Camry Hybrid In Cold Weather!

[linwin3000]

We are leaving for an extended trip and must leave the Camry home in the garage(no heat ). At times the temp gets down to -20deg. F. Will do all normal things to keep car from cracking up in this extreme temp. Anyone have any ideas about block heaters, oil sump pads, etc. Remember, this kind of weather will be for 2-3 weeks at times.
Richard

[ukrkoz]

yeah, that's a good one. Sounds like Alaska... Or Canada.

anyhow. depends how much effort you want to put into it, and $$. Block heater is a nice idea, if it does not quit on you or you do not have power outage. depends on how many stars your luck has.

otherwise, coming from a very cold country, when we had winters hitting 40 below Celsius, with cars parked in the streets or, for chosen ones, inside metal garages we, always drained coolant, from radiator and engine block.
we always removed batteries ans stowed them somewhere. you may decide to go with float charger for your 12V battery, as that's the one that does life support for your car ECM.
You may also consider doing something about your garage. You know, a garage warmer may come very handy. We have one hanging off the ceiling in our warehouse. Keeps it at 45 degrees. But then again, it's like block heater. Relying on outside power supply.
Buddy that will come over and check on things is prolly more valuable than all tricks you can come up with.

[WhiteSands]

A block heater in a extremely cold environment may only keep the engine at 0 degrees if the outside temp is -20F. The block heater for the TCH uses about 400 watts.

[ukrkoz]

truly, someone needs to run that engine at least once a month or so, to prevent oxidation and run oil through it. consider heated storage. THEY will be liable for it now.

also, there's this (or you can simply pour a bottle of high proof booze into existing coolant and circulate it for 15 seconds to mix well; alcohol lowers freezing point; but don't drive on it thereafter):

Mobil Antifreeze protection
Extra Water Freeze 33% 67% -18°C 50% 50% -36°C 60% 40% -52°C

sorry, can't make that table work right. at 60/40 Mobil AF/water, you have -52 freezing point. it's MOBILE ANTIFREEZE EXTRA, not regular one. Sweden and that type of countries are fond of it.