Moving from Vegas to Chicago - Winter Advice

[Tleahcim]

Hi folks,

Just looking for a little help on adjusting to driving in and surviving the snow in the Chicago area. After living in Vegas and growing up in the South, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not an expert in this area. Did a search and I know that the roads in the city and surrounding areas are maintained well enough that the stock Limited can handle the conditions, but I'm hoping to get some general advice and help deciding what advice locals are giving me is legit or not.

1. Do I need to "warm up the engine" after "stationing" the 4Runner for the weekend? Seems legit with battery concerns, but I'm wondering of the stock battery is heavy duty enough to forego this or if there are other technical reasons for doing so.

2. Is an air compressor really necessary for a "snow kit" like the 4th Gens suggest? Do I need anything other than a shovel with my drivetrain?

3. I consider myself a pretty reasonable driver in terms of safety, but is there anything I should watch out for from other drivers to keep myself safe? People talk about how no one knows how to drive in the snow, but I'm assuming that's just standard whining.

I'm probably overthinking things and I'm really more worried for the wife who is from CA and drives a Honda Fit so any general advice that I can also pass along is much appreciated. And no, she's not getting my keys or a 4Runner of her own!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

My only advise is to stay where you are.

 

[ShooterF16]

I just moved from LV to Central NY but "had" the luxury of visiting multiple times during the winter prior to my move. I prepped my runner simply by putting on some snow rated tires (BFG AT/KO2). This year I'm taking it one step further and I bought an engine heater since it was very cheap and can't hurt. Otherwise I'm not doing much else.

 

[madeinhb]

Tires and the driver are the biggest thing

 

[CO-Cygnus]

Step 1: Snow Tires
Step 2: Drive Rationally - Distance is your friend. Excessive speed is your enemy.

 

[Peyto]

Tires and the driver are the biggest thing

This. Winter tires aren't absolutely necessary and are not a replacement for winter driving skills, but they do make a significant difference. A good read on the topic can be found here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/149874-winter-tires-you-going-run.html . I'm partial to the Michelin X-Ice, which along with Bridgestone Blizzaks and Nokian Hakkapeliittas are popular with us Canadians.

Canadian 4Runners come standard with a block heater. I park outside and only plug it in when temperatures get to -20C (-4F). I would consider it pretty close to essential if your truck sits outside in those temperatures. As for warming up the car, I'll usually give it a couple of minutes if it hits that -20c/-4f mark (this is made much easier by a remote starter), but otherwise just make sure not to push the engine too much until everything is warmed up. The 0w20 oil is also quite helpful in these climates.

I've got a portable air compressor, but it only goes in the truck if I'm driving long distance. More important in my mind is recovery gear like shackles and a recovery strap. Not only can you help other people out, but a passerby is a lot more likely to stop to help pull you out if you're standing on the side of the road holding out one end of the strap with the other already attached to your truck.

I see lots of Honda Fits on Alberta roads in winter and they do just fine, but you're gonna want winter rubber on that.

 

[Hellamatic]

You'll be fine. Come spend a winter in Alberta and Chitown will be downright balmy afterwards. Just be cautious and take your time when it's slick out. My 4Runner is just fine at -40.

 

[Srt4runner]

1. Do I need to "warm up the engine" after "stationing" the 4Runner for the weekend?

I usually let it warm up for a minute or so depending on how cold it is, more than that is a waste of gas. Cars will warm up faster when you drive them normally and keep the RPM's down. Don't just start it and floor it right away, wait for it to get up to operating temperature first.

2. Is an air compressor really necessary for a "snow kit" like the 4th Gens suggest? Do I need anything other than a shovel with my drivetrain?

An air compressor wont hurt if you have one. I pass at least 3 24hr. gas stations on my daily commute that have them. If you need a shovel with a 4runner, then things have gone completely wrong.

3. I consider myself a pretty reasonable driver in terms of safety, but is there anything I should watch out for from other drivers to keep myself safe? People talk about how no one knows how to drive in the snow, but I'm assuming that's just standard whining.

You can have the best snow vehicle in the world, however this area is loaded with idiots who will drive like its a dry summer day in the snow. Remember 4wd/awd is good, however all vehicles have 4 wheel stop. Your 4runner will be amazing in the snow, but will not stop better than any other vehicle because of the 4wd. A good set of all seasons or all terrains will be fine. If you want to overkill it, get a set of dedicated snow tires. The key is to not be in a rush and give yourself plenty of room to stop. Most accidents I see is from people following too close or driving too fast for conditions.

I'm probably overthinking things and I'm really more worried for the wife who is from CA and drives a Honda Fit so any general advice that I can also pass along is much appreciated. And no, she's not getting my keys or a 4Runner of her own!

go practice driving in the snow in a parking lot, it will help

 

[M1911]

I grew up in Chicago, and have lived mostly in Boston for the past 25 years.

1. Do I need to "warm up the engine" after "stationing" the 4Runner for the weekend?

No need. All you are doing is wasting fuel. Go out to the car, start up the engine, turn on front and rear defroster (and seat heaters), then start clearing the frost off the windows with your ice scraper. Once the windows are clear, drive away.

2. Is an air compressor really necessary for a "snow kit" like the 4th Gens suggest? Do I need anything other than a shovel with my drivetrain?

Air compressor? WTF for?

3. I consider myself a pretty reasonable driver in terms of safety, but is there anything I should watch out for from other drivers to keep myself safe? People talk about how no one knows how to drive in the snow, but I'm assuming that's just standard whining.

Get a second set of wheels and install honest to goodness snow tires. I like Nokians. They will stop and turn about 30% better than all season tires.

