Winter Blues
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: Connecticut
I live in the Northeast awaiting for salt to leave but will take it out soon.
Hell I saw a red new Ferrari yesterday booting down the highway he didn’t care about the salty roads.... which is just nuts to me.
I love the stories of people taking car cover off to look at your ride. Just awesome to me and appreciate these cars. I have a car cover but didn’t put it on the car so I can at least look at the car when in the garage.
Hell I saw a red new Ferrari yesterday booting down the highway he didn’t care about the salty roads.... which is just nuts to me.
I love the stories of people taking car cover off to look at your ride. Just awesome to me and appreciate these cars. I have a car cover but didn’t put it on the car so I can at least look at the car when in the garage.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,759
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I've lived in the NE, and hate winters there. For certain I would never do it again.
It was 4 degrees here in Dallas earlier this week when I headed off to work. It's 60 right now, with a high of 68 today. I've already had her out for an annual inspection and quick grocery run, and will be putting the top down and going for a drive after lunch. Love Texas in the winter; hate it in the summer. Still looking forward to moving to AZ soon.
It was 4 degrees here in Dallas earlier this week when I headed off to work. It's 60 right now, with a high of 68 today. I've already had her out for an annual inspection and quick grocery run, and will be putting the top down and going for a drive after lunch. Love Texas in the winter; hate it in the summer. Still looking forward to moving to AZ soon.
Last edited by Corvette_Ed; Jan 20, 2018 at 11:25 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,461
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
In WI sand's used on roads making this time of year the time most damage is caused due to sand, nevermind dust.
Forces me to be patient, wait for rains to clean everything up.
Life in upper Midwest is demanding during Winter.
But come Spring in the upper Midwest, has to be experienced, nothing like it anywhere. Lengthening days + warm southerlies, first drives are like a new car all over.
Worth the wait IMO, or at least something to really look forward to.
I've often bitched about WI weather, bride responds same way every time: 'population density'.
She's right.
If WI weather were 'good' year round things would quickly look like any other sunbelt urban setting. Great weather w/ pollution, clogged freeways, sky high property prices *and* taxes to match.
Thanks but no thanks, we stay here Winter & all.
There is an upside to this Winter business, though.
It's impossible to accumulate any miles, when parked.
Forces me to be patient, wait for rains to clean everything up.
Life in upper Midwest is demanding during Winter.
But come Spring in the upper Midwest, has to be experienced, nothing like it anywhere. Lengthening days + warm southerlies, first drives are like a new car all over.
Worth the wait IMO, or at least something to really look forward to.
I've often bitched about WI weather, bride responds same way every time: 'population density'.
She's right.
If WI weather were 'good' year round things would quickly look like any other sunbelt urban setting. Great weather w/ pollution, clogged freeways, sky high property prices *and* taxes to match.
Thanks but no thanks, we stay here Winter & all.
There is an upside to this Winter business, though.
It's impossible to accumulate any miles, when parked.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
In WI sand's used on roads making this time of year the time most damage is caused due to sand, nevermind dust.
Forces me to be patient, wait for rains to clean everything up.
Life in upper Midwest is demanding during Winter.
But come Spring in the upper Midwest, has to be experienced, nothing like it anywhere. Lengthening days + warm southerlies, first drives are like a new car all over.
Worth the wait IMO, or at least something to really look forward to.
I've often bitched about WI weather, bride responds same way every time: 'population density'.
She's right.
If WI weather were 'good' year round things would quickly look like any other sunbelt urban setting. Great weather w/ pollution, clogged freeways, sky high property prices *and* taxes to match.
Thanks but no thanks, we stay here Winter & all.
There is an upside to this Winter business, though.
It's impossible to accumulate any miles, when parked.
Forces me to be patient, wait for rains to clean everything up.
Life in upper Midwest is demanding during Winter.
But come Spring in the upper Midwest, has to be experienced, nothing like it anywhere. Lengthening days + warm southerlies, first drives are like a new car all over.
Worth the wait IMO, or at least something to really look forward to.
I've often bitched about WI weather, bride responds same way every time: 'population density'.
She's right.
If WI weather were 'good' year round things would quickly look like any other sunbelt urban setting. Great weather w/ pollution, clogged freeways, sky high property prices *and* taxes to match.
Thanks but no thanks, we stay here Winter & all.
There is an upside to this Winter business, though.
It's impossible to accumulate any miles, when parked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,291
Likes: 1,283
From: Phoenix, AZ to Quakertown, PA.
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I've lived in the NE, and hate winters there. For certain I would never do it again.
It was 4 degrees here in Dallas earlier this week when I headed off to work. It's 60 right now, with a high of 68 today. I've already had her out for an annual inspection and quick grocery run, and will be putting the top down and going for a drive after lunch. Love Texas in the winter; hate it in the summer. Still looking forward to moving to AZ soon.
It was 4 degrees here in Dallas earlier this week when I headed off to work. It's 60 right now, with a high of 68 today. I've already had her out for an annual inspection and quick grocery run, and will be putting the top down and going for a drive after lunch. Love Texas in the winter; hate it in the summer. Still looking forward to moving to AZ soon.
