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Does this cold weather harm cars?

  • 03-12-2010 10:57am
    #1
    BlackWizard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭


    Just wondering if this cold spell would cause any harm to cars that are left out in it for a day or two. Any damage to pips or engine blocks from ice?

    If I have an old car sitting in the driveway should I turn it on every evening to defrost it?


Comments

  • #2
    Matt Simis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,718 ✭✭✭Matt Simis


    BlackWizard wrote: »
    Just wondering if this cold spell would cause any harm to cars that are left out in it for a day or two. Any damage to pips or engine blocks from ice?

    If I have an old car sitting in the driveway should I turn it on every evening to defrost it?

    Pipes and Engine block should be fine if its got enough anti-freeze in it (to at least -10 level). You can buy a tester for like 2.99 in Halfords.
    Also make sure your Windscreen and headlight washers have enough Cleaner Concentrate in them (ie put loads in so it helps melt ice too) so the water in them doesnt freeze. They can swell with ice and pop hoses off wipers etc.

    Ive been reading up on this too, the consensus is not to turn it on, idle then off every day, builds up condensation, melts ice and gets water further ingressed and engine heat never gets up to proper temp to vapourise it. Will also screw your battery.

    What you could do is drive it for 30min a day, though that might be a tad quick too.


  • #3
    Piri
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 225 ✭✭Piri


    BlackWizard wrote: »
    Just wondering if this cold spell would cause any harm to cars that are left out in it for a day or two. Any damage to pips or engine blocks from ice?

    If I have an old car sitting in the driveway should I turn it on every evening to

    defrost it?

    If you have proper antifreeze coolant , no problem
    In case of water in cooling system , replace asap


  • #4
    CarMuppet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 521 ✭✭✭CarMuppet


    Not really to be honest short term. Biggest problems with storing cars long term is aircon seals perishing, rubber tyres vulcanising and batteries decaying. Petrol left in tank for months may go stale and separate.

    To be honest when this cold weather is over we should all give the cars a good wash specially underneath to get rid of all tha corrosive salt! :(


  • #5
    MetzgerMeister
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,885 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    CarMuppet wrote: »
    To be honest when this cold weather is over we should all give the cars a good wash specially underneath to get rid of all tha corrosive salt! :(

    I do this every evening to stop any build up. The only annoying thing is having to put the hose in a sink of hot water to melt the ice then making sure the pressure washer isn't full of water afterwards even though it's kept indoors.


  • #6
    Matt Simis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,718 ✭✭✭Matt Simis


    Have a look at this video to see a -38c test and how its done by BMW circa 1989, prior to car launch, skip to 3:50 for the cold start test or 2:50 for the entire Winter testing:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9NbrW1MuT8


    Got to love that "ice blast" out the exhaust.


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  • #7
    keithzer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭keithzer


    Just went out to start my car and it wont. Its only sitting there since wednesday. I twist the key and it gives a clicking sound. Battery seems to be ok lights radio working ok its a Opel Astra 05 any ideas :confused:


  • #8
    WildOscar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 396 ✭✭WildOscar


    Matt Simis wrote: »
    . You can buy a tester for like 2.99 in Halfords.
    .
    that a tester to tell if enough anti freeze? this?
    says only suitable for one type of anti freeze. Is there one to test if you do not know what kind of anti freeze is in the car?


  • #9
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Matt Simis wrote: »
    Have a look at this video to see a -38c test and how its done by BMW circa 1989, prior to car launch, skip to 3:50 for the cold start test or 2:50 for the entire Winter testing

    LOL....the winter testing driving, and around the 6-minute mark - the RSA would have a fit if we all went and got winter tyres and drove like that ! :D

    hmmmmm.........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #10
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    keithzer wrote: »
    Just went out to start my car and it wont. Its only sitting there since wednesday. I twist the key and it gives a clicking sound. Battery seems to be ok lights radio working ok its a Opel Astra 05 any ideas :confused:
    It's the battery. It has enough juice for the lights but not for the starter - that clicking is the starter solenoid.


  • #11
    keithzer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭keithzer


    Anan1 wrote: »
    It's the battery. It has enough juice for the lights but not for the starter - that clicking is the starter solenoid.
    Cheers Mate


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  • #12
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    BlackWizard wrote: »
    If I have an old car sitting in the driveway should I turn it on every evening to defrost it?
    Not necessary.
    Last thread with reasons.


  • #13
    af_thefragile
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,171 ✭✭✭af_thefragile


    WildOscar wrote: »
    that a tester to tell if enough anti freeze? this?
    says only suitable for one type of anti freeze. Is there one to test if you do not know what kind of anti freeze is in the car?

    I should get one of those as well..

    I think my coolant is more like 95% water and 5% anti-freeze!


  • #14
    Dartz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,407 ✭✭✭Dartz


    On the other hand, it helps to know and make sure that your car will start before you actively *need* it to run.

    No using get a phonecall about some emergency and having to spend an hour dicking around clearing snow of a car that you absolutely needed an hour ago.

    Especially if you drive an '02 Renault Laguna.


  • #15
    WildOscar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 396 ✭✭WildOscar


    keithzer wrote: »
    Just went out to start my car and it wont. Its only sitting there since wednesday. I twist the key and it gives a clicking sound. Battery seems to be ok lights radio working ok its a Opel Astra 05 any ideas :confused:
    you will need a jump start or a power pack. good idea to carry a jump leads


  • #16
    keithzer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭keithzer


    WildOscar wrote: »
    you will need a jump start or a power pack. good idea to carry a jump leads
    THanks mate. I spent 2 hours digging my car out only to find it wont start :mad:


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