Discussions

So this is the first year I've had a car during winter. I own a 2010, so it's newer, and it's had no issues at all, and I've kept it in good shape..... My question is, I have to cough up 150$ for plug-in accessibility at the apartment where I live...to me that is a but crazy...since I'm a student, I don't have piles of money kicking around,(especially with the holiday season coming up) and so the way I look at it, that 150$ could be put towards food instead of plugging in my car.... But I don't know much about cars, hence why I'm asking this question, is plugging them that necessary? Would it be wise to save my 150$ instead of spending it on plugging it in? On the extremely cold days I wouldn't be driving anyway.... What's your advice? Thanks ebrandon!

If you don't care about starting a car on a cold day, don't bother.  
 
Just remember though, if you do need to move a car when its cold, that $150 would be a small price to pay to avoid the inconvenience/time of having to get a boost.  
 
I plug in every single night in the winter, you never know how cold it is going to be, or where you might need to be in the morning.

TheDuggler said "If you don't care about starting a car on a cold day, don't bother.     Just remember though, if you do need to move a car when its cold, that $150 would be a small price to pay to avoid the inconvenience/time of having to get a boost.     I plug in every single night in the winter, you never know how cold it is going to be, or where you might need to be in the morning. "

Honestly, nothing more than a waist of money plugging your vehicle in every night for the whole winter.  
 
I mean,if you really can't afford to pay the 150, you can likely get by for most of the winter.... I just wouldn't bet money it's starting in a -40 February morning

The most important thing for a car to start is the battery whether you are plugged in or not. Not knowing how old your battery is I would recommend buying the most powerful battery you can get for your car. You need the most cranking amps you can get. You said your car is 2010, is this the original battery? if so you are at the end of its life when it is 5 year old.

Like RenePage said, a good battery is important. Another thing that helps a lot is putting a good low viscosity oil in for winter. Engine cranks over better in cold weather with thinner oil. I do it every year. I don't plug my vehicles in and they start good at -30c and ok at -35c.

Plugging in your car doesn't do anything to your battery, it doesn't charge it! Plugging in only keeps your engine block warmer. Which means easier start up.

Different oil is a good idea..since I know nothing about oil, maybe you can offer me some advice on that too.I'm needing to top my oil off anyway, as it's on the low end, but don't want to do it wrong...so do I have to do a complete oil change if I switch to a thinner oil? Or can I mix it with the preexisting oil that's in there already?

Please don't judge my ignorance. Lol.. Don't know till you ask, right?

A 5W oil should suffice, but check your car manual. Mixing oil weights won't cause any harm. In my older car I ran with 10W30 in the summer and 5W30 in the winter.  
Honestly if you're parked in the open I would pay for the plug.

Put 0-30 oil in your car and a good battery and you will not have any problems

Any shop out there will test your battery, for free. If your battery is no good they will tell you. I use prairie battery on 18th across from keystone centre. Tell them you don't plug it in and they will find you a good battery. And look for a battery with at least 800 cold cranking amps.  
As for the oil, you need to do an oil change. Use synthetic oil it is the best, but if you want to save a few bucks just ask them to put in winter oil.  
My truck is a 2004 and I have never plugged it in. And have never had an issue with it starting. If you do go out on a cold day just start your car for 10 min before you go.

What kind of car do you have. Yes it matters, some cars are harder to start than others and must be plugged in, in cold weather. some new cars don't come with a plug, and you have to get one installed.

I've heard that the wear and tear of one hard cold start is equal to driving 300km. I don't know how accurate that comparison is, but it is very hard on the motor.

I had an 07 nitro and a '13 jeep... I never plugged them in. I did start them up every 4 hours tho and let them run until the system stopped them. I never had an issue.

Family4ever said "Please don't judge my ignorance. Lol.. Don't know till you ask, right? "

the only really dumb question is the one never asked because one is scared to demonstrate lack of knowlege, the way to get knowlege is to ask questions

If your not going to plug in your car, 2 thing to make sure your hot rod will start.  
1. Battery  
2. Synthetic oil  
http://nemesissynthetics.shopamsoil.com  
Call the number, and get the lowest price.  
 
Happy Motoring!  

i havent plugged in my car for years but one thing to consider is if you have someone around (or a battery charger) to give you a jump if your car doesnt start, one of those things that i can understand cheeping out on but could end up costing you the same or more if you need top pay someone  
 
on the other hand being a broke student you can always just rely on some nice neighbor to take pity on you and give you a jump in a pinch, just make sure you have cables and nice neighbors first lol

I agree with the suggestions. A fresh oil change to the lowest velocity your car will run. A 0w whatever is best.Many new cars use 0 w 20. Just stick to fresh oil as thin as you can.  
 
Yes get the battery tested. A strong battery is a must. I believe in the old saying. Summer kills batteries(heat).Winter buries them.  
 
If your car has remote start many have a setting to start your car every few hours automatically. Use this but only on the coldest nights. Plugging in no longer is the must it used to be but it makes life easier on you and your car.