Suddenly it got 20 degrees colder today. Decided to dig out my car when I noticed a yellow slip in the snow - a parking ticket.
If I hadn't found the slip, I'd gotten another ticket and an extra $50 fee.
In the 2 years I've lived here I have only once gotten a ticket when I missed the yearly clean-up of the streets in Spring.
If I hadn't found the slip, I'd gotten another ticket and an extra $50 fee.
In the 2 years I've lived here I have only once gotten a ticket when I missed the yearly clean-up of the streets in Spring.
Attachments
Just need a handy range rover!
I have a friend who likes to go on expeditions in the cold/wet/mud whatever. His off roader has a remote switched diesel block heater, which is a pointless but wonderful thing in uk. He used to turn it on at his desk 10 minutes before leaving work and arrive to a fully warm car. Also heated windscreen washer with heated nozzles so they never freeze.
In Canada, we just have remote starters installed. Seems like a more obvious option than a separate diesel heater, except for the fact that the block heater is far better for engine wear and tear vs. remote cold starts.
We just put -45 to -50C rated windshield washer fluid in and it doesn't freeze up.
We just put -45 to -50C rated windshield washer fluid in and it doesn't freeze up.
Last edited:
Well, electrical block heaters are standard for cars on the Prairies. In fact if you come across a car without a block heater in AB, you know it came from out of province.
Indeed. I remember those from my 6 years in AB. They were basically a requirement. Come to think of it, I think both our current vehicles have block heaters but I can't remember ever using them.
Even in Vancouver block heaters are the norm now. Most of the province is cold like Canada. I tell people I have an electric vehicle and can only drive about 4000 feet each trip. ie: the length of the cord I have in the trunk.
Along with remote start there is also an (electric element?) on the windshield fan so it starts melting the ice right away, just like the rear de-icer but hidden.
I like that windshield de-icer idea, Cal. I had no idea they are available. Would also start to warm the interior before the heater core started doing its job.
My wife and daughter (after having it explained at least dozen times) still get in and crank the heater fan to maximum to try to get the car warm, despite the engine coolant being cold. This actually delays the engine warming process by blowing cold cabin air through the heater core (which is just a secondary coolant radiator).
My wife and daughter (after having it explained at least dozen times) still get in and crank the heater fan to maximum to try to get the car warm, despite the engine coolant being cold. This actually delays the engine warming process by blowing cold cabin air through the heater core (which is just a secondary coolant radiator).
Last edited:
There must be an element in there as with the Max defrost button pushed it is so much faster than on regular defrost with the fan on high. Heated mirrors are a nice touch as well. We don't use these things very often but I feel spoiled to know they're there when called upon.
The problem with heated wiper fluid (once a dealer option) is that it cools down the instant it hits the windshield. So you end up with ice on the windshield if the fluid isn't good enough.
You still can buy an aftermarket washer fluid heater!
Of course where it is really cold folks just don't shut off the engine. In other places there are courtesy electrical block heater outlets.
You still can buy an aftermarket washer fluid heater!
Of course where it is really cold folks just don't shut off the engine. In other places there are courtesy electrical block heater outlets.
Last edited:
I think what Cal is talking about is an electric heater element integrated into the interior windshield defrost vents.
I've never even heard of heated washer fluid before this thread, and I don't understand why it exists. With the right fluid, it is entirely unnecessary to heat it, unless you live north of 60.
I've never even heard of heated washer fluid before this thread, and I don't understand why it exists. With the right fluid, it is entirely unnecessary to heat it, unless you live north of 60.
Last edited:
I worked with a panel operator in Lloyd that had both a block heater and one of those low powered 120VAC interior heaters they sell at Cdn Tire. He would leave it plugged in during his shift, then just get in and drive away. I tried to do it on my old Contour but interior was too cramped, a goofy tall passenger kicked it from the mount.
Speaking of heated washer fluid; Newfie version - just route the engine coolant to the washer pump.
😀
😀
That's actually an old hot rod trick from a long time back. IIRC it was to heat up water/alcohol injection on high compression engines before 3 way catalysts were developed. You run a metal tube through the plastic tank and put it in series with the heater, or even completely bypass the heater.
So they are on most Ford models in the UK (where they basically don't even need it) but not in Canada, where they do?
Doh!
Doh!
I was suggesting spraying engine coolant on the windshield. A terrible attempt at humour.