[Billyk]

Those of you that live in true winter conditions may have a need to block your front grille during the onset of cold weather. There are several options including keeping a new car look with the inserts from Cloud Rider--www.cloud-rider.com

One could go the free route and just use cardboard.

One could use a combination of the above and go with the Fia Winter guards (autoanything link: http://www.autoanything.com/winter-driv ... 161A1.aspx) and use a $1.25 Walmart coated sign that is cut in half and zip tied to your vehicle.

The Fia winter guards have dual velcro flaps that are easily opened and closed as one needs. These front grille blocks also include a warmer weather bug shield that can be swapped out with the winter guards. These front grille blocks are held in place by "snaps" that have adhesive tape on the backside. You don't need mechanical experience to install the Fia winter guards.

Do these help? Yes. The colder the temperature, the more important these guards/blocks become.

 

[Squishy]

I thought those were for the big trucks. I have never needed those in -40C temperatures. I normally see them on cube vans and some pickup trucks where the radiator is large by design and leaches heat from the engine block. With my block heater plugged in, the Escape warms up in 10 km and the needle stays right in the centre.

 

[Billyk]

The hybrid version has a smaller engine that does not produce the heat the V6 engine does. Heck, the 05-07 models did not come with a temperature guage! :roll:

 

[kkreit01]

Back in the 70-80s, I used to to similar on (pickup) trucks during ND winters. It was mainly on the Chevys -- which used to get "wet" (and stall) if going through lots of snow. :hyst: We never had that problem with our FORD pickups.

Lund used to make some inserts as well. I can honestly say I have not seen these on a passenger vehicles for quite some years.

 

[sinister mob]

I had a 1991 VW Fox that I had to do that grill block to. There was NO heat in the winter in the car and it would blow cold air out onto my feet. It got super hot sitting in the driveway and then I would get on the highway and instantly get cold. So I put a home made block and applied zip ties to it. Worked like a charm. But that was car technology 18 years ago.