I was wondering if I can solicit from the experienced members what is their recommendations for preparing for the winter
food (mouse proof container), water, blankets, shovel, tire traction product, flashlight, batteries, jump pack, 12v compressor, spare tire, breaker bar, working jack, stability pad for under the jack. full tank of gas at all times!
grille block and snow tires if you drive on roads not plowed . If you block the grille it's wise to monitor coolant temps at least the first year or two, so you know when to install and when to remove on your car. Some grille blockers like full grille and some like half or 3/4 grille block. "Don't forget your gloves". ---OK mom ---
Be careful when blocking the zone where the inverter radiator is. Third gen for example, it's at the top. Second gen's at the bottom? If in doubt don't block those zones at all. Don't guess about this; find out. Be cautious with grill block, especially if you're not sure, not able to monitor coolant temp (thanks Toyota...). If in doubt, only grill block when ambient temps are regularly below 5C, and block 50% max, of the zone NOT having the inverter radiator. 4th gen has active grill shutters, so proceed with caution. Also, if you're doing some sort of protracted hill-climb, say driving up a ski mountain, do your engine a favour and take ALL the blocking out.
Check washer fluid level and ensure you have a full tank (or carry a spare bottle if you live in an area where regular use of the washer fluid is common Get winter tyres (set of 4 on separate rims if possible. If not, you can mount 4 back on the OEM rims. You just make up the extra cost of spare rims after 2-3 changes) Check your tyre pressures. They lower as the temps lower so ensure they’re brought back up to at least factory setting. Ensure your wiper blades are not streaking. If they are, clean them and see if it gets rid of the streaking. If not, get a new set. Rubber blades are inexpensive and easy to swap. As the car gets older, be mindful of the 12V battery’s health As the car gets older, check the LED lights that they’re still operating (failure rate is low and usually after 8-10 years at the earliest based on the Gen 2s that I see). I still see Gen 2s with all their LED brake lights working so it’s definitely a low percentage of failure Ensure your headlight stalk is in the AUTO setting and not OFF especially with shorter daylight hours. Too many cars running on DRLs because they’re so bright, the driver thinks their headlights are on. Have a winter kit - spare carpet or kitty litter, small shovel, flat blade screwdriver (to remove the tow hook cap), flashlight, spare blanket, water (I keep the all the door bottle holders stocked with water just in case), chocolate or energy bar(s). Also get familiar with the location of your tow hook eye ring and where they’re attached to the bumper in case you need to get towed out.
