Winterization???

make sure your ww fluid is freeze proof. snow tyres if you must get to work in any event. block heater, or remote starter if you like it toasty warm when you climb in. grille blocking for faster warm up and maintain temp more easily.

 

-4°F on the drive home this evening. It was no big deal, when properly dressed.

As for the Prius, none of my winters here in Minnesota have had any winterization beyond just blocking the grille. It's $2 and 20 minutes worth of work that quickly pays for itself. The purpose is to help retain heat. That's important for both keeping the MPG from dropping too much and for keeping the cabin warm.

If you're going to be living in a metro area (like the Twin Cities), there's no need for winter tires. I don't know anyone around here who uses them. It's the all-season type for us. Just ensure there's a decent amount of tread on the them.

 

coolant is protected everywhere, afaik.

 

All I had to do was change my tires and make sure I had non-freezing windshield washer fluid.

 

"No need" is a subjective term. Everyone has the right to do their own risk-assessment where their own interests are concerned, but that one day when your tires fail you, it might have been well worth the investment of winter tires.

I've driven on all-season tires year-round for many years, but what changed my mind were a few close-calls which magnified the difference (in my mind) between poor traction on ice and better traction on ice.

 

main thing is get a set of good snow tires, consumer reports and tire rack are good references. likewise check antifreeze temerature condition, cheap specific gravity and adjust as needed. yes windshield washer fluid as well as windshield wipers. make sure you have good scraper to remove ice.
make sure your oil is 20W synthetic, remote starter perhaps.and perhaps a windsield cover at nite to avoid cleaning ww and windows.
personally, I block part of my grill to avoid overcooling. split pipe insulation pieces work great.
good luck.

 

All I had to do was change my tires and make sure I had non-freezing windshield washer fluid.

Blocking the radiator, plugging in the block-heater, putting on tire-chains; these are all extreme measures which I rarely have to consider.

 

buy some gortex.

 

I want to add my vote for snow tires. Have had separate tires and rims for our last two vehicles (one a Civic and one a non-Prius hybrid) and will be getting some for our new C before next winter. Advantages include a longer tire life for your summer treads and more importantly—providing that extra traction when you really wish you had it. Standard "eco-tires" are built for excellent mileage, but don't offer a lot of confidence (or traction) when the snow starts falling.

 

Snow tires don't cost that much. Mainly the cost of extra rims, say $300 all-in, for extra steel rims. But the extra tires don't really cost: they extend the life of your regular tires. Plus, your precious alloys are off the car through winter, keeps them in better shape, and you can polish them up.

 

I vote for ice-tires. Snow is a problem, but the real risk in my opinion, is losing traction on ice.

 

Need means if you don't have them, you won't make it home or up the hill or across the driveway. That's a clear measure without opinion.

This evening, we had that really light snow with just a touch of moisture. It's great for skiing, not so great for commutes. I got home without any issue. Need fulfilled.

Wanting more is perfectly fine, but that's different.

 

John, issues come in many forms, not just whether or not you got home. Your stopping distance, and all sorts of maneuvering, will be worse with an all season than a snow. Even on bare roads, any time temps are below +7C.

 

I consider such "needs" to be part of a risk-management strategy. I'm betting they could save my life some day.

 

I don't consider it good or bad, but the risks have to be balanced against the need. For example, if the roads were icy, and I were driving through the mountains to go shopping, I'd probably call it off. However, if for example, I were going to my daughter's wedding, I would probably take the risk.