Dave,
  I believe that synthetic power steering fluid thickens less when cold.

Larry A.

On Tue, Jan 4, 2022 at 11:50 AM David Boan <dboan@outlook.com> wrote:

> Hello Van Types
>
> I just returned from a trip to our local mountains during a cold snap
> where the overnight low was around -20F and the high around 0F. While
> driving there during below 0 temps I noticed a faint odor that seemed like
> a hot belt. At the same time the power steering was acting up, as though it
> was cutting in and out. We stopped and I checked the power steering belts
> and fluid, and everything was fine. We let the van sit for about an hour
> before proceeding, and everything was OK for a few hours, then started
> again. By then we were at our destination (a motel, we were not camping),
> so just let it sit. The next day temps were about 20 degrees higher and the
> problem did not return.
>
> I wonder if those of you in colder climates have had that experience and
> if it might be the steering fluid getting thick and having flow problems. I
> imagine that letting the van sit allowed the warm engine to warm up the
> steering fluid. Does that seem likely, and if so is there any prevention or
> alternate solutions other than letting it warm up?
>
> Also, would those of you living with extreme cold have any other
> cold-weather travel tips, other than park in a warm garage?
>
> On a related note, we were with a small group snowshoeing and skiing. Our
> van, with our new Propex heater, became the warm-up shelter for everyone. I
> was really glad to have that, especially with the low temps. And the van
> handled the snow very well. We did not drive in deep snow (nothing over
> 4"), and our Goodrich AT tires handled the snow and ice very well. We
> carried chains but never needed them.
>
> Thanks
> Dave B.
> Boise
>