What weight of motor oil should people put in their cars for winter?

I am storing my Husband's 2009 Dodge Challenger this winter. We were going to put it in my Uncle's pole barn. The barn has a dirt floor. Can you give me any advice on what I should/should not do? Is the pole barn not a good idea? Any advice will help a ton. Thanks!

Corey,
I would suggest to see what the manufacture of your vehicle recommends. That information will be on the oil filler cap or in the owners manual.
As far as winter weight, most vehicle require no change in weight. Newer model vehicles use a semi synthetic oil, which is a synthetic based oil to help lubrication at start up, and during the extreme weather seasons.
Thanks for the question.
Precision Auto Repair, Albertville

Off topic, do any of these shops use the Heater Treater repair to replace a broken blend air door? I need this fix and will not pay $1500 to remove the dash and fix it with OEM recommendations.

MJB -
Great Question!

Storing your vehicle in the barn is not necessarily a bad idea. It definitely will protect it from elements better than leaving it out. If you plan on storing it there all winter, we do recommend that you start it up a few times through out the winter or at the very least take the battery out i(f you do not plan on starting it).

I also suggest putting Sta-Bil in the gas tank to stabilize any gasoline left in the vehicle. That will protect the engine and help it come spring time when you want to drive it again!

If you and your husband have the ability to lift the car off the tires, this will keep the springs from being under pressure all winter long and protect your tires from getting flat spots.

I have heard different things from Auto Body experts on covering the vehicle. It will definitely protect mechanical pieces better to cover it. However, dirt can get trapped and swirl around acting like sandpaper leading to damaging scratches to the surface. If you decide to cover it, keep it loose and do not use anything made of plastic.

-Tina Liljedahl
Baber Auto Repair

My daughters driver side door hinge has worn out and is about to break. Do you know where to bring this where it is not going to cost alot to weld this hinge and make it so the door will open and shut without falling off completley?

I'm not a car guy, so this might sound stupid. But is there a difference between 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?

To clarify my last comment - the all-wheel drive is like 4-wheel drive that is "on" all the time, although the vehicle will determine the amount of power that is sent to each of the wheels at given moments (you don't have to "flip a switch" to put into 4-wheel)

At what point is necessary to get new tires so you are adequately protected from snow and ice on the roads?

Tires will wear differently depending on where they are placed on the vehicle, the tire pressure, and the alignment of the vehicle. Tires with poor tread definitely will need to be replaced. We recommend having a trusted mechanic look at your tires, as well as battery, spark plugs, coolant, wipers, brakes, and other winter critical areas to make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter. Your mechanic will be able to tell you if you should consider replacing tires before winter or if you will make it safely through winter.

How about the frequent dying of battery during winter season ?

Amit,
Cold Minnesota winters can be harsh on batteries. Before the temperature dips too low, it is a good idea to have your battery tested. Keeping the battery posts free of corrosion will also help your battery "fire" during the winter season too. We also recommend carrying a set up jumper cables in your trunk for emergencies! Thanks for your question!

-Tina Liljedahl
Baber Auto Repair

Scott
Tires and brakes are the number 1 & 2 safety items for your vehicle. In Minnesota when tires are worn down to 2/32 they are considered unsafe. Most people will notice a decrease in wet/snow traction when tires get to 4/32 of tread. We agree with Barber Auto a trusted repair center is key. We suggest to replace tires at 4/32 of tread and the reason is safety.
Vehicles bring us to work and back, however on the way to work place and home some people will pick up & drop off kids. Your safety is one thing, the safety of your family and others on the road is another.
Safe travels.

Amit.
We suggest to have your battery tested. Replace every 4 years as a maintenance item. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the extreme (Summer heat or winter cold) waiting for a tow truck.
Thanks for the comment
Precision Auto Repair

I doubt I'm the only Minnesotan who struggles with being able to see out my windshield during those frosty, chilly months. Do you guys recommend buying winter-specific windshield wipers? Or getting your windshield treated with anti-icing agent? Or are a new set of blades and regular fluid just as good? Thanks!

Ok, this is a "completing new to winter " question. We just moved to Edina from Houston and don't know what to expect. I've read that we may need "engine Warner's" to start our vehicles in the deep cold. Is there any truth to that?

That was suppose to read "engine warmers". Thank you.

I have a 97 sunfire gt 2.4l and when ever i am stop at a street light my car ideles rough how can I fix that or am i stuck with this problem? Should I put new spark plugs in?

Depending on when the spark plugs were last changed, this may be a good idea. You may also need your fuel injectors cleaned. There is a system that injects cleaner directly into the fuel lines going to the injectors and gives them a thorough cleaning; much better than pouring something into your gas tank. You'll need to consult an auto repair shop for this service.