nevada to alaska winter tips

[trdcamry1211]

just got orders to alaska.just looking for any tips or must haves for the camry in extreme cold weather.have the floormats remote start,yellow fogs.looking at blizzaks and cables.by the way its a 2007 v6 se 33k miles

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by trdcamry1211

just got orders to alaska.just looking for any tips or must haves for the camry in extreme cold weather.have the floormats remote start,yellow fogs.looking at blizzaks and cables.by the way its a 2007 v6 se 33k miles

Battery Heater
Block Heater
Oil Pan Heater
Transmission Heater (extra but worth it)

Depending on where you will be relocated to, anti-freeze to 50 below for Fairbanks, Anchorage don't get as cold. (Toyota has a Canadian mix.)

I had studded tires on the Pathfinder, but the Achieva I had, could do better in the snow and go up the hills with only snow tires.

Very seldom people use "cables", only on wet ice. Watch what cables you get, could mess up the plastic wheel wells.

Synthetic oil in your required weight.

[trdcamry1211]

got some goodyear gt all seasons today probably will get a set studded when i get there.it will be in anchorage.ill change the oil as soon as i get there since it will b a 3300 mile trip.

[Donald E. George]

Remember to increase following distance by 3x or 4x on slick roads. Stay off the power when road conditions are minimal. Use the ABS feature for determining traction on ice or snow. Drain and refill the windshield washer with the Prestone fluid good for low temperatures. Make yourself a survival kit if you plan on trips out of the metro area. Get yourself a good tire pressure gauge[maybe an Auto Meter unit] and check tire pressures often. Tire pressure goes down 1 lb for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Carry a coffee can full of sand or several pieces of old carpet for traction if you get stuck. Check road conditions and stay home if the forecast calls for nasty weather. Worked for me for many winters on Colorado's west slope.

[deadrx7conv]

0w20 or 0w30 full synthetic motor oil.

Full synthetic ATF for the power steering fluid.

And, if its a manual transmission, get a full synthetic MTL/MTF fluid. If its an automatic ATF WS, get it flushed with fresh fluid, or use the Amsoil/Redline/Amalie equivalent.

Bleed the brakes. Excessive moisture could cause brake or clutch component freezing. Yes, if the brake fluid is more than two years old, unless you can test it for copper and moisture, just bleed it! Use the newer thinner DOT 4, ESP, or DOT 5.1 type fluids.

Since the vehicle is 5 years old, I'd change out the antifreeze too. Use the Toyota Canada coolant since it is at a higher ratio. The other option is to mix your own coolant using an equivalent, like PEAK GLOBAL, mixing a few extra percent antifreeze richer and not the generic 50:50.

Check your tire pressure regularly. If a tire freezes solid, it can be flat and look like its full of air. Get a good quality name brand tire pressure gauge. Use nitrogen if you care for it.

Garage the vehicle if possible. If not, run the extension cord out to it for the block/pan/battery/interior heaters. Add a timer to the heater since it doesn't need to run all the time.

TALK TO THE LOCALS!!! When they tell you that you can pet the big giant polar bear eating out of your garbage, DON'T. They are not as cute fuzzy and friendly as the cocacola commercials.

Depending on how far away from civilization you are, you might want to stock up on spare parts for your vehicle. Some filters, several jugs of your favorite oil,.... should be considered if you have the room.

[Snomax]

Originally Posted by trdcamry1211

got some goodyear gt all seasons today probably will get a set studded when i get there.it will be in anchorage.ill change the oil as soon as i get there since it will b a 3300 mile trip.

Well at least its Anchorage and not Fairbanks.

Anchorage doesnt have those extreme temperatures Alaska is known for!

I've spent time in both places.

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

0w20 or 0w30 full synthetic motor oil.

Full synthetic ATF for the power steering fluid.

And, if its a manual transmission, get a full synthetic MTL/MTF fluid. If its an automatic ATF WS, get it flushed with fresh fluid, or use the Amsoil/Redline/Amalie equivalent.

Bleed the brakes. Excessive moisture could cause brake or clutch component freezing. Yes, if the brake fluid is more than two years old, unless you can test it for copper and moisture, just bleed it! Use the newer thinner DOT 4, ESP, or DOT 5.1 type fluids.

Since the vehicle is 5 years old, I'd change out the antifreeze too. Use the Toyota Canada coolant since it is at a higher ratio. The other option is to mix your own coolant using an equivalent, like PEAK GLOBAL, mixing a few extra percent antifreeze richer and not the generic 50:50.

Check your tire pressure regularly. If a tire freezes solid, it can be flat and look like its full of air. Get a good quality name brand tire pressure gauge. Use nitrogen if you care for it.

Garage the vehicle if possible. If not, run the extension cord out to it for the block/pan/battery/interior heaters. Add a timer to the heater since it doesn't need to run all the time.

TALK TO THE LOCALS!!! When they tell you that you can pet the big giant polar bear eating out of your garbage, DON'T. They are not as cute fuzzy and friendly as the cocacola commercials.

Depending on how far away from civilization you are, you might want to stock up on spare parts for your vehicle. Some filters, several jugs of your favorite oil,.... should be considered if you have the room.

Take care of your car, it will take care of you...

If you change the belts, do it in the fall, before the cold weather sets in, new belts tend to snap in the extreme cold.

Enjoy Alaska.... There are a lot of things that can be done outside in the dead of winter, grilling a thick steak...

I spent 2 1/2 years there, best years to date in Fairbanks...

[trdcamry1211]

thanks for all the help.my camry hasnt let me down yet but its still pretty fresh.ill get to go on a shopping spree.sadly unless i get lucky enough to get a two car garage the camry will have to be outside so the wifes matrix will be inside.she wont drive much in winter. still want hids but are worried the 55w will get too hot on the trip up since the 35 arent that bright.

[deadrx7conv]

Originally Posted by trdcamry1211

thanks for all the help.my camry hasnt let me down yet but its still pretty fresh.ill get to go on a shopping spree.sadly unless i get lucky enough to get a two car garage the camry will have to be outside so the wifes matrix will be inside.she wont drive much in winter. still want hids but are worried the 55w will get too hot on the trip up since the 35 arent that bright.

Get upgraded bulbs.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by Donald E. George

Remember to increase following distance by 3x or 4x on slick roads. Stay off the power when road conditions are minimal. Use the ABS feature for determining traction on ice or snow. Drain and refill the windshield washer with the Prestone fluid good for low temperatures. Make yourself a survival kit if you plan on trips out of the metro area. Get yourself a good tire pressure gauge[maybe an Auto Meter unit] and check tire pressures often. Tire pressure goes down 1 lb for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Carry a coffee can full of sand or several pieces of old carpet for traction if you get stuck. Check road conditions and stay home if the forecast calls for nasty weather. Worked for me for many winters on Colorado's west slope.

In a pinch, your floor mats can work too. Mine rubber mats were $25 for a set of 4 so not a huge loss if they get destroyed. If you have nice ones though, that might be a different story.

[Snomax]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

In a pinch, your floor mats can work too. Mine rubber mats were $25 for a set of 4 so not a huge loss if they get destroyed. If you have nice ones though, that might be a different story.

Exactly! My floor mats came in handy SEVERAL times back in high school up there!

Dont forget the bag of kitty litter either.

[trdcamry1211]

luckily got the walmart specials.