Polar Vortex Advice

[J.Mencalice]

Don't leave these in your saddlebags as well after a brisk ride around Minneapolis, Omaha, Chicago and all points east and south!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2019/01/29/polar-vortex-2019-cold-weather-car/2708668002/

Frozen cojones!!!!  Minus 50*!!!!

[cookiedough]

would not be a bad idea for all of us in this upper northern cold snap area where -50 windchill or more/less to put a can of HEET in red or yellow plastic bottle in your OVER 1/2 full gas tank.  Will not hurt and sometimes makes a difference in such extreme cold temps.  

No matter if new or old,  vehicles starting in morning in this bitter cold surely make some weird noises when firing it up like something is broken inside the engine.  

I came home at 530 p.m. to already see a near 1 foot drift about six feet out from my garage door and was not snowing out, just drifting.  1/2 the office or more is staying home tomorrow.  I will be one of the few idiots driving in tomorrow, if 1 of the 2 vehicles that is starts tomorrow morning.....

I have verified a few times with POP cans unopened buldging out and near exploding when I popped the top off of one and had a fountain explosion in such extreme temps leaving them in my vehicle - pretty cool,  but makes one heck of a mess inside a vehicle since it keeps pouring out like a volcano exploding. 

[Bighead]

Wont see thkse temps  here unless Al Gores Global warming theory is total BS

[Jess from VA]

8 things you shouldn't leave in your car in cold weather during polar vortex - Musical instruments

So my trombone has to come in?  Interesting.    

[0leman]

8 things you shouldn't leave in your car in cold weather during polar vortex - Musical instruments

So my trombone has to come in?  Interesting.    

Seem to remember the old saying "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey".  So yeah should bring in your Trombone.   

Feel for you folks in the cold zone, we are having a heat wave which will soon return to winter this weekend. 

[Gryphon Rider]

The most important thing for motorcycles (or any vehicle) stored in the extreme cold is to keep the battery charged.  A discharged battery will freeze at a much higher temperature (32°F if fully discharged) than a fully charged one will (-76°F), causing expansion and irreversible damage to the battery.

[Davemn]

-29 here this morning. -56 windchill.
Maybe +40 on Sunday.
Spring is just around that big sweeper.
Motorcycle Show here this weekend!

[scooperhsd]

Bit of history about  "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey". 

In the old sailing days of the Navy, cannon balls were held by a "brass ring" called a "monkey". Due to the fact that metals expand / contract different rates, when it was  "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey", it meant that the brass had contracted enough that the cannon balls slipped over the edge and went rolling around on deck....

[old2soon]

        3 above zero here this A M. da prez on the udder hand-reading at Crystal Lake Illinois-was at -26. Wind chill in Chicago this A M was -50. Wind chill here in Balmy? southern Mo. was -teens. Stay warm Stay safe Stay inside. Just got done with a full stack of hotcakes with pure maple syrple and finishing my last cupa coffee from da pot. BUT this weekend lotsa sunshine and near if not above the 60s! And a slight dusting of that-sigh-white stuff!   RIDE SAFE.

[JimC]

Remember one thing:

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, JUST INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING.

I will try to remember that as I clean the snow drifts off the driveway this afternoon.

Jim

[Skinhead]

8 things you shouldn't leave in your car in cold weather during polar vortex - Musical instruments

So my trombone has to come in?  Interesting.    

Seem to remember the old saying "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey".  So yeah should bring in your Trombone.   

Feel for you folks in the cold zone, we are having a heat wave which will soon return to winter this weekend. 

Jess, don't forget to warm up the mouthpiece on that trombone after you bring it in.  You don't want to end up like the kid in Christmas story when you go to practice.

[Jess from VA]

You know, I played the coronet (a short trumpet) in the school band, 1st chair, from 7th to 11th grade. Except I was on the football team, so I never played in the marching band.

So naturally I was the bugler for my boy scout troop at 11.  Including morning reveille.

It only took one frozen mouthpiece to learn to sleep with it in the sleeping bag.  



Our scoutmaster loved my bugling, but the morning reveille only got mixed reviews from the troops. 

[F6Dave]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

[Tx Bohemian]

Yea, know what you guys mean!!

Stinkin' 41degs here on the way to work this morn!!!

Got all the way up to 55...

How in the world are we supposed to survive?

[Davemn]

The real problem when it gets below zero is the moisture from exhausts freezing on the pavement. You can’t see it. As far as traction on packed snow that kinda makes sense except at 30 degrees there is seldom any ice as the car traffic clears the roads.
-30 tonight, yikes!

