Preparing for sub-zero driving...

Being from Arkansas that really doesn't happen. I have to go get my son in Madison WI next week.

By the way UW and Madison.... what a beautiful place. Great people, great food!

I'm thinking of draining the washer fluid and making sure what ever I replace it will take the cold...

BUT is there anything else I need to be concerned with?

Thanks for the time.

 

tire pressures...check fluid levels...get your battery checked. most everything here in the states is ok. If you lived in Alaska you'd need a block heater.

 

Clean and Rain-X the windshield so that snow and ice come off easier and have a great trip! Edit: and maybe some one piece beam style wiper blades (if you have the open metal frames) that won't freeze up solid

 

I'm sold on Rain-X. I ALWAYS use their washer fluid. Just haven't replaced it yet from the factory fill. I was going to check the temp range first... but I was going to refill with that.

Thanks for the time.

 

Warm blankets water just in case you get stuck in an accident

 

I am a little worried about your tires, though. It would be nice if you could borrow a set of snow tires (or something a little more aggressive)

 

Put some weight in the back end for better traction.

If you get in to slippery conditions, test traction every once in a while by a quick stab of the brakes. I mean in a straight line with no one behind you. Quickly apply and release moderate brake force. If the abs goes off....you know to slow down and be careful. If it doesnt....you know that you are OK to drive a bit more quickly. Conditions can change within a few miles, so pay attention. 4wd gets you going and masks the slippery conditions.....but it won't help brake.

 

Windshield washer fluid if you get premixed 1 gal jug. Make sure it's rated -25 below zero. (Currently about zero in wi) doing that truck should be fine for cold should. If you have fwd is good. Wouldn't hurt to have a set of jumper cables, a shovel, warm clothes gloves and boots in case you get stuck/ break down. It can take hours to get help if your in a blizzard, and break down, or road closed because of accidents. tow trucks get backed up. Having lived in wi for 60+ yrs And a retired over the road truck driver, I have seen a lot of things happen. JMHO.

 

I grew up 10 minutes north of Madison, and went to UW Madison. All the above tips are good. Stop at DLUX on the square for a burger while you're there.

 

YES.... And I have fallen in love with Dottie's for burgers too. Their fish fry on Friday is the best along with the tarter sauce and it's always about the tarter sauce. For some reason, burgers in WI are special. If I could figure out how to make a living there AND pay your taxes I'd move. Simply a beautiful place. Actually been looking at Black Earth or Sauk City

Thanks so much guys. Was bringing a jumper box already but the shovel... I din't think of that.

What about extra weight in the bed over the wheels??

 

Sorry this came in as was typing....

 

its been mentioned, but worth a repeat... bring a shovel.

just drive slow. your truck is more than capable. you'll see honda civics driving around just fine.

 

Go to your local Home Depot/Lowes/whatever and grab a couple of the tubes of sand. An extra 150# over the back axle will help keep you planted and will also offer some extra traction if you get stuck on some ice.

 

I had a bad experience with rain-x leaving a nasty film on my previous car. I use this method instead:

https://youtu.be/vJkfrY2owb0

 

Thanks everyone for the time. I do appreciate it

Let alone Subaru's... They have Subie dealerships bigger than Chevy in the south. That has to be one of the most secure rides I have ever driven in snow. Their AWD is crazy.

I never use straight up rainex... Using the washer fluid is kind of a light version of a straight rainex coat. Straight rainex is so hydrophobic you can't even use the wipers without a heavy rain.

And to your video... I should look it up here. there is a guy that uses extra fine steel wool on his windshields. Technically bar for XF steel wool is a whole lot softer than a windshield. I don't think i'm there yet for that one.

 

If it were a diesel, I would be telling you to leave with a partially empty tank, and fuel up on arrival in the north. In the winter, northern states, and Canada put additives in diesel fuel to prevent gelling... diesel fuel will literally turn to a gel at very cold temps! Gasoline too has some additives for winter, but it's not as critical, but I would still plan to refuel at destination. Actually experienced this ourselves when driving from the very southern end of North Carolina to Ottawa in September and ran into severe cold, unseasonably cold weather. But it was not the car that got the shock... it was I, who left the Carolinas in 90 degree weather only to get out of the car in upstate New York to refuel, still in my shorts and T-shirt, only to find it was down to near freezing. Brrr....

 

Take a jacket

 

don't forget to bring Long Underwear

 

Just bring some boots and gloves, maybe a blanket in case you run in the ditch. And if you drive by Lambeau stop and pee on it for me! SKOL!