Realize that your 4WD system will easily lead to overconfidence. When you press the gas, the truck will just take off if it is in 4WD, and you might not realize just how slippery it is. 4WD helps you go, but it doesn't help you turn or stop. Once you get going in the snow, on a straight stretch of road with no one around you, slam on the brakes. You will be surprised by just how little braking action you have. I do this every single snow storm.

When driving in the snow, slow and steady wins the race. Don't do anything suddenly. Steer gently. Accelerate gently. Leave a bunch of extra room. Anticipate other drivers being morons and give them plenty of room.

Get yourself an extendable snow rake. Clear off all your windows, your hood, and your roof before driving. Don't drive around with a bunch of snow on the roof -- it will blow off and blind cars behind you, and if you slow suddenly, will slide forward and blind you.

 

[Foques]

I like to let mine sit a minute, but it is not necessary in today's day and age.

No idea why Air compressor would be necessary. You're not moving to a noman's land.. we're quire up to date on things here.

Where are you moving in Chi?

 

[Erie4Runner]

An engine block heater is unnecessary in Chicago.

Install remote start, preset the temp / blower to high when you park. Start it 20 mins before leaving. Saves a ton of time scraping the ice off which you will value at 6 am in the dark when it's 20 degrees and a 30 mph wind.

Drive the way you see semi trucks doing it in rush hour traffic now. All cars brake the same on snow, 4x4 is only an advantage when accelerating. Avoid quick changes in speed or direction. Brake light. Leave space. You will never get it stuck in snow.

And most important, get a spinach deep dish pizza from Giordano's.

 

[JayceeP]

While some people drive too fast, I find the majority of people in my area drive way too slow in snowy conditions. I mean, you could probably run faster than some of these people drive. Anyway, that's a rant for another day.

I'd consider getting winter rims (steelies) for your winter tires. Also, 17's will be cheaper.

If there is a lot of snow on the ground and the streets aren't plowed, I much prefer the feel of the center-diff being locked. I also often disable traction control by holding the button for 5 seconds. I am not suggesting you do this, this is only my preference in certain conditions. When going up slippery hills or in loose areas, I do not want power being cut to my wheels. Chicago is flat so you probably won't have this problem.

As suggested, find an empty parking lot covered in snow and play around for a few minutes. When driving the 4Runner in snowstorms, I tend to feel like I belong on the road.

Have fun:

 

[delloro]

I moved from socal to Michigan for a few winters. Just do what everybody else does. If they can do it, so can you. I did it with a Honda Accord. No biggie whatsoever.

BTW midwesterners are really nice people.

 

[ic0517]

My Trail takes off like a bat out of hell in 4WD with stock tires in the snow. In fact, its too good. Once you take your foot off of the gas pedal, you are like every other car out there, brakes on all four wheels, ABS. I turn off traction control in 2WD just to have some fun doing donuts in empty parking lots.

Since the Limited has all time 4WD you are good to go. I bet you will have a hard time making it do anything interesting if you leave everything default.

When I wear out the stock tires I will get a set of AT. I could see in 12"+ of snow you might want better tires. I don't have a place to store 4 other tires, as I say, our garage is 2.0.

My oldest brother swears by Blizzaks and FWD cars and can run rings around in me in auto repair. Says AWD/4WD just a waste of money and costs more to repair. I have never had to repair the AWD on the old Subaru Forester or my 4Runner.

Your biggest problem will be the other 3 million people in the Chicago area that don't have AWD/4WD/Blizzaks. Any time it snows expect to double your commute. Any time one rain drops falls, its 1.1, several rain drops its 1.5.

 

[t-man]

I've lived in northern Michigan my whole life. We get tons of snow! Good tires are your best friend. Other than that, take it easy as stated before. Go slower, be gentle stopping and turning.
I don't care what anyone says, warming your motor up helps. Get that oil warmed up so it lubricates properly before you take off. Oil is thicker when cold.
Don't use cruise control if snow covered and slippery. If you are really swamped somewhere in snow airing down your tires helps a ton until you can get out into a better area. *don't drive around with tires aired down *

 

[1engineer]

You are moving to Chicago, not some remote mountaintop in the Appalachi.... wait, that's where I live. Tires and practice driving. That's all. Now if you were moving here then survival and recovery skills are needed lol.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

Great advice so far. I would echo the above. I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but I might suggest a plug in battery blanket if you are going to leave the runner parked for an extended time (say a week while you are away for work or vacation). The stock battery should start it, but it will be much happier (and have more cranking amps) if it is warm.

Learning how to drive and more importantly stop would be what I would stress.

One tip I'll share: At stop signs I find that there is traction about a foot left or right of where everyone else travels in the lane (where there might be un plowed snow / where people haven't been spinning their tires icing the road up).

 

[Blitzkrieg]

My advice is to stay off the El.

 

[EL CID]

If you've driven in thunderstorms in the South, then imagine all of those idiots you normally encounter (idiot driving way too fast, idiot driving way too slow, idiot driving like it's never rained before, idiot with hazards on doing 35mph in the left lane on the highway, idiot...) just decided to move North for the winter! They react about the same to snow, and you may be the only bulwark of sanity against these panicky masses! Plus with 4WD you'll be a recovery hero to some poor old lady who got run off the road by the aforementioned idiots and was left there to freeze.

My semi-sarcastic response, because everyone else has been spot-on with their inputs. Get to know how your rig handles in the snow, keep some basic survival gear on you, and you'll have a blast this winter!

 

[Range]

Wash your truck especially the undercarriage every time you drive in the snow. Maybe every day is excessive but don't let the salt take over your frame or your Runner is doomed. I live in Utah and I'm psycho about that. I just run it through a quickie NON-touch car wash then when the work week is done I go more in depth.