Heating & Survival Guide

Overview

In the frozen wasteland of Peräjärvi, heat is life. Unlike My Summer Car's casual survival, winter introduces a brutal truth: without warmth, you die in hours. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of staying warm—from apartment heating to emergency survival.

Master these systems, or join the frozen corpses scattered across the Finnish countryside.

Understanding Heat Loss

The Heat Loss Equation

Your body constantly loses heat to the environment:

| Factor | Heat Loss Rate | Mitigation | |--------|----------------|------------| | Conduction | Direct contact | Insulated surfaces | | Convection | Air movement | Windproof layers | | Radiation | Heat emission | Reflective barriers | | Evaporation | Moisture loss | Stay dry |

Critical Temperature Thresholds:

| Body Temp | Stage | Symptoms | Time to Death | |-----------|-------|----------|---------------| | 37°C | Normal | Optimal | N/A | | 35°C | Mild | Shivering | Hours | | 33°C | Moderate | Violent shivering | 30-60 min | | 31°C | Severe | Shivering stops | 20-30 min | | 29°C | Critical | Unconscious | 10-20 min | | < 25°C | Fatal | Cardiac arrest | Minutes |

Environmental Factors

Temperature Impact:

• -5°C: Mild cold, manageable
• -15°C: Moderate cold, constant vigilance
• -25°C: Severe cold, danger zone
• -35°C: Extreme cold, life-threatening
• <-40°C: Lethal, survival impossible

Wind Chill Effect:

| Actual Temp | Wind 0 km/h | Wind 20 km/h | Wind 40 km/h | Wind 60 km/h | |-------------|-------------|--------------|--------------|--------------| | -10°C | -10°C | -20°C | -30°C | -40°C | | -20°C | -20°C | -35°C | -50°C | -65°C | | -30°C | -30°C | -50°C | -70°C | <-80°C |

Key Point: Wind dramatically increases effective cold!

Primary Heat Sources

Apartment Heating (Most Important)

Your apartment is your PRIMARY survival base.

Heating System:

• Electric radiators - Most common
• Cost: 100-200 mk/week
• Reliability: High (if rent paid)
• Coverage: Main rooms only

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: If you don't pay rent, you lose access to your apartment. No save point, no guaranteed warmth, no survival. Rent is survival, not luxury.

Managing Apartment Heat:

1. Pay rent on time - Weekly payment required
2. Check radiator function - Should be warm
3. Seal drafts - Windows, doors
4. Use all rooms - Heat spreads
5. Monitor temperature - Keep above 18°C

Optimal Apartment Setup:

• Bedroom: 18-20°C (sleeping)
• Living room: 20-22°C (activity)
• Kitchen: 16-18°C (minimal use)
• Bathroom: 20°C (after shower)

Heat Conservation:

• Close doors - Keep heat in use areas
• Use curtains - Insulate windows
• Block drafts - Towels under doors
• Insulate windows - Plastic sheeting (if available)
• Minimize exits - Don't leave door open

PSK Service Centre

Heated refuge during the day.

Temperature: ~18-20°C (comfortable) Hours: 06:00-22:00 Cost: Purchase required (food, fuel, supplies)

Strategy:

• Arrive early - Escape morning cold
• Stay until closing - Maximize warmth
• Bundle errands - Combine trips
• Eat hot food - Internal warmth
• Use restroom - Facilities

Night Vulnerability:

• PSK closes at 22:00
• Gap until apartment (if close)
• Must get home before 22:00 or find alternate shelter

Teimo's Pub (Pub Nappo)

Evening warmth source.

Temperature: ~20-22°C (very warm) Hours: 16:00-02:00 Cost: Purchase required (beer, food)

Benefits:

• Later hours - Open after PSK
• Warmer than PSK - Cozy pub atmosphere
• Alcohol warming - Temporary +5-8°C
• Social heat - Body warmth from crowd
• Stress relief - Reduces stress bar

Limitations:

• Opens at 16:00 - Not available morning
• Closes at 02:00 - Creates night gap
• Alcohol costs money - 15-25 mk/drink
• Not a save point - Can't sleep here

Best Use:

• Evening warmth - After work
• Social time - Information gathering
• Stress relief - Mental health
• Bridge the gap - Between PSK closing and sleep

Vehicle Heaters

Mobile warmth source.

Types:

• Dashboard vents - Basic heater
• Floor heater - Additional
• Seat heaters - Comfort (if available)

Operation:

• Requires engine running - Fuel consumption
• Takes 5-10 minutes - To warm up
• Cools quickly - When engine off
• Limited by outside temp - Never as warm as buildings

Efficiency Tips:

• Pre-heat with block heater - Warms engine
• Use recirculation - Heat cabin faster
• Point vents at windshield - Prevent fogging
• Seat covers - Insulate, retain heat

⚠️ WARNING: Running engine in enclosed space = CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH

• Never run engine in closed garage
• Ensure exhaust can escape
• Open window slightly for air

Heat Sources (Lower Priority)

Block Heater

Engine pre-heating system.

