FabSwingers.com forum: Winter Prep On Your Car?

By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I put some chocolate and a blanket in the boot in case I get stuck.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I put some chocolate and a blanket in the boot in case I get stuck.

That's it for me too plus a pair of wellies x

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

Haha

It might just be me on here (as in the forum's) then

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

Normally, get ice axe and crampons in the van , snow chains shovel and winch, if lots of snow predicted I load skis , I pack extra gas for more coffee and warm oats x

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

Normally, get ice axe and crampons in the van , snow chains shovel and winch, if lots of snow predicted I load skis , I pack extra gas for more coffee and warm oats x"

So am guessing you already run winter tyres?

As if your in a place that cold, the glass sealants must be a must?

Helps with blocking ice on the glass (and makes any ice that does stick, easy to remove)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

I'm always interested in how people prepare for winter seeing as I'm from Canada. (We dont prepare here. Except for making sure we unplugged the car in the morning before driving off and pulling the extension cord down the street.)

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

We use alot of salt grit in this country, plays havoc with the paint work, suspension, etc etc

Plus we don't really have that bad a time with snow (in general) so most people don't use (or have heard of) winter tyre's.

We may get the odd winter (unless in the highlands for instance) where it drops to say -10, but for the most part, it may get to -5 for what we call a bad winter.

So no pre-heaters used (as said unless the highlands etc), and most people don't even cover the windscreen with the ice and just drive looking out of a letterbox sized hole in the ice

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By *aughtyandhandsomeMan
over a year ago

button moon

Wax oil the chassis. Need to do it soon really

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Erm. No

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By *aughtyandhandsomeMan
over a year ago

button moon

"Erm. No

That rear light fixed yet lol

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By *lex46TV/TS
over a year ago

Near Wells

I will check the anti freeze strength. I usually remember in December but its always been ok

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Erm. No

That rear light fixed yet lol"

Erm. No

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By *orwegian BlueMan
over a year ago

Iceland, but Aldi is closer..

I need to get some glasses...

I thought it read Winter prep your cat....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We use alot of salt grit in this country, plays havoc with the paint work, suspension, etc etc

Plus we don't really have that bad a time with snow (in general) so most people don't use (or have heard of) winter tyre's.

We may get the odd winter (unless in the highlands for instance) where it drops to say -10, but for the most part, it may get to -5 for what we call a bad winter.

So no pre-heaters used (as said unless the highlands etc), and most people don't even cover the windscreen with the ice and just drive looking out of a letterbox sized hole in the ice

Hey once I get a letterbox size fairly clear window on my windshield I'm good to go.

Where I'm from we arent allowed to use pure salt on the roads because of the rusting, it's sanding mix gravel with sodium or calcium chloride in very minute amounts. *I think 97 percent gravel to 3 percent calcium chloride. As well, once you hit the mountains if you dont have chains you arent allowed travel.

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

I think we need to change the law re: winter tyres.

As soon as temp hits 3 for more than 3 days in a row, then winter tyres have to be fitted.

All that grime (from the salt etc) will over time destroy your paintwork, hence the fk1000p (also good on alloys) that and keeping it (or at least trying too) clean and shiny is good!

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Come winter I say ‘start, you bastard’ and give it a damn good thrashing if it doesn’t.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Come winter I say ‘start, you bastard’ and give it a damn good thrashing if it doesn’t. "

Yes that’s my prepping method too

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By *isaB45Woman
over a year ago

Fabville

I have winter tyres, and always have a blanket, fleece, shovel and water.

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By *isaB45Woman
over a year ago

Fabville

"Come winter I say ‘start, you bastard’ and give it a damn good thrashing if it doesn’t. "

Can I be your car!

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

A slightly sprinkling of snow and the whole of Brighton grinds to a halt. Snow on the beach is pretty weird though.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

Normally, get ice axe and crampons in the van , snow chains shovel and winch, if lots of snow predicted I load skis , I pack extra gas for more coffee and warm oats x

So am guessing you already run winter tyres?

As if your in a place that cold, the glass sealants must be a must?

Helps with blocking ice on the glass (and makes any ice that does stick, easy to remove)

I run winter all year , carry 2 spares

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By *ribsaMan
over a year ago

A box at end of your bed

I buy a tin of de-icer and put my gloves in the boot .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think we need to change the law re: winter tyres.

As soon as temp hits 3 for more than 3 days in a row, then winter tyres have to be fitted.

All that grime (from the salt etc) will over time destroy your paintwork, hence the fk1000p (also good on alloys) that and keeping it (or at least trying too) clean and shiny is good!

Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wax oiled underneath

Rotated tyres,front to back,only done 13k miles on them,changed glow plugs,were still ok but easier change now 120k miles than mid Winter

Winter screen wash

De icer,scraper,cloths

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By *eeperscreepersMan
over a year ago

Tipp

"Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice. "

The flip side of that though is you can be the best driver in the world with a car with all the bells and whistles, if you don't have decent tyres you have no hope.

