once in a while to ensure that it stays charged.

Winter is approaching and thats the time most people use their 4wd systems. If you have a 4wd version I would suggest changing your front/rear differential fluids as well as your transfer case fluids. I didn't have service records when I bought my vehicle so I went ahead and did it so that I had a baseline.

Other than that its probably just simple stuff like making sure you have enough tread on the tires, filling them to proper inflation, rotating them every few oil changes etc, changing your oil/filter, changing cabin/air filters, filling your windshield fluids, checking your wipers etc.

 

[dk312]

Thanks for the input guys. Now I just need to find a reputable mechanic.

Verman - it's an 06 SR5. I had an 07 when I moved to Chicago back in 2010. Sold it about a month later, as I never drove it. Then when we moved to the burbs and I needed a vehicle again, another 4Runner was a no brainer!