What do you guys do to get ready for winter?

[timw4mail]

It's time to switch to winter tires/wheels. Beyond that, I just plan for more car washes (because salt).

Anyone swap out to winter windshield wipers? I like to do that, but I usually just run them year round.

I generally wait for a deal before getting new wipers... and favor the beam or hybrid blades over the cheapest kind (like included with the car).

[Daox]

I've had pretty good luck with Anco brand. They're not expensive, do a good job, and last a good amount of time.

ANCO 30-24 Winter Wiper Blade - 24"
ANCO 30-16 Winter Wiper Blade - 16"


They do offer them in the beam style as well for not much extra.

ANCO WX-24-UB Winter Extreme Beam Wiper Blade - 24"
ANCO WX-16-UB Winter Extreme Beam Wiper Blade - 16"

[Daox]

I've been thinking more about this, and something we haven't mentioned yet is cabin air filters. Now would be much easier to change that filter out vs in the middle of winter.

Amazon has a good selection of filters for the Mirage. Their prices range from about $10 shipped to $20 for a fancy AC Delco filter.

[nickels]

New wipers. Add methanol to the washer mix. Winter tires. Uncap and dig out the block heater. Refurbish my interior squeegee (because my defrost does jack ****). Once it gets near freezing I drop from 42psi to 30 and toss the chains in the trunk.

[Daox]

Dropping tire pressure. Nice trick for some added snow traction.

[Daox]

I am pretty sure I am going to try out a quick and dirty warm air intake on the Mirage this winter. I think its worth the time to throw one together based off the awesome info fifteenwindow has put together.

Warm Air Intake

I am really waiting to see Top Fuel's new WAI design though...

[Vlad the Impaler]

I'm from Fort Saint John, Northern British Columbia. we have -20 C already and had 30 cm of snow. I have original tires with 40 k on them. 4 mm of tread left, the law allows 3,5 mm. My wheels are spinning but I'm surprized that the car goes pretty strong. Will change tires next September for some winter ones.
Other than that did nothing, only fuel consuption went high to 12 L / 100 km in town. I use only winter washer fluid.

[Vlad the Impaler]

by the way - I had only one mirage for the whole town, now I saw another one. Could not talk to the owner though, it's an old lady )

[Pryme]

Temps in MN have already been single digits. It was 9deg F the other morning when I left the house. With a windchill a bit below 0. Ridiculous for the first part of November.

I never run that cheap blue washer fluid. It says -20 F. Good one!!! Ive had that junk freeze above zero.

I run the deicer fluid in winter and the bug fluid in the summer.

That's about it. I would get winter tires if it was my only car but I have a TRD Tundra for the nasty days.

[Timinator]

Well...in my area we trade short sleeves for long sleeves...and start the car with full heater 5 minuets before leaving haha

God forbid we freeze in 40°F temperatures...