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Cold-Weather Comfort

Weathering winter while you drive

Cold is relative. To prove that little axiom, tune into the SuperBowl when (and if) the Green Bay Packers are playing in a warm-winter stadium, like the Qualcom in San Diego. January temperatures have plummeted to the '60s and the Cheeseheads are doing tailgate parties in tank tops and shorts while the natives are bundled up in parkas and earmuffs.

Cold Facts

Here's another, equally true, axiom for folks who find themselves in a cold climate for the first time and have to drive in it: You can survive winter and, believe it or not, almost enjoy it. To find out how, here are some tips to help you get past the shock of sub-freezing or even sub-zero temperatures and serious snowfall. For those drivers accustomed to cold climates, a lot of this information is simply common sense. But if winter temperatures and deep drifts are not "common" occurrences in your driving experience, it'll be as fresh as a new blanket of snow.

We should note that we're not talking about the occasional few inches of snow that melts as soon as the sun hits it, or that news-making freeze that brings the Southeast or even parts of Florida and Southern California to a near stand-still once in a while. We're talking about mountain snowstorms that can dump several feet of snow in one blast, or the "common" winters that hit the northern states every year. We're talking about super-sized winter weather that natives of those regions have adapted to and function in as a way of life.

Cold-Temp Tips

> Before winter sets in, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. If your car battery is close to the end of its life expectancy, have it checked and consider a replacement. There are cold-starters, especially designed for diesel engines, but in most cases a good battery will get your gas fueled vehicle up and running through the winter.

> Put together a supply of automotive accessories for de-icing and de-snowing your vehicle. While you're at it, consider a winter kit for your vehicle and a duplicate to keep in your home. There's nothing more frustrating than having your only snow shovel in your car's trunk leaving you with nothing but a soup ladle to excavate your vehicle from a six-foot snowfall.

> Items for a winter kit are best purchased at an auto parts store located in a heavy snowfall area (these should include shovels, ice scrapers, heavy gloves, and kitty litter or other materials to help gain traction). In other words, if you're moving from Florida to Minnesota, forget about finding an adequate ice scraper before the move. Regarding snow shovels, use the metal scoop style for your driveway and the plastic scoop style for getting the snow off or away from your auto. The plastic model can't handle as heavy a load of nice wet snow as the metal variety, but it won't damage your auto if you're overly aggressive de-snowing your hood.

> Check out your garage layout. If it's positioned at the end of a long driveway, that stretch of pavement will have to be de-snowed quickly if you expect to get to work the morning after your first snowfall. Consider getting a snow blower. Also, evaluate your garage door. If it's the type that folds straight up, you're in luck. If the garage door is an older style that opens out and up in one piece, it's not going to be able to open out against waist-deep snow. It's not uncommon for real-winter residents to park their daily-drive at the base of the driveway, whether they've got a garage or not, to make quick getaways easier through the winter.

> Don't assume your truck or SUV is invincible in deep drifts. Yes, 4x4s can plow through fresh snow much better than a 2WD vehicle, but there's a limit to the depth a 4x4 can handle. Deep snow is almost as effective as a brick wall in bringing your auto to a complete standstill. Mountain residents know full well that some snowfalls require chains even on a 4x4, so 4WD isn't the final answer to winter snows.

> Don't waste valuable warm-up time de-snowing and de-icing your auto. Turn over the engine (after making sure the tailpipe is clear) and flip on the defroster while you work to free your car. The defroster will melt away the layer of ice and/or snow against the windshield, allowing you to whisk it off in one big layer. If your car has been sitting under snow for a day, especially if the sun has emerged after the snowfall, you really need to start up the defroster. The vehicle's metal may have been warmed by the sun, even under the snow. That means the softened snow/ice then freezes up again, creating a doubly gnarly ice mess. Another reason to start and warm up the engine is that when you're ready to drive away your heater will be able to deliver nice toasty-warm air into the passenger compartment. There's nothing more discouraging on a cold day than turning on the heater before the engine has had a chance to warm up and then getting hit with a blast of cold air.

> If you want to keep your vehicle's carpets in condition throughout winter, look into rubberized floor mats with deep lips around the edges. The snow that has packed onto your shoes will melt and seep over flat mats. Carpet liners with built-up sides will keep the mess away from the carpet and can be pulled out and whisked off once you reach your destination.

> Dress in layers. This is not a fashion statement, but a truly functional piece of advice. Your snow-clearing wardrobe has to be warm and relatively waterproof. On the other hand, your driving outfit has to include shoes that aren't so massive that you hit both the brake and gas when your big foot goes for the pedals. You'll also need clothing that can be adapted to rapidly changing temperatures. You can keep on that Michelin-man look until the vehicle temperature or the day warms up, but being too warm and too bundled up can lead to a very strong urge to take a nap. The best alert-driving arrangement is to be just a little cooler than comfortable. This could involve switching the heater off and on to maintain the right temperature as well as stripping off or adding layers of coats and sweaters.

> Consider some heavy-duty solutions, such as seat warmers, if you're especially vulnerable to cold. And don't forget that travel mug full of a hot drink and a perhaps a snack to go with it.

One more word of encouragement for winter driving comfort: winter is just one season—technically only three months long. Spring will come, eventually, and then summer, when you'll have to deal with a whole new set of comfort issues. In the meantime, stay warm and dry.