How It Works:

• Electrical heating element - In engine block
• Plugs into outlet - 220V power
• Warms coolant - Then entire engine
• Duration: 2-6 hours (depending on cold)

Benefits:

• Easier starting - Engine turns over
• Reduces wear - Less cold-start damage
• Heats cabin faster - When engine runs
• Extends battery life - Less strain cranking

Installation:

• Location: PSK Service Centre
• Cost: ~400 mk
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Warranty: Varies

Usage Schedule:

• -10°C: 2-3 hours
• -20°C: 4-5 hours
• -30°C: 6+ hours (overnight)

Campfires (Emergency Only)

Last resort heat source.

Location: Outdoors only Materials: Wood, matches, kindling Risk: Fire hazard, smoke

Setup:

1. Clear area - No flammable materials
2. Gather wood - Dry, seasoned
3. Build structure - Teepee or log cabin
4. Ignite - Use kindling to start
5. Maintain - Add wood regularly

⚠️ SAFETY:

• Never indoors - Smoke, fire hazard
• Away from buildings - 10+ meters
• Check wind direction - Don't trap smoke
• Extinguish fully - Drown with water
• Monitor at all times - Never leave fire

Body Heat

Generate warmth through activity.

Safe Activities:

• Walking - Gentle warmth
• Jogging in place - Moderate warmth
• Push-ups - Intense but brief
• Clapping - Hand warmth
• Marching - Leg movement

⚠️ WARNING:

• Sweating is DANGEROUS - Wet clothes = 5x heat loss
• Light activity only - Break sweat = danger
• Stop if sweating - Cool down immediately
• Dry clothing essential - If working up sweat

Clothing & Insulation

Layering System

The key to staying warm: LAYERS.

Layer 1: Base Layer (Skin Contact)

• Material: Wool or synthetic (NOT cotton)
• Purpose: Moisture wicking
• Fit: Snug, but not tight
• Color: Dark (absorbs heat)

Layer 2: Insulation Layer (Warmth)

• Material: Wool sweater, fleece, down
• Purpose: Traps warm air
• Fit: Loose enough for air circulation
• Thickness: Varies by temperature

Layer 3: Shell Layer (Protection)

• Material: Windproof, waterproof shell
• Purpose: Blocks wind, precipitation
• Fit: Loose over insulation layers
• Features: Hood, cuffs, zipper

Critical Areas

Prevent Heat Loss:

• Head - 30% of heat loss

  • Wool hat (ESSENTIAL)
  • Balaclava for extreme cold
  • Never go outside bare-headed

• Hands - Fingers freeze first

  • Wool gloves (inner)
  • Insulated mittens (outer)
  • Hand warmers (chemical)

• Feet - Foundation of warmth

  • Wool socks (2 layers)
  • Insulated boots
  • Avoid cotton (insulates when wet)

• Neck - Gap in clothing

  • Scarf or neck gaiter
  • Cover when outside
  • Prevents drafts

Clothing Materials

Good Materials:

• Wool - Warm when wet, breathable
• Down - Best insulation, light weight
• Synthetic - Quick-dry, moisture-wicking
• Fleece - Warm, lightweight

Avoid:

• Cotton - "Death cloth" when wet
• Denim - Poor insulation, windproof
• Leather - Cold when wet, heavy
• Non-breathable - Causes sweating

Emergency Clothing Modifications

If stuck outside:

1. Use newspapers - Stuff in jacket for insulation
2. Plastic bags - Windproof outer layer
3. Carpets/rugs - Wrap around torso
4. Curtains/towels - Emergency blankets
5. Newspaper hats - Head warmth

Emergency Heat Situations

Stranded in Vehicle

If your car breaks down:

Immediate Actions:

1. Pull over safely - Off roadway
2. Hazard lights on - Be visible
3. Stay with vehicle - Mobile shelter
4. Call for help - Phone, flares
5. Assess fuel - How much left?

