How cold is cold to a Volvo or when to plug in?

rainbowwillow63 · Post by **rainbowwillow63** » 11 Oct 2009, 07:51

I live in Upstate NY and it's been getting into the lower 40's at night. So-How cold is cold to my Volvo?

What's the temp. need to be before I start plugging her in at night?

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 13 Oct 2009, 19:35

I can't really say for certain as I've never had to use one here (eastern MA) but it's gotten darn close. If you've got it, why not use it I say, I looked it up and the consensus seems to be when the temperature is expected to dip below 15 Fahrenheit. If you have an old battery in the vehicle, it may be beneficial to plug in even at a little higher temperature.

Darrell

rainbowwillow63 · Post by **rainbowwillow63** » 14 Oct 2009, 14:41

Thank you

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 14 Oct 2009, 20:32

If you are using 5W-40 synthetic motor oil the problem you find at below zero F temps will not be the engine not turning over but the engine not starting. My 88 760 Turbo Wagon with 5W-40 synthetic motor oil will crank over fine at 10 degrees F below zero but not fire. When it "warms up to say 2 degrees F below zero the engine will start and run fine. I suspect that I have a fuel filter that was freezing up because of water trapped in the filter.

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Oct 2009, 12:01

I suspect that I have a fuel filter that was freezing up because of water trapped in the filter.

The viscosity of the oil won't affect the starting if the fuel filter is frozen.

I have never had an engine pre-heater on any of my Volvos as Volvo obviously thought they weren't necessary for UK weather. All of my cars have stood out in all temperatures and have started OK using 10W-30 or 10W-40 semi-synthetic oil. Some years ago the 740 stood out when the temp dropped to -15C (5F), one of the lowest recorded in Durham. It started on the first turn of the key. Good battery and good maintenance are important for winter driving.

The main benefit of the pre-heater is minimizing the wear associated with a cold start. A secondary benefit is a heater that blows hot air a lot sooner.

I could have an after market unit fitted but would only be able to use it at home as we don't have the necessary plug-in points away from home. As my car now resides in its heated garage overnight, one of the benefits of being retired, I can't justify the expense.

Bill.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 15 Oct 2009, 13:58

Basically I was suggesting that if using 5W-30 or 5W-40 motor oil that I did not have any problems with the motor turning over a -10 Degrees F. The motor just would not fire. When the temp warmed up to -2 Degrees F the motor started. Two or three winters ago when I was using 10W-30 synthetic motor oil the motor barely tuned over at 0 degrees F. I am using 50% Mobil 1 0W-40 and 50% Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40 for an average of 5w-40. Mobil suggested that this combo would not hurt anything and the viscosity would be between 0W-40 and 10W-40. The reason for this blend is that in the US in my area the only Mobil 1 5W-40 available is for diesel engines.