I’m here in north central Massachusetts and am preparing for a good-sized snowstorm coming tomorrow. We’re expecting 12-24 inches of snow, probably on the high end of that range. I got gas for the snowblower this morning. It’s ready to go. The shovels and anything else I’ll need are within easy reach. I brought in extra wood from the pile out back and put it on the side porch. I have more than enough for the fireplace for a long time. I’m ready for whatever happens.
I decided to take my 1977 pace car out for a spin and give it some exercise. Even this time of year I’ll take my car(s) out as long as the roads are clear and dry. Cars don’t like to sit too long without use so I try to do my best to get it out whenever the conditions allow. I get on a major highway and drive about 20 minutes and then turn around and go home. Just like people, cars need regular exercise too.
Does anyone else use their cars this time of year or are they sleeping until spring?
The dash picture is from my Dodge Charger R/T showing the temperature was -2 when I took the pace car out.

 

Two days ago, I decided to take my 75 H/O out for a short drive, ahead of the storm many of us are getting. The drive was such a blast, I fired up my 69 and 70 GTO's and drove them on the same route. Now I have a to do list for each of them. I will stay busy until the next drive. I like your Pace car.

 

Yes sir same here. Probably one of the reasons my ride still rips with 37,500 miles on the point set the car came with. She is at the ready and gets her maintenance miles year round regardless of temperature. I've used her twice this month for a total of 41 miles, but currently haven't touched or driven her since the 10th.

 

Mine sits from mid-November through early April. They salt the roads at the slightest provocation around here.

One thing I try to avoid is starting it up and letting it idle in place. Does more harm than good. Although I may have to do just that this year because I need to solve a pesky gas line leak before spring.

 

They sand and salt the roads quite a bit around here, too. That’s why I only take it out when the roads are dry and clear. Dry roads mean no salt spray. I do wipe the car down even if it looks clean after my drive. I disconnect the battery and cover the car until the next opportunity to use it.

 

Yes sir I am heeding your advice. But the hard starts drive me nuts.



Each 1/3 means 1 crank over after 3 pumps of gas. So you can see how many total attempts per start after sitting for days.

Here is my fuel filter level after sitting 11 days no start attempts. She was driven 14 miles from gas fill-up to being parked down, so at least 18 gallons in tank...

Sorry a bit hard to see was a nighttime pic. The gas left in filter is that minuscule angle line. That was 853pm 12/31/25, prior to any pumping or start attempt. Last run was 12/20/25.

I have been recommended by both fellow members here and longtime mechanics that an electric fuel pump will resolve all problems. But is there an alternative where she stays true stock and starts any easier after long sits ? (if used daily she starts on 1 attempt, and in a somewhat climate controlled garage she can start with no pumping of gas, after a daily sit...)

 

It’s the opposite here. Mine hibernates through the brutal 110+ summer, then in fall when the temperatures finally drop to double digits it comes out for winter and spring, then gets put up again when summer temperatures climb into the 100s again.

But yeah, not driving causes issues. This fall the turn signals and running lights didn’t want to come on due to oxidation on the switch contacts. I had to move the turn signal lever on and off countless times until the signals would turn on reliably, and same for the headlight switch and the running lights.

 

I live in Philly, and we too, are expecting a major snowstorm. The state and city treat the roads with brine in advance of the forecasted snowstorm. Once snow falls, plowing and salting begins. Neither brine or salt are good for a car's undercarriage or paint finish. Keeping the car off the road in Philly has an additional advantage: It minimizes the probability of being carjacked and/or worse!!💥

 

Mine have been on lock down. Very few short windows so far with clean roads. Been so many 1-2" snows in the past few weeks, I think I have 10 car washes for my Silverado in the past 3 weeks. I have a daily pass.

Pat

 

They drive so well when it’s cold get out there

 

I try and get mine out a couple of times during the winter but I need a new top so I need to dress very warm when I do. Right now I am looking at 12 hours of freezing rain, I think I would rather 12-18 inches of snow.

 

Here is a guy that enjoys his car all year long

 

That is site I haven't seen in 30 years. Back then, there were two 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass, two of them cruising around Brandon, Manitoba, a city of 40,000, even in -40. Both 455 cars, one was a 4 spd convertible!

 

All I need is some rain & I’m out driving the cars as soon as the roads dry. The red car is on its 17th “in service” winter since it got spruced up, Has 4 snows and just ignores the weather.

​​​​​​….

 

Now that's just wrong!

 

I disagree, much better than a trailer queen or garage queen lol

 

He obviously likes driving it more than he likes looking at it

 

I guess so. The exact opposite of what is seen at most car shows.

 

100 percent Dave, my vehicles sit too long, I question why I own them. I drive my 70 as soon as most of the snow is gone in the spring and until the first really permanent snow or until the heat can't overcome the cold air leaking in😁.