Hey all,

Last week we were so cold where I live that my car was unable to start. It was approx -36 to -40 without the windchill. I tried everything to get my car started, hooking it up to a running truck (jumper cables). Trying to fit a new block heater plug in. Finally after 4-5 days of not starting, I finally got the car started and moved into the garage.

Well now my car will not heat up.... The engine temperature guage usually displays in the middle. But now, when I am driving on the highway, after 20 minutes of running, it only displays to 1/2 of the normal temperature. I took the offramp to get off the highway, and the temperature guage dropped even more, to like 1/4 of normal temperature.

Also, as soon as I pull the car our of the garage to warm it up in the morning, the windows almost immediately freeze over, and while driving they barely dethaw. Only the two front windows (driver and passenger) start to defrost, but not like it usually does.

I have to drive across some mountain passes on Friday and late next week, so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Dear Sin,

You are talking about conditions so severe, we have to go to upper peninsula Michigan or Fort Greeley, Alaska to appreciate what you are going through.

I will assume that you have replaced your thermostat with a high temp thermostat for your car. The Accent comes with a 180 degree F, but you can change this out for a 192 degree F thermostat. Not hard to do in a warm garage.

After replacing your thermostat with a high temp version, try this old farmer trick: cardboard!

Get a 30 inch by 30 inch piece of cardboard, cut to size to slide down in front of your radiator to block the wind while leaving 1/4 of your radiator uncovered. The 1/4 open area can be either on the left or the right. [I learned this in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin] This will allow your radiator to hold on to more heat. Secure the cardboard with duct tape.

Take a look at the semi-tractors driving on your roads...most of them have a set of flaps to cover most of their radiator grille. Because they can't get heat in the cab any other way.

Also, treat your inside windows with RainX water repellent...this will greatly reduce the fogging and frosting inside.

Byron

I am changing the thermostat today. Going to put the car in the garage and turn both of my space heaters on. First day that is acceptable to work, even inside with the heaters on. I guess this is one of the coldest winters on record here. So I will be replacing that tonite before I go on my trip, should only take 20 minutes or so. If it works ill log back on and let you know.

As for the Cardboard, if this does not work I will try that. I will also try the RainX.

Thanks for your help

Dear Sind,

You might try the cardboard first just because it is so easy to do and does not require a garage.

As fas as the coldest winter on record, blame it on global warming.

Byron

I have a garage, and its supposed to be 0 degrees later on today, maybe ill wear shorts lol. It will only take me 20 or so minutes to change the thermostat, any tips on doing it?

Thanks

Dear sindarin,



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Byron