[Beardo]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

[Gryphon Rider]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

I usually have to shake my head when the wide-eyed traffic/weather person gives driving or mechanical advice.  While very cold temperatures don't make ice grippy like bare pavement, it is certainly better than when the temperature is just above freezing to several degrees below freezing.  When it's not extremely cold, the pressure/heat of the tires (and one's shoes) melts the top-most molecules of ice, making it very slippery.  Squeaky ice is the grippiest ice, and is best first thing in the morning when there is still a layer of frost on it to give it "tooth".  All bets are off where the ice (or hard-packed snow) is polished by spinning tires.

[The emperor has no clothes]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

Completely agree. Some of the slickest roads I've been on were below zero. Some of these news people ought to just not talk about things they don't know about. Just saw a lady in Chicago with goggles on saying if you went outside without eye protection your corneas would freeze.  I've been in -40 with 45 mph winds and never froze my corneas.

[cookiedough]

too many variables out there in real world to know if -30 vs. +30 is slippery.

I would think +30 can get more traction more so but not always.

If I see a sheen/glimmer on the road,  that is ice (black ice) and that is what gets me loosing it.  Coming to a stop at intersections sucks as well must drive slower and brake VERY slowly and sooner for sure when approaching intersections.

Had one idiot driving 30 mph in the 55 mph country roads when much to my surprise that 6-7 inch snowfall was completely plowed and roads were in very good shape to easily do 50 mph on up.  Of course when I get caught up to him he MUST always tap the brakes even on straight roads him doing it even way, way before I got up behind him.  If you must drive slower, please go 45 mph if not, get off the darn roads and stay home if you are that afraid to drive on mostly clean pavement.

[Jess from VA]

Slippery or not, what I worry about is getting stuck, stranded or wrecked (no matter who's fault) and finding yourself afoot in this kind of weather.  Just stay home.

On bikes they say to dress for the wreck, not the ride.  Driving anywhere in this weather, you better dress for the walk, not the ride.  

Planning for the worst, I usually set my house thermostat up five degrees from normal, so if we lose power, I've got just a little more time to get my generator up and running before it starts snowing in my living room.

It's to be 7* tonight, but that's without the high winds to 40.

I would burn Al Gore in my fireplace, if I had a fireplace.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

Slippery or not, what I worry about is getting stuck, stranded or wrecked (no matter who's fault) and finding yourself afoot in this kind of weather.  Just stay home.

On bikes they say to dress for the wreck, not the ride.  Driving anywhere in this weather, you better dress for the walk, not the ride.   

Planning for the worst, I usually set my house thermostat up a few degrees from normal, so if we lose power, I've got just a little more time to get my generator up and running before it starts snowing in my living room.   

Most people who drive in these conditions are prepared with gear in their trunk for emergencies. What sucks is having power go out when it's -40. When it stays out long enough where your pipes start freezing you are in trouble.

[Jess from VA]

Maybe in AK and the northern tier states, but I don't think most people elsewhere carry any extra warm clothes, tools, shovels, cat litter or anything else in their cars.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Maybe in AK and the northern tier states, but I don't think most people elsewhere carry any extra warm clothes, tools, shovels, cat litter or anything else in their cars.

I'm sure you are correct. And to be fair, there are plenty of thoughtless people who would take off from Kenai to Anchorage in -20 just wearing regular clothes and no gear in case something happened.

[Hooter]

8 things you shouldn't leave in your car in cold weather during polar vortex - Musical instruments

So my trombone has to come in?  Interesting.    

You can, but just don't go out and try to play it.

[Rams]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

Completely agree. Some of the slickest roads I've been on were below zero. Some of these news people ought to just not talk about things they don't know about. Just saw a lady in Chicago with goggles on saying if you went outside without eye protection your corneas would freeze.   I've been in -40 with 45 mph winds and never froze my corneas.

I guess some folks have to learn from personal experience.
I have two close friends that have had to have eye surgery due to frozen corneas.   Thinking I'll take their word on it.

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

Completely agree. Some of the slickest roads I've been on were below zero. Some of these news people ought to just not talk about things they don't know about. Just saw a lady in Chicago with goggles on saying if you went outside without eye protection your corneas would freeze.   I've been in -40 with 45 mph winds and never froze my corneas.

I guess some folks have to learn from personal experience.
I have two close friends that have had to have eye surgery due to frozen corneas.   Thinking I'll take their word on it.