Heating Strategy:

1. Run engine periodically - 10 min/hour max
2. Crack window - Fresh air, prevents CO
3. Use seat warmers - If available
4. Bundle up - All available clothing
5. Stay awake - Sleep = death in cold

⚠️ CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING:

• Never run engine in closed space
• Keep exhaust clear - Not blocked by snow
• Crack window - Even slightly
• If dizzy = CO poisoning - Get fresh air immediately

Signaling for Help:

• Flares - Visible for miles
• Horn - Periodic blasts
• Flashlight - At night
• Emergency blanket - Reflective, visible
• Bright colored items - Wave from window

Building Lost Heat

If apartment radiator fails:

Immediate Actions:

1. Assess situation - How cold, how long?
2. Check rent status - May have been shut off
3. Contact landlord - Emergency repair
4. Activate backup plan - PSK or Teimo's
5. Gather warm clothes - Dress fully

Emergency Heating:

1. Seal room - Smallest warmest space
2. Block drafts - Towels under doors
3. Use candles - Heat source (fire risk!)
4. Body heat - Cuddle with others if present
5. Hot liquids - Coffee, tea, soup

⚠️ FIRE HAZARD:

• Never use stove/oven - Fire/explosion risk
• Candles only supervised - Don't leave burning
• Keep flammables away - Furniture, curtains
• Ventilation - Prevent carbon monoxide
• Have water ready - To extinguish fire

Trapped Outside

If caught in storm far from shelter:

Find Shelter:

1. Natural windbreak - Trees, rocks, hills
2. Abandoned building - Any structure
3. Snow cave - Dig into snow drift
4. Vehicle - If available

Snow Cave Construction:

1. Find deep snow - 1+ meters deep
2. Dig horizontal - Not vertical
3. Small entrance - Minimizes heat loss
4. Poke air holes - Ventilation
5. Smooth walls - Drips freeze, seals cave

Survival Position:

1. Minimize exposure - Smallest body area
2. Sit, don't lie - Better circulation
3. Huddle position - Arms between legs
4. Breath warm - Hands in clothing
5. Stay awake - Critical!

⚠️ DEATH TRAPS TO AVOID:

• Abandoned car - Too cold, CO risk
• Open field - Wind exposure
• Walking in storm - Get lost, exhausted
• Moving at night - Freezing, disoriented

Food & Drink for Warmth

Thermogenic Foods

Foods that generate heat:

| Food | Warmth Effect | Duration | Cost | |------|---------------|----------|------| | Coffee | +15°C | 10-20 min | 8 mk | | Hot chocolate | +12°C | 15-25 min | 10 mk | | Tea | +10°C | 10-20 min | 8 mk | | Soup/broth | +8°C | 20-30 min | 15-30 mk | | Spicy food | +5°C | 30-60 min | 20-50 mk |

Best Strategy:

• Hot beverages - Immediate warmth
• High-calorie foods - Fuel for heat
• Regular intake - Every 2-3 hours
• Avoid cold foods - Lower core temp

Alcohol Myths

⚠️ ALCOHOL IS DANGEROUS IN COLD:

False Perception:

• Feels warm - Vasodilation
• Flush face - Blood to surface
• "Warmer" feeling - Dangerous illusion

Reality:

• Causes heat loss - Increases blood flow to skin
• Impairs judgment - Bad decisions in cold
• Dehydrates - Worse in dry winter air
• Delayed hypothermia - Dies later, but still dies

Safe Alcohol Use:

• Only in shelter - Never before going out
• Limited amount - 1-2 drinks max
• With food - Slows absorption
• For stress relief - Mental health benefit

Winter Nutrition

Diet for Cold Weather:

• High calories - 3000-4000/day
• Fats - Best fuel for heat
• Protein - Sustained energy
• Complex carbs - Slow burn fuel

Best Foods:

• Reindeer sausage - 55 mk, high calorie
• Fish & chips - 50-55 mk, carbs + fat
• Meatballs - 45 mk, protein
• Hot coffee - 8 mk, warmth + caffeine

Meal Timing:

• Breakfast - Before going out
• Lunch - Midday warmth
• Dinner - Evening fuel
• Snacks - Between meals

Indoor Heat Management

Maximizing Apartment Warmth

Apartment Heat Conservation:

Window Treatment:

• Heavy curtains - Insulate glass
• Seal gaps - Weather stripping
• Plastic sheeting - Temporary insulation
• Curtain down at night - Heat retention

Door Management:

• Close doors - Keep heat in use areas
• Door sweeps - Block drafts under doors
• Draft snakes - Towel at base
• Lock mechanisms - Seal better

Air Circulation:

• Ceiling fans reverse - Push warm air down
• Cross-ventilation - When outside warmer
• Bathroom fan off - Don't exhaust warm air
• Kitchen ventilation - Use minimally

Heat Distribution:

• Fan near radiator - Circulate warm air
• Open interior doors - Let heat flow
• Use all rooms - Even unused ones
• Basement access - Warm air rises

Emergency Indoor Heating

If power/housing fails:

Creative Heat Sources:

1. Candles - Tealights in metal cans
2. Body heat - Group together
3. Hot water bottles - Fill with warm water
4. Heat packs - Chemical hand warmers
5. Exercise - Generate body heat

⚠️ FIRE SAFETY:

• Never leave candles unattended
• Keep flammables 1+ meter away
• Have water/bucket ready
• Know evacuation route
• Don't sleep with candles

Sleeping Warm

Nighttime Warmth Strategies:

