What are some of the better cars to own in extreme cold weather?

Question

I have a '98 Toyota camry, but i'm moving up to Alaska and I was wondering if it would do ok in blow zero weather. (Fairbanks) If not, what are some good cars to own in an area with cold weather like that? Thanks!

Answer 1

Today just about any decent car will be ok if you add a block heater. I lived in the Arctic and sub-Arctic for about 16 or 17 years, and saw all kinds of vehicles do well and all kinds of vehicles have problems. If your vehicle is well maintained and you take normal precautions you should be fine.

Answer 2

Your Camry will be fine, with some modifications. Call the Toyota dealer in Fairbanks and ask what they recommend. You might find that with the cost of the mods and freight to move your car (if you are not driving up there), it would serve you better to sell yours and buy another when you get there.

If you really want another car, see what the "natives" are driving. If you see a lot of any one particular model, you can bet that it doesn't have many problems with the cold.

I had an old Volvo 240GL that started one morning at -35F, but that was the only time it saw anything much below 0.

Answer 3

If you live where it snows a lot get I would suggest getting a bigger car. I live in the coldest and snowiest part of Wyoming and I have a Honda Accord. It starts OK. The problem I often have is driving in real slushy conditions, the car is too light and the slush throws me around on the road a bit. It also isn't real good when there is big chunks of ice in the road or very deep snow because it is soo lo to the ground. I am in the process of trading it in for a bigger car like an Outback or possibly an SUV.

Answer 4

like the others have said , a block heater is mandatory , also , if your driving up get new hoses, belts, thermostat, 750 C.C.A. battery, and get the coolant mixed for -40 before you go , be prepared to get a full set ( 4 ) of winter tires on rims when you get there and a remote starter installed somewhere .wiper blades last maybe 6 months , does Alaska have out of state inspection and will your car pass ? but to answer the question , yes they are a good cold weather car.

Answer 5

You shouldn't have any problems with your Toyota in Alaska. I would suggest you invest in a block heater which you would plug into a power outlet to keep the engine coolant warm and helps take alot of stress off the battery when starting in extreme cold temperatures. Another suggestion would be convert to synthetic oil because it helps lubricate the internal engine components alot quicker then regular oil on cold dry starts.

Answer 6

SAAB, VOLVO, are well known for their northern European performance both in cold starting and winter traction. However you Camry will probably do just fine. You may have to add a block heater, but you have to do that with any car in sub zero weather.

Answer 7

of direction it may. the superb you may do is purchase a can of starter spray in any gas station and spray the spark plugs (tops and plastic caps), open the contact breaker cap and spray the factors interior plus separate the cables that connect with to the contact breaker cap and likewise spray them. ascertain you do not step over the gas pedal to a lot and attempt an rather lengthy commence with the foremost till it starts. Use the air button once you've one. in case you want to maintain money you may do each and each of the above with widespread gas out of your human being vehicle. If needed have some one provide help to with beginning cables. I stay in Finland and every time I truly have a project of this manner I do this and it fairly works always even even as its -40 Celsius and under no circumstances counting windshield element Regards J

Answer 8

I have a Toyota Avalon and it starts every time in extreme cold. It also warms up real fast. I don't think you can go wrong with a Toyota

Answer 9

You have a good car for that climate but I think you may want a 4 wheel drive.

Answer 10

AWD