Rams

Do you know how it happened ? I lived 40 years in Alaska riding snowmachines, skiing, ice fishing and have never heard of this happen.

[old2soon]

           When I wuz still drivin big truck I had clothing suitable for/from the tropics to really cursed cold. Snow mobile suit stayed in my truck year round. As did my swimsuit. I have extra gear in my cage cuz I ain't near as tough as I used ta wuz!   AND these minus temps and Very minus wind chills Are Extremely dangerous.   Sposed to be in the 40s here tomorrow. We shall see. Hopin the weather guessers gotz it correctamundo.   RIDE SAFE. P S-ever since Nam and specially as I've aged Winter REALLY sux I M H O.

[Rams]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

Completely agree. Some of the slickest roads I've been on were below zero. Some of these news people ought to just not talk about things they don't know about. Just saw a lady in Chicago with goggles on saying if you went outside without eye protection your corneas would freeze.   I've been in -40 with 45 mph winds and never froze my corneas.

I guess some folks have to learn from personal experience.
I have two close friends that have had to have eye surgery due to frozen corneas.   Thinking I'll take their word on it.

Rams

Do you know how it happened ? I lived 40 years in Alaska riding snowmachines, skiing, ice fishing and have never heard of this happen.

What I know is both were working at a refinery in Canada (oil sands region) over a 3 and 4 year period.  I do not know the specifics but I do know it was painful and it took surgery to save their eyesight.  Yes, corneas can be frozen.

Rams

[Beardo]

Lived my entire life in one of the coldest parts of the great white north and I’ve never heard of frozen corneas either. Learn something new on VRCC all the time.

[97BLKVALK]

Factor the speed and temp -80.3 wind chill

Too cold for a Valkyrie ride

[Oss]

I have always had a winter bug out bag in the car
Hat and balacava, winter gloves, scarf, down reversible vest, fleece pullover and a couple of those peel and stick hand warmers, couple of low glycemic power protein bars and a pair of wool socks as well as a spare flashlight, matches, my small first aid kit, space blanket and a good knife   So myself and a passenger can survive a night or 2 if necessary

If I have to walk 25 miles I can do it  but dont want the experience

Keep spare water bottles in my garage and office but not in the car when it gets below freezing

[J.Mencalice]

On the news today, I heard a warning for motorists in places getting hit hard with cold weather, like Minnesota.  The reporter said salt wouldn't work in temperatures this cold, so you'd better stay off the icy roads as you'll have no traction at all!

In my experience it doesn't work that way.  Icy and snowpacked roads are at their worst when temperatures are near freezing, because there's usually some melting on the surface to make the roads extra slippery.  As temperatures drop, everything freezes up and traction actually improves.  In my experience traction at zero degrees is much better than at 28 or 30.  In fact, I've known people who've lived or worked in North Dakota who say when the temperature gets really cold, like 30-40 below, the traction on snowpacked roads almost feels like pavement.  What's the experience of you guys way up north?

BTW, that reporter was on Fox Business.  I switched to OAN.

No, snow packed roads at -40 are very slippery, especially at intersections where everyone spins their tires to get going, and exhaust water drips freeze on the road. Combine that with cold hard tires, traction isn’t good.

Completely agree. Some of the slickest roads I've been on were below zero. Some of these news people ought to just not talk about things they don't know about. Just saw a lady in Chicago with goggles on saying if you went outside without eye protection your corneas would freeze.   I've been in -40 with 45 mph winds and never froze my corneas.

I guess some folks have to learn from personal experience.
I have two close friends that have had to have eye surgery due to frozen corneas.   Thinking I'll take their word on it.

Rams

Do you know how it happened ? I lived 40 years in Alaska riding snowmachines, skiing, ice fishing and have never heard of this happen.

Here ya go, a case history and explanation of how, why, and where corneas may freeze.

http://www.grandroundsjournal.com/articles/gr120002/gr120002.pdf

[J.Mencalice]

I have always had a winter bug out bag in the car
Hat and balacava, winter gloves, scarf, down reversible vest, fleece pullover and a couple of those peel and stick hand warmers, couple of low glycemic power protein bars and a pair of wool socks as well as a spare flashlight, matches, my small first aid kit, space blanket and a good knife

If I have to walk 25 miles I can do it  but dont want the experience

Keep spare water bottles in my garage and office but not in the car when it gets below freezing

A candle in a metal coffee can will generate and distribute a surprisingly large amount of heat in a closed auto or pickup truck.  We carry one with some of your above items whenever we head over the high passes during winter.  A small roll of toilet paper can also serve in a dual role.