I won't run snow tyres myself but I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to be great in all conditions.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't do anything. Just press the ice breaker button on an icy morning and the front window is clear in seconds.

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By *he Ring WraithMan
over a year ago

Bradford

Avon dual purpose tyres front and rear; shovel, water proofs, hi viz jacket, bag of salt, several bottles of water, some choccy bars (if I resist eating them); cereal bars and a warm jacket !

and yes I have been stuck at tebay services for two days in the past !

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

"Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice.

The flip side of that though is you can be the best driver in the world with a car with all the bells and whistles, if you don't have decent tyres you have no hope.

I won't run snow tyres myself but I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to be great in all conditions."

I've ran them myself last year, very good in the rain on the motorway.

Running valken this year, but thinking since I live near a motorway and a bus lane (so gets gritted) either cross climates or put some winters on my spare alloys.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can winter tyres be used all year round?

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By *raceytvcdTV/TS
over a year ago

mansfield

"Come winter I say ‘start, you bastard’ and give it a damn good thrashing if it doesn’t. "
come winter i say dont 'start you bastard, so I can go and get back into bed

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By *lymDrewMan
over a year ago

plymouth

I've only washed mine once in the last year, what are these sealants and paintwork protectors you speak of?

When I took my previous van in for it's first service they cheeky sods washed it... I was most upset.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice.

The flip side of that though is you can be the best driver in the world with a car with all the bells and whistles, if you don't have decent tyres you have no hope.

I won't run snow tyres myself but I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to be great in all conditions."

Like I said, it's all in your own experience and how you adapt. Winter tires wont save you - it's considered as part of the bells and whistles where I come from.

We put more effort into snow removal and having excellent winter boots and gloves.

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By *ady LickWoman
over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere

I will buy 2 tins of de icer, put a couple of blankets and my wellies in the boot.

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By *eeperscreepersMan
over a year ago

Tipp

"Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice.

The flip side of that though is you can be the best driver in the world with a car with all the bells and whistles, if you don't have decent tyres you have no hope.

I won't run snow tyres myself but I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to be great in all conditions.

Like I said, it's all in your own experience and how you adapt. Winter tires wont save you - it's considered as part of the bells and whistles where I come from.

We put more effort into snow removal and having excellent winter boots and gloves. "

Yeah I'd imagine ye get way more extreme snow than us over here

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yeah I'd imagine ye get way more extreme snow than us over here"

I think it's just interesting how people prepare. It's more amusing to watch them in the southern states when they get hit by an inch of snow.

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By *rincessvenusCouple
over a year ago

Hull

we hate those twats that still think they can drive as normal in shit weather

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Can winter tyres be used all year round? "

No ,wear out faster,unless we get another 'beast from the east',and then more likely to get stuck due to other people,four seasons best bet for year round

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Can winter tyres be used all year round?

No ,wear out faster,unless we get another 'beast from the east',and then more likely to get stuck due to other people,four seasons best bet for year round "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

I check the coolant to see if it needs replacing.

Wax the car with fusso coat as I’m not into sealant but it works well. Also wax the door shuts.

I do use glass sealant all round.

I normally give my cars a quick look over monthly just so I know what the condition is.

Handy to know especially when a cheeky garage tells you that there’s something leaking when you know there isn’t.

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By *tew008Man
over a year ago

edinburgh

"Its all in how people can adapt to conditions and experience, how to use your ABS and how to manage yourself on bad roads. Tires help but wont save you if you don't know how to manage it on ice.

The flip side of that though is you can be the best driver in the world with a car with all the bells and whistles, if you don't have decent tyres you have no hope.

I won't run snow tyres myself but I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3s to be great in all conditions.

Like I said, it's all in your own experience and how you adapt. Winter tires wont save you - it's considered as part of the bells and whistles where I come from.

We put more effort into snow removal and having excellent winter boots and gloves. "

Knowing how to drive in bad weather conditions is the best preparation.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Weather is getting worse now, so I put a phone charger in my car and Box of tissues

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Weather is getting worse now, so I put a phone charger in my car and Box of tissues "

Box of tissues??!

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I turn the little dial away from the blue section into the red section.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Come winter I say ‘start, you bastard’ and give it a damn good thrashing if it doesn’t. come winter i say dont 'start you bastard, so I can go and get back into bed

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Weather is getting worse now, so I put a phone charger in my car and Box of tissues

Box of tissues??!

Because you never know when you need to clean up

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

I check the coolant to see if it needs replacing.

Wax the car with fusso coat as I’m not into sealant but it works well. Also wax the door shuts.

I do use glass sealant all round.

