Cold weather tips - Winterize your Volvo

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Sep 2008, 11:59

1. Check your coolant for low-temperature protection. You can get coolant temperature gauges at auto parts stores very cheaply. Below the safe range your block can crack.

2. Check your tire pressure. As outside temperatures drop, your tire pressure drops.

3. Check wiper blades. Self explanatory.

What do you do to winterize your Volvo?

Post by **billofdurham** » 09 Sep 2008, 12:48

'That time of year' seems to have arrived earlier this year, or am I just getting old?

1. Lubricate door locks. There is nothing worse than having to use the key to get into the car (Remotes sometimes do not work) only to find the lock is frozen.

2. Check the specific gravity of the battery as it takes more punishment in cold weather. Any doubts now, get a new battery.

3. Check battery connections are clean and tight.

4. Ensure the washers have sufficient winter additive to stop them freezing. I am not a great believer in all-year additives for the winter.

Bill.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Sep 2008, 14:24

As we all should with any car.
Don't forget to lube all hinges (actually anything that moves)
Clean out all drains, sunroof, etc and check the brakes, lube what's necessary and if you can, R&R your wheels and put some antiseize on the hubs

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 18 Sep 2008, 16:03

Going to a synthetic oil for the winter yields dividends. But for those people who are not there yet, I would suggest that for topping up the crankcase from now to February, use a 0W30 synthetic from Mobil. It would dilute the dyno oil a little for easier starts, and would not threaten any engine seals.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Sep 2008, 16:22

Depends on where you live but I switch from 10W30 to 5W30 in the winter time...I live in the Southern part of the U.S. and not in cold Canada.

Woody70 · Post by **Woody70** » 14 Oct 2008, 12:45

The car interior heating up and cooling down during the freezing weather means a lot of moisture on the door seals. Nothing like not being able to open your door because the seals are frozen to the door frame. Though not so much of a problem with newer cars because of the extra "wind-hushing" weather stripping, some older cars may suffer the problem. Silicone grease is a great thing to use as an "ointment" for the door seals. It repels water, is good for rubber and synthetics, and is not horrible for odor or getting all over your clothes if you use it sparingly. You might find it at the auto parts stores in a "cheeze-it" style squirt can labeled as "electronics grease" (best economically), or you can buy the small "plumbers silicone grease" at somewhere like Lowe's or Home Depot. Just smear it on lightly, let it sit for a bit then wipe off excess with a soft towel.

Post by **JRL** » 14 Oct 2008, 17:06

Woody70 wrote:. You might find it at the auto parts stores in a "cheeze-it" style squirt can labeled as "electronics grease" (best economically),.

I have several tubes of DOW coumpound #4, an dilectic, silicone, electrical grease.
Good to over 350 degrees high and -50 degrees low
Great stuff and very hard to find.
Your stuff sounds similar

Woody70 · Post by **Woody70** » 16 Oct 2008, 05:49

JRL wrote:
Woody70 wrote:. You might find it at the auto parts stores in a "cheeze-it" style squirt can labeled as "electronics grease" (best economically),.
I have several tubes of DOW coumpound #4, an dilectic, silicone, electrical grease.
Good to over 350 degrees high and -50 degrees low
Great stuff and very hard to find.
Your stuff sounds similar

Your stuff is a bit like Gold, you're right, very hard to find.

Post by **matthew1** » 24 Oct 2012, 23:04

Bump for timely advice, in the Northern Hemisphere anyway. First snow fell here in Denver tonight. I need to put on my new wheels (new to me) with meaty all-seasons. My Goodyear TripleTreds are just about done.

volvobaggen · Post by **volvobaggen** » 25 Oct 2012, 06:46

Yes, winter is definately here; Car is full of brine and snow after driving through a blizzard today.

Before winter arrives I do the folllowing:
1. Spray rear section of undercarriage with owatrol.
2. Clean, wax and polish the car.
3. Silicone on door rubber seals.
3. New engine oil and filter.

During winter I always have an extra battery in the trunk, snow chains, shovel, starter cables and towing line.