It's FREEZING in my area and I'm worried that if the fluids in my engine are frozen and if I try to drive it to "warm it up", I'll end up like a guy I saw on the news whos car over heated and died out, so is there a way to defrost the liquids or do I seriously just have to wait it out?
2007-01-13 01:31:41 · 9 answers · asked by me 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
v-bird is right, you're probably OK as long as there is anti-freeze in your radiator.
Oil does not freeze, it just gets thicker.
The fluid in your windshield washer lines no doubt IS frozen, if you did not have the kind of cleaner in there that has alcohol in it so as not to freeze. That won't hurt, they just won't work untill they thaw out; heat from the engine will do it once you get going.
Your door locks might freeze up! tiny amounts of moisture freeze and key won't turn, you can buy "lock de-icer" in small spray cans.
If you have no antifreeze, and are worried (and you should be)...get a good, heavy duty extension cord & reflector-type light, put a heat lamp bulb in it. Put it under your car on the ground, about under the oil pan and point it towards the front end, towards the radiator. Heat rises, of course...drape something over the front of the car to keep that heat in, old blankets, an old tarp that goes down to the ground, etc. Don't run your battery down trying to start it until enough time has gone by to thaw out. Once you get started, don't drive until you make sure make SURE you have no leaks from the unprotected-by-antifreeze cooling system, and that engine is then overheating.
My sympathy on the weather. Been there, done that. One more reason why I now live in the deep South.
2007-01-13 02:01:01 · answer #1 · answered by Miz Oh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frozen Engine Oil
2017-01-19 09:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if your antifreeze frezzes you could possibly crack your block. WHen was the last time your antifreeze was tested? Honestly I think you will be fine. If it had not been sitting for days and not in the -30's I would just go take it for a drive. Take the cap off the radiator and look in it. If it aint frozen then your good. Otherwise you can just wait it out and hope for the best.
2007-01-13 01:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by v_bird26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there shouldnt be any reason for thew fluids to freeze. if your radiator is filled with just water then you better do something with it or it can crack the engine block ruining the motor . Oil and tranny fluid wont freeze If your car did have justwater and no antifreeze in the radiator look inside and if you see ice you will somehow have to apply heat to whole motor and radiator like putting it in a warm garage for sa couple of days
2007-01-13 01:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest thinking about having a block heater installed if you are that worried about it. Most of the other people are right. Oil will not freeze, it get very thick. And if your cooling system as antifreeze in it you'll be fine.
2007-01-13 02:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by guitar_playa101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if they are frozen now you've already had the damage done to the engine...it could have cracked the block...blown out the freeze out plugs ...etc...if it's not frozen in the radiator it's not frozen in the block....go to a garage and have them check the antifreeze!
2007-01-13 01:46:25 · answer #6 · answered by Robert P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hm, you should probably use a microwave or a hot water bath for thawing liquids, not a car engine.
2007-01-13 01:39:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using a "drop lamp" with a household bulb under the hood might be a option.
2007-01-13 01:36:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not used match or lighter!
2007-01-13 01:34:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