Getting Ready for winter

midnighthunder89 · Post by **midnighthunder89** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:14 am

Hello, This is my first winter with the vibe and i was wondering what people did differently during the snowy winters. I know about snow tires and steel rims, but does anyone have a cover for the grill to help the car heat faster? Is there any other things done to vibes during the winter?Thanks

dinkers123 · Post by **dinkers123** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:02 am

If your concerned with getting the engine heated up faster you might want to consider a block heater. It would also probably be a good idea to do a good wash,clay, and wax before winter.

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:01 am

Ahh yes....block heaters! I clearly remember plugging my car in on those frigid nights in Duluth MN.

djkeev · Post by **djkeev** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:18 am

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 Â»Hello, This is my first winter with the vibe and i was wondering what people did differently during the snowy winters.......ThanksThe usual, don't speed, don't tailgate on ice, plan ahead, if it looks like you might get stuck before you pull in......don't!I like the winter wiper blades that don't get so crusty.Warming up really isn't an issue with mine, it warms up quite quickly.If you don't like that AC running when you defrost, you might consider bypassing it so it only works on the AC button.I'm also partial to the winter windshield washer mixes that also deice.Don't park in the winter after a run and put on your parking brake!!!!Seat heater mod.Winter, slush catching floor mats.Dave

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:16 am

I've never had a car warm up as fast as this Vibe.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:01 am

You are in Houghton a lot due to school correct? Like others have stated, a block heater would be the way to go!

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:17 am

I just bought this oil pan heater for my escape because I didnt want to install a block heater in case it leaked. This well read the directions its super easy and has worked great so far. Install doesnt require any real tools. http://www.engineheaters.com/

midnighthunder89 · Post by **midnighthunder89** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:12 pm

Thanks all I noticed the vibe does warm up pretty quick I was just curious if people used the grill blocks. I let the car warm up to temp before I go anywhere. We finally are starting to get snow. I just wished we would have the same amount as other years, If the snow decides to not fall as much this year it is going to be a long year.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:15 pm

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 Â»Thanks all I noticed the vibe does warm up pretty quick I was just curious if people used the grill blocks. I let the car warm up to temp before I go anywhere. We finally are starting to get snow. I just wished we would have the same amount as other years, If the snow decides to not fall as much this year it is going to be a long year. I am going to look into a Block Heater for the 2.4L Engine. I guess it is back to the Toyota Dealer here in the next week or so for me! I will post what I find and a part number hopefully.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 2:16 am

The covers you see in the winter aren't made to help the car heat faster... the coolant thermostat handles all of that by blocking flow until the coolant reaches a designated temp.. It's typically used on big rigs to cover the HUGE radiator... They have so much cooling ability that in the winter, they can OVER cool the motor.. This isn't an issues for 99% of the cars/trucks on the road as they aren't designed to haul super heavy loads.. It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to place 1-200lbs of sand/salt/corn/anything to make weight in the back.. it really helps calm things down in the back in the winter on the highway.. AND, if something should go wrong, you have traction aids.. Keeping the usual blanket, ice scraper, ice melter, gloves....ect in an emergency bag is always good.. maybe a tow strap (and know where your toe hooks are)Ice melter window wash.. an extra gallon somewhere... Winter wiper blades.. I always do winter/summer blades... keeps them fresh too.. lots of things..

midnighthunder89 · Post by **midnighthunder89** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:11 am

Thanks I really didn't know the point of them I see them around here all the time. As for the tow hooks do you know where they are on the 2010 vibes? I have everything else. After my experience of hitting a deer and having to sit in my van for over an hour waiting for a tow, i always am prepared for that again. One thing I will miss with the vibe is the lack of ability to tow stuck people.

djkeev · Post by **djkeev** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:59 am

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 Â»...... One thing I will miss with the vibe is the lack of ability to tow stuck people.Alas, it's not WHAT you drive, it is HOW you drive it. I lived for years in an area of Pennsylvania where the winters were harsh and long. I can not tell you over those 15 years that I drove a 2 wheel drive vehicle, mostly a Ford Ranger PU, how many idiots I helped get out of bad situations. Most of these idiots were driving 4x4's that they had no clue how to drive. Stuck in a ditch by the road, stuck in a snow bank, spun out, whatever. A properly driven 2wd will outperform any poorly driven 4wd on the road! Yes, I have very strong opinions about 4x4's and the people who shouldn't be driving them that do so!!Dave

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:32 am

4X4's give poorly skilled winter drivers the ability to get way farther into big trouble than a 2 wheel drive vehicle could ever hope to.

Getting Ready for winter

Getting Ready for winter

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