Mounting PC in a Snowy area?

Biggins · 12-12-2005, 11:58 PM

Should I be worried about mounting my carputer underneath the driver's seat when I live in a snowy area?

Alanh · 12-13-2005, 12:14 AM

I wouldn't think so unless your ride is a sled.

Seriously though, I think some have experienced some startup problems in real cold weather, but unless you've got water leaking in, snow shouldn't make any difference.

reiner15 · 12-13-2005, 12:26 AM

the obvious question to ask is, when you get in and out of the car, do you track alot of snow into the car that may get into that area? Or, you should see if when you open the door with snow outside, does it blow into that area? does it get quite wet or damp? its common sense that water and computers dont mix... so avoid the mixing of the two and you should have no problem.

mbezch · 12-13-2005, 09:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Alanh

I wouldn't think so unless your ride is a sled.

Maybe you don't understand exactly what a snowy area is like. In Burlington VT it's not uncommon for it to snow 4 days of the week. Usually an inch or two, just enough to have to clear the windows in the morning. I sometimes get ice on the floor mats that doesn't melt for days.

Water under the seats is a very real possibility. I wouldn't mount there.

UnsanePyro · 12-13-2005, 11:25 PM

Ah, Burlington, I have family in South Hero, I'm from RI though.

I have had some snow in my car, but nothing under the seat. Maybe you could use the passanger seat, it is probably used less than the drivers seat, and in some cases, has more room. I have no room under my drivers seat (power) but enough for the carputer under the passnager seat.

The lowest temp I have delt with is just about 0 degress, and some snow/rain, and have not had any issues with temperature, or moisture.

If you are careful, you probably won't have any water under the seat. I don't get any under mine, there is a hump about 2 inches tall between the foot area in the front, and the area under the seat. If there was enough water to get over that, there are bigger problems than the carputer.

semovodka · 12-14-2005, 12:09 AM

I live an hour south of St. Louis, Missouri. so we don't get too much snow. Usually just around the months of December and January. The problem is, I am very good about kicking off my shoes before I get into my vehicle. I have noticed, however, friends that ride in my car are not as careful as I am. I often times find snow that has been tracked in (recently), eventually melts, and becomes a thick layer of water on my rubber floor covers. After that, hitting the break a little too hard or a sharp turn causes all the water to spill off the rubber floor covers. Usually I don't realize what has happened till it is too late. If you are going to check your rubber floor covers (if you have them) then that is a different story. But in my personal opinion, I wouldn't take the risk consider the amount of money this hobby takes up. It surely isn't worth the risk to me. I don't think it would cause a flood in your car..

But a little water on the circuit board is enough to do some damage.