Hi, Im moving from California to the East Coast for the first time and am bringing my car over with me. This might sound dumb, but Ive never lived anywhere it snowed or got below freezing, so am not sure if I'll need to change fluids or anything. (Freeze resistant Oil or something)???? Thanks!
Do I need to change anything in my car moving to a colder climate?
All modern autos built today can handle the change of climate from California to anywhere on the East coast without any modifications. You didn't give the make, year, model or mileage of your car but if its not an antique it should be fine with the change of scenery.
It would be a good idea to check the manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a lighter weight oil in the lower temperatures before your next oil change While most cars today have coolant mixtures that protect down to extremely low temps when built its probably a good idea to have the coolant checked for adequate protection.
All the other fluids will function as intended in either climate.
Depending on the area where you'll be living and the drive train of your vehicle you may want to consider either snow or studded tires for winter driving. Best bet is to ask the locals what they use on similar vehicles and go from there.
Do I need to change anything in my car moving to a colder climate?
windshield washer fluid to the sub-zero stuff.
new coolant would be an alright idea, perhaps an oil change.
snow tires?
you will need new washer fluid, use full strength right out of the bottle and make sure your antifreeze in the radiator checks to at least 30 below 0, make sure you have real good tires for the snow and ice, have your battery tested for being good, get a snow brush and ice scraper for your windows and last but not least have someone show you how to drive on snow and ice when it gets here.
