winterizing?

[BerniniCaCO3]

Figure the chassis is as good a subforum as any for this

Wondering what you guys recommend.
Specifically-- undercoat or no? Maybe find someplace to spray oil under the chassis.. or no? We do use salt in Baltimore, and I want this car good for another 10 years.

Second: snow tires or no?
Now, one part of snow tires is that they have a wider tread to hold snow.
We don't --last winter being the once in 150 years exception-- get all that much snow. A half inch this week or that. But do winter tires also provide more traction regardless, being softer and therefore grippier in cold weather?
Worth investing in?

[Andypot1985]

I don't know about the under coating, but as far as tires go just make sure you have a good set of all seasons on. I have driven a town car around in the winter in north east pa and did not have many problems with a good set of all seasons. I also threw some blocks in the back for weight. On the other hand, my roomate had studded snows on his town car, that car would go through alot of snow. If you feel you need them, just get a set of studless snow tires for the rears. Living in maryland i wouldn't think you would need studded tires.

[pantera77]

Snow tires > any other tire for winter. No comparison.

As for the oiling, it's really the only way to make your car last if your going to drive it in the snow.

[BerniniCaCO3]

I'd never heard of oiling, other than on this forum (or maybe stationwagonsforums): not from my mechanic at any rate.
Just start calling places up?

They just have a pressurized line and drive the car over it?
How much should I expect to pay when getting the car oiled?

[pantera77]

I'd never heard of oiling, other than on this forum (or maybe stationwagonsforums): not from my mechanic at any rate.
Just start calling places up?

They just have a pressurized line and drive the car over it?
How much should I expect to pay when getting the car oiled?

We have RustStop around hear. It's essentially this greasy, oily, substance they spray all over the place. This place also drills holes and sprays it into the rockers, etc....

It's somewhat common around here, but then again everything around here looks like crap after 1 winter.

[1990LTD]

The people that can get by without snow tires don't drive in real winter. You need 'em. I like studded tires too.


Your wagon has a heavier ass than the sedan I'm used to driving but it might not be a bad idea to throw some sandbags in the "trunk" - the idea is to get more weight over the rear wheels. more weight pressing the tires to the ground = better traction.

You could probably undercoat the thing yourself if you have the time/patience. Get some recommendations on what kind to use and get under the car safely and just coat every piece of bare metal you see.

[crown vic muscle]

depending on where you live you might not be able to run studded tires. in mn we cant.

[86VickyLX]

Studded snow tires are allowed in certain states, and only at certain times of the year. So, you need to figure out what your state laws are before you do anything. Winterizing? The best winterizing is to not drive your car during the winter. If you can't do that, an undercoating would be your best bet. A car that leaks fluids would be great too lol, just keep the fluids topped off and the car will protect itself!! Lol.

[marquisman]

oil spay/rust proofing is the way to go for protection. i run winter tires and yet i think studded tires are over kill. my wagon handles pretty damn good in the snow with winter tires. the good year ultragrips are good. also, them halmark snow tires from wally world is a real good tire for the buck.

[BerniniCaCO3]

Studded tires are illegal in MD anyway (and I understand-- they destroy the roads)

My car actually came with a pair of goodyear ultragrips, but only a pair (for the rear wheels)-- is that common practice?

I guess I was also wondering if winter tires help, even when there's no snow-- simply by virtue of being softer?

[gadget73]

studded snows? Its Maryland, not Minnesota. They do salt the ever living BS out of the roads down there though.

[BerniniCaCO3]

Weight in the back sounds like a good idea; maybe I'll find some lead bricks and put them in the well

Alright-- will find a place that will spray oil under the car. I think it's not as standard a practice in MD, the snow is not a tenth so bad as elsewhere in the country: but for a 20yr old car worth looking for.

[GM_Guy]

My car actually came with a pair of goodyear ultragrips, but only a pair (for the rear wheels)-- is that common practice?

Fairly common with rwd owners. However, once you use some snows up front you won't go back since it does help with stopping and turning compared to an all season.

Alex.

[marquisman]

yes, a full set of winter tires is the way to go.

[rick99601]

Fairly common with rwd owners. However, once you use some snows up front you won't go back since it does help with stopping and turning compared to an all season.

Alex.

its nice to be able to turn the wheel and the car actually turns instead of just not responding.