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While 14 billion dollars American auto bailout collapsed last Thursday, there is no any good news for automotive industry in 2008 Christmas holiday season. However, people’s lives rely on cars, especially over here in Fort McMurray. Without vehicles, I cannot imagine how to survive at -35C. I just summarize a few personnel experiences related to vehicle maintenance and safety as follows, and hope everybody can go through this harsh winter smoothly.
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6 F2 I7 k2 C: Z, e1. Synthetic engine oil is critical, especially for older cars using 10W-30 grade. Synthetic oil has better performance to cold start at extremely low temperature.
5 b+ ?3 a8 X/ Q- N6 l9 l. z4 ]4 y2. Snow tire is recommended, but new all-season tire is still OK here. The key is to control your speed and keep the space. Don’t trust the advertisement on TV since no any tire can stop your car on the ice with 80 km/h speed. Tire pressure should be set around the specified number, which can be got from tire itself or suppliers. Either of too high or too low will lose tire stability.
% b, h8 R+ E8 U1 @0 `% a7 ?% Z3. Spare coolant and windshield washer fluid should be kept in the vehicle all the time.
& |, S; `) Q8 z) ^4. Coolant should not freeze at -40C. Check coolant blending ratio from service manual if you change it yourself.5 T0 ?, C% W# Z+ f& y+ v
5. Block heater should be plugged in at -25C or lower, especially for those who are not sure what his coolant freezing point is. However, it is not recommended to plug in all the time at warmer temperature because the seal will be damaged by the heat and coolant leak repair will cost you a lot of money and time. M! S& x' A0 J& j. r W; C
6. All windows must be well cleaned before driving including side mirrors.
" l4 t2 i* n/ M) B5 x, H7. Gentle acceleration will save your money, transmission and power train gears, etc.6 a* [! b3 V/ p/ B7 Y0 Z
8. Do not drive if it is not necessary.
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: P* ~$ |2 t+ l9 _7 i: B% q2 TI have to type English because I don’t have handy Chinese wording system in my computer. Hope this post can provide a little helps. 7 S: \7 i! J& X# b" E8 o
: Q/ W6 g1 e6 J" HPlease share your experiences or comments with us!!! |
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