would this car make it to alaska? what do you think
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would this car make it to alaska? what do you think
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/124042/image_036.jpg"></center><p>i was wondering if its possible that I could take my a6 to fairbanks..
would the awd system put up with a snowstorm?
does the freezing temperature affect the engine block??
what would the worst case scenario be...
any feedback would be highly appreciated
would the awd system put up with a snowstorm?
does the freezing temperature affect the engine block??
what would the worst case scenario be...
any feedback would be highly appreciated
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Joined: Feb 2007
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I'd try to acquire a block heater if possible. And I would definitely change
out the wheels/tires. You should also have an inspection done, to make sure your car is in "perfect" condition. And finally, I would check on the availability of parts.
AudiWorld Expert
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It would be great for about 9 months a year. Just get a beater for teh rest of the time
<center><img src="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/histGraphNormals?ID=PAFA&records=on&normal s=on&lastyear=off"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayNORMS.asp?AirportCode=PAFA&SafeCityName =Fairbanks&StateCode=AK&Units=none&IAT A=FAI">http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayNORMS.asp?AirportCode=PAFA&SafeCityName =Fairban
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Yes, no prob. Me personally, I would do the following (Minnesota experience)...
Get at minimum a decent set of snow tires or at least more snow-friendly all seasons.
Get a block heater
Make sure your antifreeze is a 50% mix.
Run thinner oil in the winter as this will allow your crank to turn on those -20 to -30 degress days (0w30). The starter in my Saturn could barely turn the crank when it was -20 outside.
Generally don't let your fuel get under 1/4 tank to keep water out of your gas.
Other than that you should be fine. From what my friends in Anchorage tell me, Alaska doesn't salt their roads in the winter so you shouldn't have many rust issues.
You will have no problem in a snowstorm with decent tires. An AWD Audi is just as capable in the now as a Chevy truck, just minus the ground clearance.
And if you run out of ground clearance, at least keep a shovel handy to dig you out....plus the digging will keep you warm!
If you live in Fairbanks proper you shouldn't have many issues at all. Just don't drive when the weather is extremely bad. I can imagine the snow drift would be even more than a full size truck could handle.
Other than that, have fun in Alaska! I wish I could go there....
Alex
2000 A6 2.7TQM
Get a block heater
Make sure your antifreeze is a 50% mix.
Run thinner oil in the winter as this will allow your crank to turn on those -20 to -30 degress days (0w30). The starter in my Saturn could barely turn the crank when it was -20 outside.
Generally don't let your fuel get under 1/4 tank to keep water out of your gas.
Other than that you should be fine. From what my friends in Anchorage tell me, Alaska doesn't salt their roads in the winter so you shouldn't have many rust issues.
You will have no problem in a snowstorm with decent tires. An AWD Audi is just as capable in the now as a Chevy truck, just minus the ground clearance.
And if you run out of ground clearance, at least keep a shovel handy to dig you out....plus the digging will keep you warm!
If you live in Fairbanks proper you shouldn't have many issues at all. Just don't drive when the weather is extremely bad. I can imagine the snow drift would be even more than a full size truck could handle.
Other than that, have fun in Alaska! I wish I could go there....
Alex
2000 A6 2.7TQM
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As others have said, block heater, oil, coolant, tires. You can get the cheap and cheesy
block heater that consists of a wire you feed into the dipstick, or you can do it correctly and take off the oil pan and install a proper block heater.
Check tire pressure often. Skinny tires with aggressive tread is desirable in snow.
Whether it is salt or gravel, it will be murder on the paint. Get clear bra over as much of the front of the car and mirrors as you can. Especially headlights. There are usually heated enclosed car washes in cold climates. Use them whenever weather reaches near thaw.
Get glass insurance. It's only a matter of time before you'll need a windshield.
Lube the heck out of your hinges and rubber seals or you could have doors that won't open without tearing the rubber. That includes the trunk. Use graphite lube on locks.
Everything gets brittle in cold weather. Plastic, rubber, and metal. Apply gentle even pressure on everything. This is especially true of rubber boots on steering and drive half shafts. Inspect often and check fluid levels.
Park overnight with your wipers raised away from the glass as certain conditions may result in them freezing to the glass.
Make doubly sure to use anti-seize on wheel bolts.
Brake fluid should be flushed at least once a year as it absorbes water which can cause trouble in extreme cold.
Never push the car hard in cold weather and let it warm up for a few minutes before asking it to move off. If you have a stick, try to point it downhill and leaving it in 2nd gear as the fluid may not allow you to shift until it warms.
Check tire pressure often. Skinny tires with aggressive tread is desirable in snow.
Whether it is salt or gravel, it will be murder on the paint. Get clear bra over as much of the front of the car and mirrors as you can. Especially headlights. There are usually heated enclosed car washes in cold climates. Use them whenever weather reaches near thaw.
Get glass insurance. It's only a matter of time before you'll need a windshield.
Lube the heck out of your hinges and rubber seals or you could have doors that won't open without tearing the rubber. That includes the trunk. Use graphite lube on locks.
Everything gets brittle in cold weather. Plastic, rubber, and metal. Apply gentle even pressure on everything. This is especially true of rubber boots on steering and drive half shafts. Inspect often and check fluid levels.
Park overnight with your wipers raised away from the glass as certain conditions may result in them freezing to the glass.
Make doubly sure to use anti-seize on wheel bolts.
Brake fluid should be flushed at least once a year as it absorbes water which can cause trouble in extreme cold.
Never push the car hard in cold weather and let it warm up for a few minutes before asking it to move off. If you have a stick, try to point it downhill and leaving it in 2nd gear as the fluid may not allow you to shift until it warms.
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AudiWorld Expert
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nahh - this
<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=229553729&dealer_id=61024661&am p;car_year=1997&marketZipError=false&awsp= false&search_type=both&num_records=100& ;keywordsfyc=&make=&transmission=&dist anc
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I lived in Yellowknife and drove my Audi there in the winter.
As others said - get a block heater, make sure you have a plug-in where you park, use light oil and drive slowly until the car warms up. Make sure you have good winter tires. Don't forget to get some gas line deicer and lock deicer.
