What about the combination RX-8 and winter about -10? Is there something to take into account? Here in my country there is an opinion that RX-8 is only for driving in summer, that RX-8 disagrees with a cold wheather, snow and salt on the road. Anyone here can share with expierence?

 

I live in a cold state in the U.S. near the Canadian border.

I have had NO problems driving in conditions with as much as 7" of snow, down to around 8 below (f) and even with incredibly windy conditions on highway driving.

You will need:

1) Excellent snow tires;

2) Powerful battery and upgraded starter motor;

3) Possibly an engine block heater if your winters are more extreme in terms of sub-zero temperatures for long periods of time.


With all of these things, the car is a champ.

 

Now here in Latvia winters has become warmer than few years ago.

I'm not sure if there will be any one who could upgrade starter motor. But as I understood than I should not face any problems even with a stock condition Mazda RX-8 if I take into notice the main maintenaince conditions.

 

If you can afford another winter car, garage it.

Not because it cant take it, so you can keep it nice and avoid the salt/sand abuse. One winter is all it took to make mine look like ****.

 

I put my Shinka up for the winter. No way could I let all that salt and grime impact the beautiful suspension parts. Anything not painted or stainless steel will have rust after one winter, unless you can rinse off after every use.
JMHO

 

I drive mine all winter - wash it as frequently as possible - run good snow tires - understand that you're not going anywhere if the snow is too deep. For the record, my car still looks good, and it has 3 winters under its belt. I have never had a starting problem, tho my car is garage kept...it is outside all day at my office, but we rarely drop below 0.

 

I also reccommend gettign a winter "beater" if possible will save on miles on the car also and keep it ncie and rust free.....

 

This will be my fifth winter, daily driven in minus 30*C



RX-8 has anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and a limited slip differential - my old Acura had "none-of-the-above".

If any of these features prevent me sliding into oncoming traffic, I win.

I don't really give a crap what the winters do. (I haven't cleaned an exhaust tip in the last three YEARS!)

Sorry if this post offends those with more delicate 'Californian' sensibilities.......

S

 

Thank you all very much-it helps to understand what can be done to prevent RX-8 from damages in winter. I have heard about the possibility to conserve the car so that the rust is not a problem for a long time.

 

Hmm, so Hoth is boomin' ever since you drove the Empire away, then?

 

I have a question about storing the car for the winter in Vegas. It doesn't get too cold here, mostly 29 degrees or above. The wife drives the truck and I bought a Challenger in August and we haven't driven the car since then. I went to start it up last weekend and there was a very noticable high pitch whine comming from under the hood it lasted for about three minutes. Does anyone know what this could be, and will it get worse if the car sits through the winter. I will try to start driving it more, but it's hard to go from 425HP to 238 HP.

 

for some reason i think hes talkin to me

 

I'm not sure what the noise could be, but are you getting 4.8 to 60 runs with the Challenger?

Sorry for the off topic question.

 

you will enjoy the winter gas mileage

 

 

Likely the air pump.....emissions crap. The pump whines when it's on after a while. Will only be on for a few minutes when cold to kick start the CAT

 

Yep. its the air pump motor.

 

Mercedes makes the airpump, it's a cheap piece'o'junk!

(Check the trademark on the connector....)

S

 

Stealth, how was the heater working on that beautiful, -36 f day?

 

I know i used to have one heck of a time starting the 8 anytime it was under about 10 degrees. As soon as i'd start the car, it would jump WAY up to about 4500 RPMs for a good 20 seconds or so. Man, would i cringe everytime it did that!

 

I left it outside at minus 40*C, hood open, to see how it would start, worst-case, but that was the lowest the dash sensor read.

Not too bad, the leather seats seem like granite counter-top, and twice as cold, and the gear oil refused to play - but it started right up, I was very happy.

S

 

Brutal.

Nice to know it was mechanically functional, however.

I'm thinking I need to get that antifreeze flush and fill now. A sudden insecurity has swept over me.

 

I thought that i would able to drive my 8 the first winter that i got it ....... i decided that the best thing is to garage it and then get a winter car

 

where do you live stealth ? fort mac ?

so far in calgary, -15C has been the coldest, and my car has started no problem.

i was looking at battery heaters tonight as next week it should drop below -30C

 

holy **** thats ***** cold. thats awesome.