Are we still on for Wednesday?
Yep, still on. Does 7 p.m. work? Still looking for restaurant recommendations.
I'm sorry, JKIM02- I don't know much about cars.
I thought a 50/50 antifreeze ratio was standard? I don't use snowtires or have an undercoat. I've never had a problem in the snow or cold- and I drive a 1989 Volvo station wagon. I think if you're going to be living in the city, you shouldn't worry too much.
I didn't answer this right away because I had no idea if I was a bad Minnesotan or what, because I didn't do any of this stuff or have any idea what my antifreeze ratio was.
🙂
I live in the country and I don't do snow tires or undercoats either. I'm not even quite sure what the undercoat is, something to protect from rust, I assume? And the only people I know who use snow tires are people who use their trucks to plow out other people's driveways and stuff.
I do have all-purpose tires year-round. If those aren't standard in California, I would make that change. When I first got my car, it had something else and driving in the winter was trickier. But honestly, you'll probably want to buy them here because people who sell tires here are probably going to have a much better selection (and thus cheaper) selection of what you'll need.
The only regular winter change I make is that when I get my oil changed, they usually use a less viscous motor oil for winter. But this is really standard here. When you go in to get your oil changed, they just ask you if you want it and you say yes. Super easy. if you have synthetic motor oil, this may not even be necessary.
Also, you'll want to buy a snow brush and ice scraper. (But again, they are probably going to be cheaper here.) You'll use it a lot, especially if you have to park outside.
Otherwise, just make sure your battery, engine, wiper blades, and wiper fluid are in good shape before winter starts and you should be good to go. Oh, and practice driving on the snow/ice in a parking lot or something before venturing into heavy traffic. It's a LOT different. Remember: steer INTO the slide! And brake slowly!
Also, I find it kind of impressive that someone from California finds Twin Cities parking expensive.
😀 I would think it would be horrendous there, but I guess I've almost always relied on mass transit when I've been out there so I can't speak from experience...
I can just see you using that to con your way into all kinds of privileges throughout vet school. Then people will meet you and be like, what the hell? 
