Winter Driving Preparation

The aftermarket also offers a variety of engine-oil heaters. Most rely on 120-volt AC power, and models include magnetic heaters that stick to the oil pan and heated dipsticks that replace the stock units overnight.


Diesels especially don't like the cold. Owners' manuals give cold-weather start-up tips, which might include cycling the glow plug two or three times, depressing the throttle slightly at start-up and keeping the vehicle at a fast idle after it fires. Using ether and starting fluid generally isn't recommended on diesels. Below about 10 degrees F, diesel fuel starts to gel. Aftermarket anti-gel additives are available to combat this. Another option is to look for #1-grade diesel instead of the thicker #2, or thinning #2 with about 20% kerosene.

Cold weather also decreases battery output—when it's needed most.
Cold weather also decreases battery output—when it's needed most. For starters, consider buying a battery with the highest cold-cranking-amp (CCA) rating your wallet can handle and that will physically fit in the battery tray. Dual batteries connected in parallel series will theoretically send twice as many cranking amps to the starter.


Realize that dead, frozen batteries can explode when jump-started. The jolt of juice can cause hydrogen gas to form, and things get ugly as gas attempts to escape through a shell of ice. Immobilized-electrolyte (captive-acid) "six-pack" batteries use a recombinant design to limit gassing and a sealed case for added safety.


Warm batteries maintain their charges better than cold ones. Plug-in battery warming blankets and tray plates are two aftermarket solutions. Another alternative is to remove the battery and take it inside at night, being careful not to touch or spill the acid.