vehicle fluid maintenance

[bucketmouth64]

My son will be attending Vermilion College this fall. He will be living on campus and I was wondering what do all you guys do in Ely for vehicle fluids for the winter months? I've been told since his vehicle (buick regal, v6, super charger) is going to be left outside oil should be straight 30 weight or switch to synthetic. What about tranny fluid, radiator, and should he consider a block heater? Any recommendations would be helpful.

[evntam]

I have no idea why a straight weight would be best. I'd find the lowest multi weight possible, and throw that in there.

As for a core heater, heck yes, if there's somewhere reliable to plug it in. I live North of Duluth, but grew up on the Range. I have switched over completely to synthetic engine oil(side note: my insurance adjuster got me an additional $500 for the condition of my engine due to my maintenance record that included sytnetic oils - on a truck that was totaled in an accident).

I wouldn't touch the tranny, but would make sure the radiator fluids get checked for the proper temps.

[Powerstroke]

Yes it gets cold in Ely, but if you're from Isanti, its not much different. I would get a block heater if the car doesn't have one. There are kits you can do yourself if you're handy. Synthetics are nice, but expensive. I use Mobil 1 but it has nothing to do with winter temps. As far as radiator and tranny fluids, I would just make sure they are up to par. Coolant is very important in the cold temps.

I would make sure he has a good plan for a winter survival kit in the car. Have a small shovel, some sand and a good scraper along with the extra clothes, blanket or sleeping bag and some other survival stuff.

[monstermoose78]

I would go with a -50 to -60 rating for anti-freeze. I went to college there for 5 years and it not uncommon for it to dip to -40's. Better to be safe then sorry. On campus is a good choice for his first year but off campus is cheaper if you look around.

[Wanderer]

YIKES NO! Straight 30W? He'll be waitin for ice out before he can run er down to Micky D's!

Follow the advice you've been given here. Those engines (super charged V-6) can be fickle and need oil pressure fast. Very tight tolerances. I've even heard talk of 0W-30.

[ICE_KING]

I will be going back to vermillion as a second year student this year and let me tell you... There is alot of guys up there that let there cars sit from the day they get there until the first break then come back and let them sit until the next break and so forth... ANd it wont be the first time ive gone down to the lot to help someone start their car but my reccomendation is the block heater, i have one in my full size chevy truck and for the solid month up there when it didnt get nicer than -20 you will sure wish you had it!!! There are a select few plugin spots in the dorm parking lot that usually get filled up pretty quick but if you bring a long enough extension cord youll be fine. If there is any problems with fluids or the vehicle the guys down at tony's connoco on sheridan are the best and will hook you up. Otherwise youll have no problem finding one of the three hundred gearheads that go to school there to help you out. Any other vehicle questions or school question just let me know, i can help outwith anything...

[Surface Tension]

The recommended winter oil will be in the owners manual, use that and you won't have any problems. The frost plug heater is a must. Like others said a -40 temps are common so the anti-freeze should be mixed for that. I wouldn't worry about tranny fluid. Lastly if the car starting and running good now, it'll quantify any problems come winter.