Bed Setup:

• Quality mattress - Insulation from ground
• Wool blankets - Best warmth-to-weight
• Flannel sheets - Warm, comfortable
• Hot water bottle - Pre-warm bed
• Wear socks - Prevent heat loss

Pre-Sleep Routine:

• Hot shower - Raises core temp
• Warm drink - Tea or milk
• Dry clothes - Not damp from day
• Exercise - Brief (don't sweat)
• Use restroom - Don't get up

Sleeping Tips:

• Mummy position - Reduce exposed area
• Hat recommended - Major heat loss
• Dry socks - Change if damp
• Breath outside - Under covers
• Stay dry - Sweat = danger

Heat Loss Scenarios

Scenario 1: Power Outage

Apartment loses heat:

Immediate (0-2 hours):

1. Assess outage scope - Building or area-wide
2. Check rent status - Not shut off for non-payment
3. Bundle up - All available clothing
4. Seal room - Smallest space
5. Activate backup - PSK or Teimo's

Short-term (2-24 hours):

1. Relocate to PSK - Daytime shelter
2. Use Teimo's - Evening warmth
3. Emergency heating - Candles (carefully)
4. Hot liquids - Maintain core temp
5. Stay dressed - Don't get undressed

Long-term (>24 hours):

1. Find alternate housing - Friends, hotel
2. Stay in heated public spaces - Libraries, malls
3. Emergency services - If no other option
4. Evacuate if necessary - Leave Peräjärvi

Scenario 2: Locked Out

No access to apartment:

If Daytime:

1. Go to PSK - Immediate warmth
2. Contact landlord - Get back in
3. Wait in heated building - Until resolved
4. Use restroom - Facilities available

If Nighttime:

1. Teimo's pub - Only option 16-02:00
2. Emergency services - If other options fail
3. Sleep in vehicle - With heater running
4. Knock on neighbors - As last resort

Prevention:

• Pay rent on time - Avoid lockout
• Spare key - Hide or give to friend
• Check rent status - Monitor payments
• Know landlord - Contact info

Scenario 3: Caught in Storm

Stranded outside in blizzard:

Immediate Response:

1. Find shelter - Any building, vehicle
2. If no shelter - Natural windbreak
3. Dig snow cave - Last resort
4. Signal for help - Flares, horn, lights
5. Stay calm - Panic wastes energy

Shelter Setup:

1. Block wind - Most critical
2. Insulate ground - Snow, debris
3. Conserve energy - Minimal movement
4. Generate heat - Body movement if safe
5. Stay awake - Sleep = death

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Never sleep in storm - Unless shelter secured
• Don't walk - Exhaustion + exposure = death
• Signal only if safe - Don't leave shelter
• Share body heat - If multiple people
• Melting snow for water - Don't eat snow (hypothermia)

Advanced Heat Strategies

Thermal Imaging

Understanding heat signatures:

Hot objects glow:

• Warm bodies - Visible with thermal camera
• Heated buildings - Stand out
• Vehicle engines - Recent operation
• Animals - Wildlife seeking warmth

Applications:

• Find people - In search/rescue
• Locate heat sources - Buildings, vehicles
• Avoid detection - If needed
• Track movement - Heat trails

Thermal Barriers

Preventing heat transfer:

Radiant Barriers:

• Reflective surfaces - Aluminum foil, Mylar
• Block heat radiation - From body to cold
• Effective in shelters - Makeshift reflecting
• Emergency use - Emergency blankets

Conduction Barriers:

• Insulating materials - Foam, wool, down
• Block direct contact - With cold surfaces
• Floor insulation - From frozen ground
• Sit on insulated pad - Chair, cushion

Vapor Barriers

Managing moisture:

Why It Matters:

• Wet clothing - 5x faster heat loss
• Condensation - Wets insulation
• Breathing moisture - In cold air

Solutions:

• Wicking base layers - Move moisture away
• Breathable insulation - Let moisture escape
• Waterproof shells - Block external moisture
• Ventilation - Prevent condensation buildup

Conclusion

Heat survival in My Winter Car is a comprehensive system requiring understanding, preparation, and constant vigilance. Unlike the original game, winter makes heat a matter of life and death.

Success Formula:

1. Secure primary shelter - Apartment with heat
2. Backup heat sources - PSK, Teimo's, vehicle
3. Proper clothing - Layered, windproof, dry
4. Emergency preparedness - Plans for failure
5. Food for fuel - Hot liquids, high calories

Remember:

• Wet = Death - Stay dry at all costs
• Wind is killer - Blocks wind first
• Layer properly - Base, insulation, shell
• Hot liquids save lives - Coffee, tea, soup
• Plan for failure - Multiple backup options

The frozen heart of Peräjärvi shows no mercy. Master the heat, or join the frozen dead.