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Topic: Parking car with frost and starting it
SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 05:09 AM
As it is I have my car parked with its nose toward the east and we're going to have freezing -12C - -14C temps along with a storm from the east. Over here mainland Europe the coldest wind is from the east. Now would it make a difference if I'd turn the car around? So it's backside is in the wind and not the motor block? In case I'd have to start to go somewhere. Or does it not matter? My main concern is that wind directly on the engine. Anyone?

soufiehere Joined Sat 10/24/09 Posts: 45325	Sat 02/06/21 05:37 AM
What I know about cars would fit in this dot. I have yet in my life to put gas in one. So, I am going to go with what the animals do instinctively, tail to the wind ;-)

SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 05:41 AM
What I know about cars would fit in this dot. I have yet in my life to put gas in one. So, I am going to go with what the animals do instinctively, tail to the wind ;-) haha, that's a nice comparison :) And a good point! I have turned it around. Just to be sure. Protective screens on front and rear window, I hate scraping ice off, plus the back window-heating doesn't work. Hand brake is off, car in 1st gear, so I guess we're set. I should be ready for the Code Red weather now. Not looking forward to it. Thanks!!

soufiehere Joined Sat 10/24/09 Posts: 45325	Sat 02/06/21 08:58 AM
So...you can get out of first gear, right? hahaha

Stu Joined Sun 07/23/17 Posts: 22537	Sat 02/06/21 09:02 AM Edited by Stu on Sat 02/06/21 09:03 AM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage.

motowndowntown Joined Wed 11/19/08 Posts: 21355	Sat 02/06/21 09:35 AM
The effect of "wind chill" on a motor is minimal. If it is well tuned, and more important you have a good battery, it won't make any difference. But hey, do what makes ya feel good.

Toodygirl5 Joined Fri 10/26/12 Posts: 14450	Sat 02/06/21 10:12 AM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. True A man who knows cars ! Every man doesn't know about cars .

SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 12:42 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now.

Riverspirit1111 Joined Wed 06/27/18 Posts: 100738	Sat 02/06/21 12:49 PM Edited by Riverspirit1111 on Sat 02/06/21 12:59 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. I think the antifreeze goes in the radiator, Crystal, haha. Sorry, couldn't help myself. :) I'm pretty sure it will be fine. I've had cars outdoors all the time in Northern Michigan and there were times when the temps were 40 below zero, strong winds, and lake effect snow. So long as it's turned up, like the guys said, and your battery is in good condition, it should start with no problem. Oh, and here, this past winter, my car is always facing towards the street, the wind going straight into the engine. Makes it easier to get out of the driveway with the snow. It got to below zero last week and started right up. :)

bobtail76 Joined Mon 02/10/14 Posts: 6936	Sat 02/06/21 02:13 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. What kind of antifreeze did you use in your window washer tank? If you have a good battery, it won't have a problem starting in -14c Winterizing a car basically consists of coolant level strength, tires, and window washing fluid changed to winter grade. Stubee is right, look by your radiator - if you see an electrical plug, you have a block heater. It keeps your coolant warm, making for nicer starts. It's a good idea to invest in one if you don't, as it's easier on your engine, and ultimately make it more dependable as the years go by.

bobtail76 Joined Mon 02/10/14 Posts: 6936	Sat 02/06/21 02:25 PM
I suppose you can add battery warmer to a winterizing as well. It's basically just a velcro blanket that goes around your battery. Provides a little advantage to cold. That's one thing that I don't miss about having an ol lady! Her using my garage for storage!! Hahaha

bobtail76 Joined Mon 02/10/14 Posts: 6936	Sat 02/06/21 02:31 PM Edited by bobtail76 on Sat 02/06/21 02:33 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. I think the antifreeze goes in the radiator, Crystal, haha. Sorry, couldn't help myself. :) I'm pretty sure it will be fine. I've had cars outdoors all the time in Northern Michigan and there were times when the temps were 40 below zero, strong winds, and lake effect snow. So long as it's turned up, like the guys said, and your battery is in good condition, it should start with no problem. Oh, and here, this past winter, my car is always facing towards the street, the wind going straight into the engine. Makes it easier to get out of the driveway with the snow. It got to below zero last week and started right up. :) It's damn near minus 40 here right now with windchill... nevermind "there were times!"

Riverspirit1111 Joined Wed 06/27/18 Posts: 100738	Sat 02/06/21 02:34 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. I think the antifreeze goes in the radiator, Crystal, haha. Sorry, couldn't help myself. :) I'm pretty sure it will be fine. I've had cars outdoors all the time in Northern Michigan and there were times when the temps were 40 below zero, strong winds, and lake effect snow. So long as it's turned up, like the guys said, and your battery is in good condition, it should start with no problem. Oh, and here, this past winter, my car is always facing towards the street, the wind going straight into the engine. Makes it easier to get out of the driveway with the snow. It got to below zero last week and started right up. :) It's damn near minus 40 here right now... nevermind "there were times!" I definitely don't miss that. I love the snow, but not those frigid temps.

bobtail76 Joined Mon 02/10/14 Posts: 6936	Sat 02/06/21 02:40 PM
If I have a choice, I'd take cold over snow

SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 03:27 PM Edited by SparklingCrystal 💖💎 on Sat 02/06/21 03:33 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. I think the antifreeze goes in the radiator, Crystal, haha. Sorry, couldn't help myself. :) I'm pretty sure it will be fine. I've had cars outdoors all the time in Northern Michigan and there were times when the temps were 40 below zero, strong winds, and lake effect snow. So long as it's turned up, like the guys said, and your battery is in good condition, it should start with no problem. Oh, and here, this past winter, my car is always facing towards the street, the wind going straight into the engine. Makes it easier to get out of the driveway with the snow. It got to below zero last week and started right up. :) In the radiator? I'd like to be able to drive it still :p I think there's a difference between our cars and the ones you drive over there. Since we don't often get this cold weather anymore, and many drive what I think you call city cars, we don't have heavy engines and batteries. I only got a 1.1 engine and matching battery. Some of course do have more serious cars, but that also means more road tax. I guess that's why most avoid it. And nothing over here is made for -40C as we never get such temps.

SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 03:32 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. What kind of antifreeze did you use in your window washer tank? If you have a good battery, it won't have a problem starting in -14c Winterizing a car basically consists of coolant level strength, tires, and window washing fluid changed to winter grade. Stubee is right, look by your radiator - if you see an electrical plug, you have a block heater. It keeps your coolant warm, making for nicer starts. It's a good idea to invest in one if you don't, as it's easier on your engine, and ultimately make it more dependable as the years go by. Anti freeze that protects until -20C which it very likely won't get to. We had temps like that in the past but these days it's quite rare.

Blondey111 Joined Sun 01/27/13 Posts: 8919	Sat 02/06/21 03:37 PM
If your car is a necessity then think about sorting out your garage . .. it is preferable to protect it mechanically and structurally from the winter elements .. you can buy car covers but I am not sure how practical or effective they are .

Riverspirit1111 Joined Wed 06/27/18 Posts: 100738	Sat 02/06/21 03:39 PM
In the radiator? I'd like to be able to drive it still :p I think there's a difference between our cars and the ones you drive over there. Since we don't often get this cold weather anymore, and many drive what I think you believe city cars, you don't have heavy engines and batteries. I only got a 1.1 engine and matching battery. And nothing over here is made for -40C as we never get such temps. Oh, I think we're talking about something different when it comes to antifreeze, haha. We call the stuff you put in the radiator antifreeze, which is ethyl glycol. Sounds like you got it covered... and according to Mr. Fix-it, in the background, you did good turning the car around. And he said the same as others as far as the battery, if it's good, you'll be fine. But he doesn't think your -14C/8F is anything to worry about, haha. Anywho, hopefully your cold temps won't be too bad for the car. :)

bobtail76 Joined Mon 02/10/14 Posts: 6936	Sat 02/06/21 03:51 PM
It would help some.. hopefully your car is properly winterized though, because if not, nothing will help other than a block heater or parking in a heated garage. Oh well, keeping my fingers crossed that I'm not going to need the car for the coming days. Not sure what properly winterized means. I got anti freeze in the windscreen spray thing, added that this afternoon as I'm not sure what was in there as I haven't had this car for that long yet. I have a garage, but not heated and the car cannot go in as the garage is full up with stuff, hihi. I suspect even an unheated garage would help but that's not an option. So keeping my fingers crossed is the best I can do now. What kind of antifreeze did you use in your window washer tank? If you have a good battery, it won't have a problem starting in -14c Winterizing a car basically consists of coolant level strength, tires, and window washing fluid changed to winter grade. Stubee is right, look by your radiator - if you see an electrical plug, you have a block heater. It keeps your coolant warm, making for nicer starts. It's a good idea to invest in one if you don't, as it's easier on your engine, and ultimately make it more dependable as the years go by. Anti freeze that protects until -20C which it very likely won't get to. We had temps like that in the past but these days it's quite rare. Was it made for washer fluid? Is what I'm asking - is it methanol or a glycol?

SparklingCrystal 💖💎 Joined Mon 05/20/13 Posts: 33254	Sat 02/06/21 03:54 PM
In the radiator? I'd like to be able to drive it still :p I think there's a difference between our cars and the ones you drive over there. Since we don't often get this cold weather anymore, and many drive what I think you believe city cars, you don't have heavy engines and batteries. I only got a 1.1 engine and matching battery. And nothing over here is made for -40C as we never get such temps. Oh, I think we're talking about something different when it comes to antifreeze, haha. We call the stuff you put in the radiator antifreeze, which is ethyl glycol. Sounds like you got it covered... and according to Mr. Fix-it, in the background, you did good turning the car around. And he said the same as others as far as the battery, if it's good, you'll be fine. But he doesn't think your -14C/8F is anything to worry about, haha. Anywho, hopefully your cold temps won't be too bad for the car. :) Thanks. I was talking bout anti freeze in the window washer stuff :) And indeed happy I took the time to turn the car around. I never just start the car for something silly like that as doing that too often ruins the battery and isn't good for the engine either. Meaning I take the car for a bit of a spin first and then turn it round when I come back. Oh well, it's sorted. Nothing I can do now but go to bed in a min :) Thanks, say thank you to Eric for me too please!