So I was recently accepted into grad school up in Chicago and have every intention of bringing my 4Runner along with me. The problem is, I have lived in Florida my entire life and have seen snow about 3 times ever. Certainly haven't driven in it. I'm curious what type of maintenance needs to be done for such a cold climate. Do I need to be running different fluids? I'm due for new tires so will be looking into that as well for up there. My rig is a 2000 Sr5 4x4 with 126k miles. I've maintained it very well this far and plan to continue to do the same. Sorry if this seems like a silly question but I seriously have no clue how cars work in cold weather. i likely won't be driving it every day but assume I will be using it on a weekly basis as my program will require me to travel some places where I can't use public transport. Thanks for the insight.
What is winter?
- Thread starter jpshoe
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
volkinator
New member
You shouldn't have any problems up here. Especially if the weather keeps going the way it is! What is this 'winter' you speak of.
As far as vehicle stuff. Winter gas sucks, expect worse gas mileage with the cold... Wash your T4R often. The salt does crazy things, and if you can, fluid film it before you leave. I'm trying it out this winter, but it seems to have a good reputation.
If you have all weather mats they help keep the carpet clean really well. As for fluids and such, it shouldn't be much different honestly.
And just remember, it's not the heat, but the humidity that will kill you. :tongue:
SilverRidgeRunner1
Member
At this point u mention Tires I would def take care of that, plenty of threads on this subject of which are the best tires... Driving in snow is def a art, I guess my best advice would be to take it slow at first and you'll learn. Only Fluid wise I can think off hand would be a OIL. I run 5w-30 in winter but the temp being as low as it is in Chicago I would imagine a lot lower weight would be recommended. Also battery Maintenance is important as well.
LookAtThatDog
New member
Make sure your wiper fluid isn't the kind that freezes. You need wiper fluid to survive in the winter. Get the kind that's good to way below zero. If it freezes you'll be outside with a hair dryer looking dumb as hell. Ask how I know.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
This.
California is stupid and doesn't sell very much sub freezing washer fluid because it's an "environmental hazard". So when I go up in the mountains in the snow my washer fluid freezes. Dumb. Every other state will sell a sub freezing mix, usually has methanol alchohol in it or antifreeze.
JayRolla
New member
You have not seen winter.....yet. Temps have been pretty good this year so far. Still should get some cold ones that test battery soon.
SpidermanGeek
New member
This was my first thought as well. You'll want -40 Washer Fluid. Otherwise, the rest is pretty much the same. I run 5W30 Engine oil Year round.
SpidermanGeek
New member
All great advice.
I run my M/T year round, but I don't put a lot of miles on it.
If it's your primary vehicle, I do highly recommend getting a good set of Dedicated winter tires. Something that has a good Ice Traction rating.
KidVermicious
New member
Been there, learned the hard way.
OP, Chicago isn't Alaska, you won't need a block heater or to run any different weight oil or anything. You will need a good set of tires, those nasty bald sunbaked things that are good enough in Florida won't cut it up there. You'll want to drive carefully the first winter, you think you already know this but you don't. Slow WAY the hell down, and quadruple your stopping distance until you've got a feel for it. A good set of wipers is mandatory. Keep your Florida plate on as long as you can so other drivers know you're a menace
. Never defrost your front window with hot water, use rubbing alcohol and water about 1/1 in a mister bottle, spray the windshield before the snowstorm hits and the ice wipes right off when you're ready to drive. Weathertechs are your friends. Wear a warm hat so your feet don't get cold, and if you forget your ice scraper, a credit card will do in a pinch. Good luck!Wow thanks for the quick responses everybody. It's much appreciated. I'll start looking at tires soon and see what others are running. I run 5w-30 now but will do a little more research. Battery is getting older so I'll be sure to keep an eye on it for now. Never would have thought of the wiper fluid! I think the heater works lol.
white_n_slow
Senior Member
Although some AT tires are pretty passable in the snow, seeing as you have no winter driving experience, I will say you need to get real dedicated snow/ice tires.
Other than that, just keep up on normal maintenance. "Winterizing" is a marketing term invented by the parts chains to get you to come in and spend money.
I will say some rust prevention measures are probably a good idea.
Other than that, just keep up on normal maintenance. "Winterizing" is a marketing term invented by the parts chains to get you to come in and spend money.
I will say some rust prevention measures are probably a good idea.
SpidermanGeek
New member
5W30 is perfectly fine for Chicago Winters.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
LOL yeah that's totally it. Down in the valley they advertise "Winterizing" specials. It hits like 40 degrees in the day at it's worst, usually 50-60. All they do is a tune-up and check your heater function.
SpidermanGeek
New member
And don't forget to brush all the snow off the roof of the vehicle.
I don't know if Chicago is like this, but in Ontario, you will get pulled over and ticketed for not doing this.
Better yet, park the rig in an unheated garage or carport.
JayRolla
New member
I also run M/T all year. But there is a learning curve. Wife wont touch the 4runner in snow.
JayRolla
New member
Yeah never had that problem in CO.
