Winter Driving: The Best Mods to Winterize your Older Generation Car’s Performance

Nov 12, 2019 09:54 AM EST | Staff Reporter

 Winter Driving: The Best Mods to Winterize your Older Generation Car’s Performance
(Photo : Photo by Lucas Marcomini on Unsplash)
Most cars in winter are predictable and have all the safeties filled in. If there is an older car lying around, then you are in luck. All the best mods for winter driving can be applied. Winterizing older generation cars is also fun too.

Most cars in winter are predictable and have all the safeties filled in. If there is an older car lying around, then you are in luck. All the best mods for winter driving can be applied. Winterizing older generation cars is also fun too. 

 For the most part, cars which are not electric are suited best for winter. Older cars with non-stock upgrades will have a marked performance in the winter. Though as all cars have limitations when it comes to performing in the winter. Here are all the winterizing mods that are also good for all-season driving. 

1. De-equip the stock brake and equip car with better brakes and brake proportioning valve.

Upgrading to quad disk brakes will improve braking performance more, with bigger rotors too. Installing a brake proportioning valve allows better braking, with a negative grip. Diverting more brake fluid to the rear will give better-stopping power. But, ABS brakes are still the best. If cars are equipped with BPV, make sure to know threshold braking.

2. Better winter tires or better as rubber for your car or SUV.

Spend more on the best winter tires available. Whether for an SUV or sedan, they offer the best traction on a slippery surface. Winter rubber is more flexible and grips tighter on most snow or ice-covered roads. Road grip is life or danger without it.

3. Customized suspension with winter-grade performance parts.

Dampers should adjust to the winter roads and slush for better handling with minimal grip loss. Having more cars off the snow, with slower and weight transferred. This allows the less incidence of spinning or wheel skidding.

4. Spend a bit more for a Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

This LSD is not what hippies used to take. LSD sends more power to the wheels that it needs it. Balancing grip by distributing traction for better control. Winter driving will benefit from this compared to the less capable open differential. Replacing stock differential is easy to do. 

5. Add winter accessories for the winter season.

Another option is adding an engine block heater to avoid problems with condensed fuel lines. This is not standard equipment, and it has to be installed separately. It makes starting the engine easier in winter mornings.

6. Install a rear-cam if you do not have one.

Visibility will be a problem when the rear glass is frosting over. Get a rear-cam to see what is behind for better safety in the winter. The windshield can be heated, but the rear window might be a problem. rear-cams are simple solutions.

7. Have AWD or 4WD conversion for your car.

Willing to go overboard? Then get an AWD or 4WD done, it will cost more, but handling will be better. Cars with 2WD, FWD, RWD are prone to oversteer or understeer.

If you are serious about mad-maxing your ride for winter driving. Apply these mods to it, and get more out of it. After winter, these upgrades are useful and relevant for all seasons. Winterize, upgrade your older generation car's specs that is money well spent. But, driving skill is still an important upgrade. Improved handling and performance are what counts!

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