Preparing Your Vehicle for a Move to Alaska

Alaska is an amazingly beautiful place to live, but the frigid temperatures can be rough on our cars and trucks. Take care of your vehicle in the winter, and you'll be able to really get out and enjoy the summer.

Winterize

Tourists are often baffled by the electric cord hanging out of the grill on Alaskan cars. These cords aren't to charge the cars themselves, but provide power to heaters underneath the hood of the car that make it possible to start your car when it is fifty degrees below zero. Installing these heaters is referred to as "winterizing" your car. Winterized cars have an engine block heater, an oil pan warmer, and a battery blanket.

You can expect to spend about $300 to winterize your car or truck. I highly recommend having this done by an experienced Alaskan mechanic. You should also invest in a long, durable extension cord, which you will use to plug your car into the posts installed in parking lots just for this reason. An extension cord that lights up when receiving power will make it easy to ensure that your car is plugged in to a functional outlet.

Not winterizing your car can cause excess wear and tear on your engine during the long, cold winter months.

Tires

Ice and snow are abundant in Alaska, and the roadways can get very slick. You have two options for winter tires: all season tires or studded tires. If you choose studded tires, you must also have a spare set of tires that you can use in the summer. It is illegal to use studded tires on paved roads during the summer. Exact dates vary from region to region, but generally it is from May to September that studded tires are prohibited. All season tires are convenient because you can use them year round.

Autostart

Many Alaskans consider autostart systems on their vehicle a necessity, not a luxury. Autostart systems allow you to start your car from a remote location, which is really convenient in the cold winter months when you should let your car warm up for ten to twenty minutes prior to driving. Basic systems can be as low as $400 installed. Newer options include two way start (where the remote beeps to let you know that your car actually started), the ability to remotely turn on your heated leather seats, and the option to start your car with your smart phone.

Safety Gear

Alaska is a beautiful place, but the weather is unforgiving. You should always be prepared for the worst. Part of getting your car ready for a move to Alaska is stocking your car with safety supplies and winter gear. A basic auto safety kit will suffice, but it is important to have proper winter gear in your vehicle. Dedicate a bag in your trunk specifically for things like spare hats and gloves and heavy blankets, and leave it there from September to April. Should you ever be stranded on the side of a deserted highway at thirty degrees below zero, you want to be prepared.