What preparations to do for winter?
Discussion
Just wondering if there's anything i should do to prepare for winter? I've had my speed six since the beginning of August where the weather was pretty good, but now the cold will begin to set in. I was wondering if anyone does anything in particular to their Cerbs to prepare for the cold?
Also this morning as i was late for the train, i drove down to the station, it stalled a couple of times (probably because the engine was very cold) and the green snowflake light come on. What's that all about, i didn't have time to look in my manual as i sprinted to get the train instead.
Also this morning as i was late for the train, i drove down to the station, it stalled a couple of times (probably because the engine was very cold) and the green snowflake light come on. What's that all about, i didn't have time to look in my manual as i sprinted to get the train instead.
Dazzlar said:
Just wondering if there's anything i should do to prepare for winter? I've had my speed six since the beginning of August where the weather was pretty good, but now the cold will begin to set in. I was wondering if anyone does anything in particular to their Cerbs to prepare for the cold?
Also this morning as i was late for the train, i drove down to the station, it stalled a couple of times (probably because the engine was very cold) and the green snowflake light come on. What's that all about, i didn't have time to look in my manual as i sprinted to get the train instead.
My snowflake light was green this morning also, not seen a red one yet. Good timing on the post. I wonder how the doors get on when it's all icy? ie if they still open properly with the little piston. Didnt open fully for the first time this morning but think its becasue it was half frozen. Anyone know if it's heated? or had probs in cold condition is the past?
cheers
Jamster
re the door seals....
If these are frozen then pour some warm water over them to melt the ice then open it. If you don't do this then they can tear.
Remeber reading that deicer is not such a great idea on the rubber seals, can't remember why though. Maybe it is bad to get deicer on the paint.
Do a search, there is probably loads of this stuff from last winter
If these are frozen then pour some warm water over them to melt the ice then open it. If you don't do this then they can tear.
Remeber reading that deicer is not such a great idea on the rubber seals, can't remember why though. Maybe it is bad to get deicer on the paint.
Do a search, there is probably loads of this stuff from last winter
Jamster
Whilst the concept of 'little pistons' is most appealing, the truth is much more mundane i'm afraid. The door lock has a servo that releases the lock and the 'bounce'
of the rubber sealing strip opens the door. In my case this means that the drivers door has the original seal and a very limp motion, whereas the passenger door has a new double-bubble seal that sends the door sailing out towards unsuspecting pedestrians 
The general concensus regarding freezing up is that, being a plastic car it is less likely to freeze the seals to the doors than a metal box does, but the locks can freeze same as any vehicle.
Cheers
Jerry
Whilst the concept of 'little pistons' is most appealing, the truth is much more mundane i'm afraid. The door lock has a servo that releases the lock and the 'bounce'
of the rubber sealing strip opens the door. In my case this means that the drivers door has the original seal and a very limp motion, whereas the passenger door has a new double-bubble seal that sends the door sailing out towards unsuspecting pedestrians The general concensus regarding freezing up is that, being a plastic car it is less likely to freeze the seals to the doors than a metal box does, but the locks can freeze same as any vehicle. Cheers
Jerry
Any water as long as it's temperature is above that of the ice will melt it. Just take longer the cooler the water. Hot tap water mixed with some cold, if you can put your finger in it comfortably then it'll be ok.
You can also get some pre-ice spray treatment, spray it on the night before and it'll help to stop ice build up, sort of Rain-X style antifreeze. Works very well
The inside of the windscreen will ice up so apply a cloth dipped in warm water (and squeeze excess out), don't drip on the dash though.
If parking overnight outside remember to only lightly apply the handbrake and then put it in gear to hold as (take handbrake off) handbrakes have been known to freeze on.
Despite the cold weather do keep up regular cleaning of the car, especially underneath as this is where salty road grit will accumalate.
As for other cold weather treatment, make sure you have warm clothes in the car, a blanket is possible. And always make sure your mobile is fully charged. Other than these and normal daily and weekley checks on fluids and tyres you'll be fine. I've driven mine in icy conditions and because of the nature of the engine/drive over lower revving torquey Griffs/Chims you'll have no problems in normal driving.
>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Tuesday 21st October 14:35
You can also get some pre-ice spray treatment, spray it on the night before and it'll help to stop ice build up, sort of Rain-X style antifreeze. Works very well
The inside of the windscreen will ice up so apply a cloth dipped in warm water (and squeeze excess out), don't drip on the dash though.
If parking overnight outside remember to only lightly apply the handbrake and then put it in gear to hold as (take handbrake off) handbrakes have been known to freeze on.
Despite the cold weather do keep up regular cleaning of the car, especially underneath as this is where salty road grit will accumalate.
As for other cold weather treatment, make sure you have warm clothes in the car, a blanket is possible. And always make sure your mobile is fully charged. Other than these and normal daily and weekley checks on fluids and tyres you'll be fine. I've driven mine in icy conditions and because of the nature of the engine/drive over lower revving torquey Griffs/Chims you'll have no problems in normal driving.
>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Tuesday 21st October 14:35
suffolkfox said:
Jamster
Whilst the concept of 'little pistons' is most appealing, the truth is much more mundane i'm afraid. The door lock has a servo that releases the lock and the 'bounce'
Cheers
Jerry
Ahh the old spring rubbery door seal jobby!!! The woman are still well impressed with a door that springs open itself(specially when it's on a slight slant)! Have still got some spring left in ma rubber...........
I use silicone lubricant on the door seals - spray can with a small tube - probably available at halfords etc.
I never use de-icer (on any car!). Always found a good scraper the best way (rubber blade type best for light frosts & plastic blade for the harder stuff) Avoids any risk of problems.
Also make sure the battery terminals are clean. If you leave it out regularly also pay attention to the condition of the electrical terminals on the coil etc. Corrosion will be expensive if you develop a misfire - can burn the Cat out!
Also agree with the comment on long journeys - nothing better than a run out on a crisp winter's day!
Enjoy it and use it!
I never use de-icer (on any car!). Always found a good scraper the best way (rubber blade type best for light frosts & plastic blade for the harder stuff) Avoids any risk of problems.
Also make sure the battery terminals are clean. If you leave it out regularly also pay attention to the condition of the electrical terminals on the coil etc. Corrosion will be expensive if you develop a misfire - can burn the Cat out!
Also agree with the comment on long journeys - nothing better than a run out on a crisp winter's day!
Enjoy it and use it!
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