Nicks2001tl

Some things to consider or check before winter comes.

~Check your windshield wipers or replace
~Check your radiator level, make sure that it`s at its proper level.
~Check hoses
~Check your battery
~Check all fluid levels
~A winter tire is not a bad idea (especially if you have a nice set of rims or for added protection against the elements)

Protect the body of your car. Apply a nice coat of wax. Preferably one that can leave a very slick surface on your car so snow or rain just slides off.

Tip: Apply some spray wax or tire shine on the inside of your tire wells so snow doesn`t stick. Worked on my Jeep...

And finally drive slow and keep the safety of you and others in mind.

3.2TLc

Hey man, this is all some really good info.....but personally I usually wait until the first snowfall before doing anything. Guess ya could call it procrastination to wait until winter actually sets in. Fall is entirely too short, but it's the best time to get ready for the harsh reality of a nasty winter !!!

NBP04TL4ME

All good stuff, but regarding your title..... Winter is almost here - where?
It was 90+ degrees in Boston this week.

3.2TLc

Ha, hah.... same here !!! It all depends on your location and timing of Indian summer, but it's inevitable....that in places that do have winter seasons, it's right around the corner.

Unless ya have a garage, it's easier to do some winterizing PM while ya still can in the nice present weather conditions.

NBP04TL4ME

Haha. I know, but I'd like to think the white stuff is at the very least 6 weeks off. We got 6" of the white stuff on Halloween a couple of years ago, but that was also the most snow we got in a storm for the entire year.

wrayman

Yeah, Winter is impatiently waiting to take Fall's place.
I won't drive without snow tires during the winter anymore. They are a critical component to my winter driving safety.

Good point, I need to do that.


It continues to amaze me during bad weather seeing the number of higher speed, tailgating and thoughtless maneuvering types who are risking theirs and others safety to go where ?? WORK ? Who wants to get to work that badly ?? LOL

NBP04TL4ME

Can't fix stupid.

Nicks2001tl

In Wisconsin on Dec. 5th of 2010 there were 550 accidents on the first major storm of the season. You would think that seasoned drivers of known cold, snowy wintery state would be better aware. They attributed the majority of those accidents as driving to fast for conditions.

Slow it down. Many of us put a lot time and money into our rides..

3.2TLc

The calendar doesn't end most peoples sunny warm summer season for another week, September 22nd is officially the last day for us folks who have to prepare for the cold winter's wrath. The Farmers Almanac indicates an extremely cold and snowy winter in store for us.

So start preparing !!!

Beware of drivers with their big 4WD trucks and AWD SUV's.....they think that they are totally invincible to changing weather situations.

Gotta say that many common drivers take alot of risk at first....until they start sliding around on the icy roads.

NBP04TL4ME

Unfortunately this happens at the beginning of every season until folks get recalibrated.

HairyMonkey019

iTrader: (7)

This is great information... If i lived in an area where it snowed....Just wondering, why is this in the 2g section?

wrayman

Yup, agreed 100%....and around here, vans go like hell. Not sure why, but a lot of van drivers are just flyin', regardless of conditions.

Nicks2001tl

Also, check the cabin filter, shop vac any if all debris out of its housing before replacing mine had leaves and a lady bug living in there.....

3.2TLc

Yeah, and the next thing will be mice looking for a cozy place to hang out !!!

rjheiss

I changed the hoses on our 2000 TL the other day, and I'm impressed at their condition after almost 14 years. I even replaced the little hoses at the ATF warmer (and vicinity) which was a major pita regarding access. This should set me up for a "lifetime" anticipating the car might not make another 14 years. Hoses are so much better than they were 20 years ago.

fsttyms1

It always amazes me on how stupid drivers are on the first snow fall here. Its like they all forget snow is slippery.

Nicks2001tl

It amazes me also... Slow down! Simple as that.

Last winter had a few cars not suv`s pass me like I was standing still. Don`t mind giving it a little juice on dry pavement, but on snow or ice different story.

Nicks2001tl

Well it happened again people not slowing down and about 6 major pile ups on the freeways in S.E. Wisconsin. Freeways basically closed and people are being told to stay home.

Edit: Winter is here.

wrayman

damn shame, all the inconvenience, injury and sometimes death caused needlessly.


Christmas anxiety and self induced stress doesn't help either this time of year......you can get totaled in a parking lot if you hold up a rabid shopper too long....

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Good info! Good reminder most of all!

3.2TLc

Yeah, too bad the world has turned into a rat race and usually doesn't give a rat's ass about winter road conditions until shit happens. That's why sometimes it's just better to try avoiding the holiday hustle bustle and attempt to hibernate if at all possible on the very worse days of winter.

fsttyms1

Nice BIG pileup

Nicks2001tl

The cars crashing into the pile where not only going to fast but it looked like a rugby pile up. 3 dead that day including a mother of four boys.

fsttyms1

Then you have the idiots that got out of their cars and started walking around. GET off the road and away from the vehicles if yours isnt able to be driven to get out of the way. DONT leave the vehicle there if it can move.

Nicks2001tl

People around here drive so bad. For ex. Nobody uses their turn signals and drive to fast for conditions.


The video proves the later. In the defense of the people who left there cars, it`s a catch 22 stay in your car and get crashed or try to run away from the chaos.

nats007

This is crazy! I'm thankful I don't have to deal with that here in Florida.

DevinSidell

The snow here is Philly was crazy not to mention the ice. Thankfully I didn't have to go to work outside the city but my TL was a Popsicle this morning. I'd advise to check for leaks from melting snow inside the car. I noticed some water behind my tail lights.

Nicks2001tl

Next time your in the car wash rinsing all the salt of your car see if you can isolate the leaks. Could be from the top gaskets around the sunroof.

fsttyms1

If the car moves, move it. Do not keep it in the middle of the hwy. Plain and simple. If not, get as far off the side of the road and away from the cars as you can.

3.2TLc

Duh, but most people panic and have no clue of the danger.....some would rather talk on their cell or take pics of the situation.
Ooops, what's that coming towards me ??? Too late, lights out. Bummer.

Nicks2001tl

That video shows everything. If your by yourself and your car breaks down on the freeway, stay in your car or if you have to get out move to the side that traffic isn`t moving.


Common sense I say. But some people have nervous impulses that lead them to bad decisions.

DevinSidell

That video scares the shit out of me as I have to commute 50 miles on I-95 in and out of Philadelphia everyday. People are always doing a minimum of 85 and its 55 the whole way. No one uses their blinkers and I have to play a game of "car chess" to try and predict everyone's next moves around me. I kiss my wife good bye every morning and hope to god I get home in one piece.

Nicks2001tl

Driven to Philly to visit some cousins. The drivers were nuts. It seemed like a race to get anywhere. Where I`m from the drivers seem not to pay attention and IMO that`s more dangerous. It will get better, it already got worse.

3.2TLc

It'll never get any better, but will only continue to get worse, IMO.

With today's social media, cells, and all the other distracting devices.....manufacturer's are attempting to integrate more user friendly stuff.
But even still, most people are always in a rush to get to their destination. Then ya have the tired sleepy and over medicated folks doing the hokey poke.

fsttyms1

and with more and more "safety" systems put on cars the less people pay attention to what they are supposed to be doing and less skill they have.
I shake my head at the vast majority of people cant even do something simple like parallel park. Something that is something so simple yet many panic at the thought of having to do it.