[mrtlc]

A while back somebody was talking about going back into a small ice age. I think they were onto something

[¿spoom]

Factor the speed and temp -80.3 wind chill

Too cold for a Valkyrie ride

You win, for sure.

You're in Rocky & Bullwinkle territory 

[97BLKVALK]

Factor the speed and temp -80.3 wind chill

Too cold for a Valkyrie ride

You win, for sure.

You're in Rocky & Bullwinkle territory 

Its not about winning it's about surviving...lol

[Oss]

also newspapers inside your jacket will help keep you warm.

My heart goes out to those without homes and without any ability to find shelter. Hopefully few are killed by the elements  but there will be those who dont make it   

Going to the big sleep in the cold of Far Rockaway beach is how my dad wanted to go out. He didnt get the chance

[0leman]

I regularly drive over the Cascade Mountains once a week, about 80 mile trip.  During the winter there are times when there is several inches of snowpack/ice on the roads, sometime about 10 miles of really bad, sometimes 40 miles of it.  I prefer temps to be in the teens or low 20's. as there is better traction.  Temps around 30 makes for a lot slower/slippery drive.

I do take extra clothes/boots plus some water when I make this trip.  AND do have extra weight in back of pickup truck plus shovel/pop-rope for those time when I screw up or may need to help someone else.  So far in 10 years of doing this have kept the truck on the road, can't say the same for other drivers.

[MarkT]

Slippery or not, what I worry about is getting stuck, stranded or wrecked (no matter who's fault) and finding yourself afoot in this kind of weather.  Just stay home.

On bikes they say to dress for the wreck, not the ride.  Driving anywhere in this weather, you better dress for the walk, not the ride.  

Planning for the worst, I usually set my house thermostat up a few degrees from normal, so if we lose power, I've got just a little more time to get my generator up and running before it starts snowing in my living room.    

Most people who drive in these conditions are prepared with gear in their trunk for emergencies. What sucks is having power go out when it's -40. When it stays out long enough where your pipes start freezing you are in trouble.

What I don't get, is people who don't have reserves or the equipment to handle likely contingencies.  That is, living in say the common hurricane's path or very cold climes yet aren't prepared to provide their own electricity with a generator but wait until the emergency is on them then take their reserve money and try to go buy one and set it up.  Same thing with food and water or heating supplies. Or appropriate equipment / clothing/blankets/shovel/jumper cables etc in their car when they live in very cold climate. Wow.  Just irresponsible in my book.  Yeah I am very prepared in comparison.

In a related vein, riders who come to the high country even in summer, w/o experience or warnings from locals or others in the know, may arrive sans appropriate cold weather gear.  Going up in altitude is the same as heading hundreds of miles north.  You can need winter gear at altitude even in July, here.  And weather - snow, sleet, cold rain - can show up anytime.

Then there's the 20-something know-it-all bimbo on the local news who thinks (or her producer thinks) it's her job to give ignorent advice rather than reporting the news.  Like saying "4WD makes it easier to go but not to stop so slow down".  Excuse me, do you have ANY experience with 4WD or are you just parroting those old gems?  Yes it does help stop, especially if your 4WD has a stick and you have some driving ability.  And nowadays, newer vehicles have traction control, ABS brakes, rollover protection and so on.  Having all the wheel's speeds linked together does a LOT for control.

[cookiedough]

does 4wd really make you stop quicker than just say RWD truck when applying brakes?

It helps control the stop, but not any shorter distance IMO...

well, was -36 degrees fluctuating on hills/valleys, etc.  from -31 to -36 this morning.  My 2 year old truck squealed like a pig was getting gutted for a few minutes and had to turn the key ON and hold it ON for like 6 seconds vs. just a quick turn of the key.  Door was near frozen shut sitting outside as well.  Then,  6 miles from  home the darn traction control light stayed on after just tapping the brake lightly and had no traction control.  Shut truck off arriving at destination, turned truck back on, and was fine again light went off.

However, wife's 2014 SUV was in garage but said her brakes felt spongy driving in this cold crap and seemed like loss of braking for sure.  She said was better, but still not great like it should be coming home when it was -16 vs. was -36 for temp (NOT wind chill temp).   

WHAT TEMP DOES BRAKE FLUID FREEZE????  Never had that happen before, but pretty sure has never been -36 for a temp either before.    Doubt low on brake fluid or possible air in the brake line??  NO idea otherwise?  Suppose to be this weekend near 40 degrees ABOVE zero so hope all gets good again concerning brakes.