I normally give my cars a quick look over monthly just so I know what the condition is.

Handy to know especially when a cheeky garage tells you that there’s something leaking when you know there isn’t.

Fusso is a sealant. It's a paste sealant.

This is where we go all Detailing World haha

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A whole new world is opening up before me..

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By *Man1263 OP Man
over a year ago

Stockport

"A whole new world is opening up before me.."

Then run away whilst you can!

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

"So, who does a Winter Prep on their car?

As in a more chemical resistant wax for the winter month's?

As we know, the car's paintwork will get hit harder with the grim from the road, salt when they start gritting etc

I know it's a bit OCD, but I need to be getting FK1000p done before the weather really gets cold!

I have to get the glass sealant on the windscreen, rear and side's hopefully this weekend if the weather holds!

Anyone else?

It doesn't matter how cold it gets, I keep pushing the pedals and the bike starts moving.

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Turned the heaters on and traction control off

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Collinite wax is what I use over the paint and glass.

Also cover all the hard brake lines with LM grease and use a spray wax on the underside

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My vehicle paintwork is protected for the winter with a good layer of dust and road grime.

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By *den-Valley-coupleCouple
over a year ago

Cumbria

Best winter driving preparation is don't drive like a dick.

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By *arlomaleMan
over a year ago

darlington

I used to cram my boot full with bags of sand to give me more grip in the ice and snow people probably wondered why I put my shopping on the back seat

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve knitted our car a cardie

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By *eoeclipseWoman
over a year ago

glasgow

""Yeah I'd imagine ye get way more extreme snow than us over here"

I think it's just interesting how people prepare. It's more amusing to watch them in the southern states when they get hit by an inch of snow. "

You'll enjoy it here then!

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By *ge_load_ladMan
over a year ago

NW & Mids

"We use alot of salt grit in this country, plays havoc with the paint work, suspension, etc etc

Plus we don't really have that bad a time with snow (in general) so most people don't use (or have heard of) winter tyre's.

We may get the odd winter (unless in the highlands for instance) where it drops to say -10, but for the most part, it may get to -5 for what we call a bad winter.

So no pre-heaters used (as said unless the highlands etc), and most people don't even cover the windscreen with the ice and just drive looking out of a letterbox sized hole in the ice

OP I feel your "general" comment of "most" people is maybe a bit in accurate IMO.

I have driven 4x4's for years and currently have two, and drive all year on M&S rated tyres. 1 is on Michelin Cross Climates.

Im a member of a couple of 4x4 clubs and everything you mention is bread and butter stuff. You will find most 4x4 owners with have some / all of the below on board ALL year round

I carry:

Winter / M&S tyres

Heated front screen on both trucks including a 1990 truck

First aid kit & 3x spare foil blankets

Spade

Jump leads

serveral recovery straps and shackles

Waffle boards

2 x warm hi Vis jackets

CB radio

Walkie talkies

Torch and head torch spare batteries

Always have snacks and bottled water onboard anyway, but when the temp drops to zero always chuck a flask of hot water on board and extra food

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By *ge_load_ladMan
over a year ago

NW & Mids

Oh OP see your prof says your Stockport Im based in the NW too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I put some chocolate and a blanket in the boot in case I get stuck.

That's it for me too plus a pair of wellies x"

And a snow shovel as it gets colder! You know in case

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By *ordo320Man
over a year ago

Gatwick

More of a simple one as I keep my car well maintained so don’t need to do too much to it really.

In early Nov I make sure my winter wheels and tyres have been switched on and the screen wash has been strengthened for winter so it doesn’t freeze. I will give it a good wash and two or three coats of a good wax or sealant. Something such as Fusso soft. That way it can be kept looking good with just a regular wash and wipe over with a good quick detailer. I hate waxing a car in the winter months. If it’s even warm enough to do so!!

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By *ordo320Man
over a year ago

Gatwick

Ps,

I also make sure that my old down snowboarding coat is in the boot along with a blanket just in case I break down. It’s horrible being on the M6 at 2am when it’s wet and below freezing while waiting for the AA. Been there, got the t shirt and don’t want to repeat it!!!

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By *htcMan
over a year ago

Nothing, same as all year round just the normal checks when washing.

quick de-ice buttons only takes a few seconds to minutes depending on the amount of ice, only need to do the two side windows and the front/rear is usually done by then, done before the neighbours who started before me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wax you say......

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By *ge_load_ladMan
over a year ago

NW & Mids

"Ps,

I share your pain (partially) 5 and half hours on the side of the M6 waiting for our recovery friends.

But was already wearing my cold weather gear so just had to put gloves had and Gortex Hi viz coat on so the winter weather wasn't an issue. The

Flask of water for the pot noodle, cup o soups and coffee with the crisp n biccies n chocky bars helped with moral

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