What temperature should I use a cover on my car grill to prevent it the engine from freezing up?

Question

We are doing a 1000 km road trip (in one day) and the projected temperatures are for -30>-40 degrees C (around -31 F). Would covering my grill help prevent my engine from freezing? There is one very steep and long hill that the engine revs steadily for 10-15 minutes (manual transmission) , should we remove the cover for the hill? 

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Thanks.

sul · Accepted Answer

Covering the grill will do nothing to stop the engine from getting cold if the car is not being driven. In fact when you are driving you should never cover the grill, but if you do you'll need to watch the temperature gauge closely if your car has one. Excessive blocking of airflow can cause the engine to overheat. You need airflow through the radiator to cool the engine.
You should have a mixture of 50/50 anti-freeze as a coolant for the engine. 
You didn't say if the car will be in these temperatures over night. It sounds like you might be driving in the mountains. If you are just driving through an area where those temps occur, you should be fine. You could have some problems if the car is to be sitting for an extended period of time in those temperatures.

Rex K · Answer

Just use 50-50 antifreeze.  covering the grill isn't going to solve any problems.  You  could fashion a cardboard cover, inside the grill, but leave some space for air to circulate thru the radiator.

moe h · Answer

I used to live in north dakota you can put a cover on it without any problems just keep an eye on your temp gauge.

Anonymous · Answer

if your engine is a diesel, cover the grill. otherwise dont worry about it. but it wouldnt hurt if your plugged in an engine block heater whenever you stop for rest or food.

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What temperature should I use a cover on my car grill to prevent it the engine from freezing up?

4 Answers