need tips for coming winter

[classic 0]

I live in New Jersey. I came from a tropical country and I have some questions (some of which sound so stupid), but well, what are forums for?

1. What liquids can I leave inside my car overnight in freezing temperatures? Are canned sodas and bottled (like Poland) water safe? Do water-filled bottles break when they turn to ice?

2. What about electronic gadgets like cellphones, Nintendo DS or gameboy, or cameras? Is it safe to leave them in the car overnight in winter?

3. I put Penzoil 10W-30W high mileage oil in my pre-owned 1993 Honda Accord car (126,000 mileage). Is this ok for the winter, or should I have placed 5W-30W? So far I dont have any problems...

I didnt have to worry about these things in my country back then.. Thanks!!!

[rebeccajo 14]

Your motor oil sounds fine.

If your car isn't in a garage, expect stuff to freeze. And possibly burst.

I never leave portable electronics in my car if for no other reason than I don't want the car broken into. Winter or summer.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

yes, your oil should be fine. Depending on how cold it gets overnight cans of soda or bottles of water can freeze and then burst or start to leak when they begin to thaw - but not always. It will depend on how cold it is and for how long. Devices that require batteries may not work until they have warmed up but shouldn't come to any harm being left in the cold. You may want to put together a winter emergency kit to carry in the trunk of your car. Include extra warm socks, extra hat, extra mittens, a blanket, some packets of chocolate or dried fruit, matches, emergency candles, a tin mug (to melt snow over a candle for drinking water if marooned in snow), some 'hot hands' packages that get warm when opened or shaken and last for 4 to 6 hours), a bag of plain kitty litter (to sprinkle over ice and give car tires some traction), and make sure you have something with which to shovel. You will probably never ever need any of these items (except the snow shovel) but if you do get stuck somewhere, you will appreciate having them available. Jumper cables are also a very good thing to have, as well as a good ice scraper with a brush on it. Enjoy the winter:-).

Edited January 3, 2007 by Kathryn41

[Heartland 0]

Welcome to the USA,

1) all liquids freeze at 32'f, all but alcohol. If the bottles are filled too much they will burst as there is no room for expansion.

2) Electronics should not be left in the car if possible. It is hard on them when you turn them on and they warm up (this comes from my Uncle an EE)

3) Havnt a clue about the oil... I know you have to change it per car booklet, and the oil light is not a suggestion...LOL!

Wendy

PS You loose most of your body heat thru the top of your head.... dress warm and in layers!

live in New Jersey. I came from a tropical country and I have some questions (some of which sound so stupid), but well, what are forums for?

1. What liquids can I leave inside my car overnight in freezing temperatures? Are canned sodas and bottled (like Poland) water safe? Do water-filled bottles break when they turn to ice?

2. What about electronic gadgets like cellphones, Nintendo DS or gameboy, or cameras? Is it safe to leave them in the car overnight in winter?

3. I put Penzoil 10W-30W high mileage oil in my pre-owned 1993 Honda Accord car (126,000 mileage). Is this ok for the winter, or should I have placed 5W-30W? So far I dont have any problems...

I didnt have to worry about these things in my country back then.. Thanks!!!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Follow the cars owner manual for oil recomendations, 10W30 should be fine, but go by the book. Carry an emergency kit in the car, ie jumper cables, thermal blankets, candles, matches, etc. Just use regular cat litter, there are some cat litters that state right no the bag, not ment for traction!! Yeppers liquids like water will freeze and burst. If you have any cleaning supplies that are liquid best to take them out as well. I have found that armor all, once frozen doesnt work as well after thawed. Have an ice scrapper. See soo many idiots driving around that can not see out all windows. When roads are icey, slow down and increase distance between car lengths!! Electronics and cold do not go well together. I live in the DC area, and the temps barely get below freezing. Used to live in Northern Canada, and it gets cold,lol. I wear shorts all yr round here, lol Best of luck