Winter Driving with everyday E30

[StriderDriver]

Being in the unfortunate position to have to use my Touring as the every-day car throughout these winter months. I was wondering if you could post your handy-hit & tips to keep your car in "toptip" condition.

[Loony]

Do you mean mechanically or cosmetically.

[dimebag_from_hell]

Wax the car as much as possible, get it waxoyled....oh and dont slide her through a hedge!

[StriderDriver]

Do you mean mechanically or cosmetically.

both; mechanicly it's sound, cosmetically it's sound, but I want to keep it this way ready for a mop/polish in the spring

[oakey]

Give it a good wax. Keep it as dry and clean as possible. undersealing the underside is never a bad idea. Its managed at least 15 winters so far

[aceraf]

I've just used some Collinite 915 on my touring....seems to be repelling the water quite well.

Manufacturer's claim it's good for a few months of protection...but i'll probably give it a few more coats before the new year.

Mechanically all i do is check my fluids, ensure everythings topped up as they should be.

As mentioned above...these cars have lasted till now well, so should keep going for some time yet.

Got to get mine Waxoyled underneath aswell and should really be maintained.

[jam172]

Remove the wheels and plastic arch protectors, brush off all loose mud and pump in loads of Waxoil behind where these covers sit and all round the arches.

Jack it up on axel stands as high as possible (Safely) and do the same to the underside; a filthy job but well worth it. Smear grease behind the wheel arch lips.

Cosemetically, touch in stone chips and wash the old girl once a week.

Mechanically, change the coolant and go heavy on the antifreeze.

[aceraf]

Smear grease behind the wheel arch lips.

That's the 2nd time i've heard this on the zone...surely the grease would just spread everywhere??? Wouldn't waxoil be better there?

not being critical but curious

[oakey]

Grease would work fine. Theres no reason why it would spread everywhere. Waxoyl would do the same job.

[jam172]

Smear grease behind the wheel arch lips.

That's the 2nd time i've heard this on the zone...surely the grease would just spread everywhere??? Wouldn't waxoil be better there?

not being critical but curious

Both is best, waxoil will be absorbed but grease will stay on the surface and help block mud and salt, any small chips will remain protected. Grease is good in the colder months as it will not melt.

[aceraf]

Smear grease behind the wheel arch lips.

That's the 2nd time i've heard this on the zone...surely the grease would just spread everywhere??? Wouldn't waxoil be better there?

not being critical but curious

Both is best, waxoil will be absorbed but grease will stay on the surface and help block mud and salt, any small chips will remain protected. Grease is good in the colder months as it will not melt.

Cool.

[pnd]

[quote="StriderDriver"]Being in the unfortunate position to have to use my Touring as the every-day car throughout these winter months. whY IS THIS UNFORTUNATE? these cars are great everyday cars and neither their performance or value justifies them being excluded from that category unless its an m3 or something equally exotic just get out and enjoy it. If its not a shed it will cope fine with everyday all round use. As for waxoiling thats best done in the summer anyway.

[Karan]

a good lsd is vital really to keep the slides controllable on the slip roads

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Yes. I agree. LSD for Christmas Cheer.

[schuey]

I have been at mine with the underseal today! I was quite liking my mint inner arches so waxoil is far easier than replacing them!

[StriderDriver]

I say "in an unfortunate position" as I'm starting to pick up on little hiccups that are starting to happen to the car. For example I can't get 2nd gear in the cold until engine is warm

[BigPete]

Find a large piece of car park when it snows and work how the car handles when it starts getting slippy. It's very good way to keep it away from curbs/lamp posts/trees and in tip top condition!