Where in AZ you moving? I don't miss TX but if I had to move its probly the only other state I would move to.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,759
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I'll be moving to the Phoenix area, and I won't miss the TX humidity any more than I miss subzero weather.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,291
Likes: 1,283
From: Phoenix, AZ to Quakertown, PA.
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,924
Likes: 2,334
From: Etobicoke (Toronto) Ontario
Yes, it's been so long now that I can't recall the actual date when I drove it last. I think sometime at the end of Nov, or 1st couple of days in Dec. Then the weather tanked. Today the temps soared to around 6C, and some of the roads are more or less dry. However, when I put it away, I also suspended road coverage which, surprisingly, the insurance company suggested when I called them up to add the vette into my policy. Fire / theft / etc are still all on it, but the rate dropped way down. The minimum duration for the suspension is 45 days, and I'm probably past that now, but you can't just reinstate it for a day or two.
However, I've lived in the area for 70+ years, and I know what winters here are like. Nothing unusual about this one so far.
In the meantime, I've bought a few items like a heat shield, removable license plate bracket, silicone hose kit, oil catch can, a Route 66 guide, joined and have been attending the Corvette Club of Ontario, so I'm making plans for what I'll do vette-wise when the weather allows. There's a bunch of cruises in the future. Looking forward to it.
However, I've lived in the area for 70+ years, and I know what winters here are like. Nothing unusual about this one so far.
In the meantime, I've bought a few items like a heat shield, removable license plate bracket, silicone hose kit, oil catch can, a Route 66 guide, joined and have been attending the Corvette Club of Ontario, so I'm making plans for what I'll do vette-wise when the weather allows. There's a bunch of cruises in the future. Looking forward to it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 57
From: Halcottsville NY
I've backed it out of the garage and drove it up and down the driveway a few times. It looks good in the snow with the sun shining on it. But, our roads are too covered in salt and sand, so, I still have to wait to drive it.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 626
Likes: 118
From: Indianapolis
I haven’t driven my Corvette in over six weeks and I have the fever. The winter has been particularly cold with lots of snow. This is the longest I have gone without driving it in the five years I have owned it. It was so bad last week I went out in the garage just to sit in it and before you know it I had to start it up just to hear and feel the engine run, punch the buttons and play a road tune.
It’s going to get in the 50’s next week and rain a couple days to wash all the cinders and salt off the road and I will be ready to take it out for a spin... I can’t wait...a real addiction.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 347
From: yardley, pa 19067
Drove mine 2 weeks ago but we had another snowfall. It’s gone but the salt isn’t.. With heavy rain expected Tuesday it should wash away the salty roads like last time and I should be out driving this weekend.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I drive mine, probably 350 days a year. If there is fresh snow of any serious amount on the road, or ice of any amount, it stays in the garage. Once the roads are basically cleared, I drive it.
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania back when we didn't have 'toys'. We drove what we had every day. And I never missed a day of work when driving sports and muscle cars in the '60s and '70s. Winter tires and knowing how to drive rear wheel drive cars was a necessary skill.
I was my own cars for the most part, but when it's 20 - 25 degrees and it needs a bath, I take mine to a great hand wash in Alsip, IL. For $22, it is washed, including the undercarriage, and the interior cleaned. 11 1/2 years and 130,000 miles later, it looks great yet.
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania back when we didn't have 'toys'. We drove what we had every day. And I never missed a day of work when driving sports and muscle cars in the '60s and '70s. Winter tires and knowing how to drive rear wheel drive cars was a necessary skill.
I was my own cars for the most part, but when it's 20 - 25 degrees and it needs a bath, I take mine to a great hand wash in Alsip, IL. For $22, it is washed, including the undercarriage, and the interior cleaned. 11 1/2 years and 130,000 miles later, it looks great yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
We all make our own choices on this issue. I'm a driver, and many of my friends around the Chicago area drive their Corvettes, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches (including one 918), and other cars of that callibre.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 897
From: CONCORD CA.
Winter driving
like most places, it's what you make of it.
was born in ohio, but have been in California since 1971.
all in the SF bay area. If you listen to "noise" ( i.e. politics ) too much, then you can go a little batty.
but I've got to believe that it's the same everywhere.
regardless, other than rain, the weather here is never an issue.
unless you get into the mountains, no snow or ice to dealing with.
I'm less then hours drive to ocean, 2-1/2 hrs to Tahoe/reno.
I'm constantly looking for and finding new roads to scope out.
I would not be able to let my car, sit for more than a few days.
got it from my dad I guess. I regularly get in a sat or sun drive of
200 - 400 miles ( not combined, but one day ).
but, if people want to stay in the colder climes, it's better for me!
still, your always welcome in the bay area!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 4,287
Likes: 1,157
From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2018 C6 of Year Winner
Last time our's was out of the garage was Nov. 11 for the Veteran's Day Parade. I have other garage hobbies to keep me busy and make the winter go by. I tinker on the `56 Chevy or detail the Corvette or I make lamps out of liquor bottles. Of course the liquor bottles must be empty first.......... 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 167
Likes: 7
From: Marion Iowa
I went and visited mine over the weekend, weather was great, but roads were caked with salt to I didn't take it out. Topped the battery off, unfortunately I can't keep it on a tender as my storage garage doesn't have power. We got some good rain yesterday so the streets are starting to look better.