Really Cold Weather Driving

I know many of you will think I've lost the handle off my pail....but

If the roads are clear and it looks like a decent forcast regarding snow and ice - we may take the Vette to PA this weekend. My question concerns cold temps.... if it's 20 or below outside, is there anything about driving in that temp I should be concerned about? My focus is mostly regarding the engine cooling system.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Feliz Nividad

Honkahunalula

[Robertwav1]

I've had the vette in the sweet hills of PA in frigid but clear weather. No problem with the cooling system as long as the green stuff is concentrated to handle -40 F. Got to be careful of the glass though....you wouldn't want to hit anything in those temps.

[silver98]

Your tires will be quite cold and the rubber will not be as pliable as they are in the warmer weather. This will cause a degradation in the handling. I know, I live here.

Other than that, be careful and enjoy the ride.

[slapshot]

and watch out for the dreaded potholes and frostheaves.....

[RedRagTop]

It will spin much more easily but pull delightfully hard in the cold. Almost spun mine out putting it away this years so...
Remember that tractiony rear-end!

[vetteboy86]

Isn't it supposed to snow in OH. I have driven mine in really cold temps, with the occasion of getting stuck in a few snow storms. I dont like driving in the snow, because other people around me. I know I am a safe driver, but I would hate to get nailed because someone else was going to fast. Well enjoy the ride.


Craig

[Ken]

Originally Posted by nmacdonald

My focus is mostly regarding the engine cooling system.

Other than the stated risks associated with driving a light, high performance car such as the Corvette in the snow or ice, what makes you think there's anything unusual about a Corvette's cooling system that should cause concern?

As long as the engine is prepared for winter ("Winterized" - isn't that what you guys back there call it? ) there shouldn't be cause for concern. It works just like any other cooling system.

[DRTH VTR]

I know this is blasphemy, but it is just a car!

[RedRagTop]

Just set the digital climate control at 70F and let the car do it for you

[bill5674]

Arond here what we have to look out for is the other guy,slamming into you.The roads my be ice and snow but .....this is NY

[G Winter]

I drove mine a couple weeks ago when it was 15 deg out. Even with the convetrible, it was ok . only thing I notice is a cool draft off the top of the dash. Air leak under the dash?
I will not try driving mine in snow. Lots of salt on the road and I don't like what salt does to the underside of a car, so I put it away for the winter this week.

Ken... the only reason I"m asking about cold weather characteristics is this...

I've had older pickups that have actually dropped in coolant temp (while driving) when driving in cold/frigid weather.

The location of the air flow on the Vette, down low and big open scoop - made me a little anxious. That's all.

Thanks to all for the encouragement..... C Ya !!!!

Happy Holidays

Norm

[Edmond]

Coldest I've driven the Corvette in was -4. I think the car loves the cold weather. It just sucks it up and you see that coolant temp drop when you take off from the stoplight.

[SSTibet]

Hey, would it be right if I said cold weather would increase torque??? Isn't the cold air intake for the same effect??? I know road conditions in cold weather is risky but torque should increase a bit, yes?

Thanks for all the feedback on this... I really appreciate it.

If I can ever make it out of our subdivision - I may give it a shot!!!! What am I thinking??? If I can make it out of my driveway period! Heck, my 4x4 has trouble getting out of the driveway and the subdivision!

Happy Holidays to all!!!