Overview
The fictional municipality of Alivieska, Finland serves as the setting for My Winter Car. While the map covers the same familiar 4.2 × 3.3 kilometer area as My Summer Car, the introduction of severe winter weather has fundamentally transformed navigation and survival dynamics.
The map is no longer merely a network of roads—it's a thermal landscape where distance is measured in body heat lost and fuel consumed. The transition from endless summer daylight to oppressive darkness and sub-zero temperatures demands a complete re-evaluation of every journey.
Key Changes from My Summer Car
| Aspect | My Summer Car | My Winter Car | |--------|---------------|---------------| | Starting Location | Parents' House (Rural) | Apartment (Urban) | | Lake | Water barrier | Frozen shortcut | | Primary Threat | Speed, Dehydration | Cold, Darkness | | Economy | Optional jobs | Mandatory rent | | Visibility | Full daylight | Limited darkness |
Urban Hub: Peräjärvi Town Center
The most significant change is the centralization of player life. You now start in a rented apartment in town rather than the rural parents' house. This shifts the early-game from isolation to financial pressure.
The Apartment
Your new home location is a rented apartment in Peräjärvi (previously Jouko's building).
Key Features:
- Rent Mechanic: Weekly payments required to maintain access
- Heating System: Electric radiators (cost money but prevent freezing)
- No Garage: Only curbside parking available
- Save Point: Sleep here to save progress
Warning: Failure to pay rent can lock you out, removing your primary thermal refuge!
Teimo's Shop
The central commercial node, within walking distance of your apartment.
| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Hours | 10:00 - 20:00 (Mon-Sat) | | Services | Food, Fuel, Parts, Post | | Key Items | Sausages, Beer, Cigarettes, Energy Drinks | | Fuel | Gasoline and Diesel available |
Survival Tip: The 10:00 AM opening means waiting outside in the cold is dangerous. Time your arrivals!
Pub Nappo
Connected to Teimo's Shop, open when the shop closes.
| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Hours | 20:00 - 02:00 | | Services | Alcohol, Slot Machines, Social | | Risk | "Lock-in" after 02:00 |
Warning: The gap between pub closing (02:00) and shop opening (10:00) creates a deadly vulnerability window!
Lindell Inspection Shop
Mandatory destination for vehicle legalization.
| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Hours | 08:00 - 16:00 (Mon-Fri) | | Requirements | Warning triangle, First aid kit, Spare tire | | Location | Industrial periphery of Peräjärvi |
The Frozen Lake: High-Risk Shortcut
The most profound map change is the freezing of Lake Peräjärvi. What was once a barrier is now a bridge—and a death trap.
Ice Roads
Local authorities have plowed "Ice Roads" across the frozen surface:
- Plowed paths offer smoother travel than deep snow
- Cuts kilometers off the journey to Fleetari's shop
- Essential for low fuel or limited daylight situations
- Follow the plowed banks to maintain speed
Ice Physics
| Condition | Effect | |-----------|--------| | Sudden steering | Loss of control | | Heavy braking | Wheel lockup, spin-out | | Off plowed road | Stuck in deep snow | | Weak ice | Vehicle falls through = Death |
Weak Ice Zones
DEADLY HAZARD: The lake contains areas where ice is too thin!
Identification:
- Dark or discolored ice
- Visible cracks
- Areas near river inlets
- Island periphery
Rule: ALWAYS stick to the plowed ice roads. Never drive on unmarked ice!
Ice Racing Track
On weekends, part of the lake becomes an ice racing track:
- Test vehicle handling in controlled environment
- Compete in rally events for money
- Tune your car for ice performance
Northern Districts: Loppe Industrial Zone
The northern sectors house essential services for the Corris Rivett project.
Fleetari Repair Shop
The premier destination for automotive work.
| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Hours | 08:00 - 16:00 (Mon-Fri) | | Services | Repairs, Tuning, Scrap Recycling | | Payment | Required BEFORE getting keys back | | Location | Loppe district |
New Mechanic: Fleetari now retains your keys until you pay. No more "dine and dash"!
Futufon Factory
Your primary employment location.
| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Hours | 08:00 - 16:00 (Est.) | | Access | Bus or personal vehicle | | Type | Contracted full-time job |
Commute Strategy: Decide between driving (fuel costs, breakdown risk) or the bus (rigid schedule but safe).
Eastern Peninsula: Kesselinperä
The starting area from My Summer Car has fallen into disuse.
Abandoned Parents' House
The iconic house still stands but is no longer home.
- No electricity or heat - dangerous to stay
- Garage still useful for vehicle storage
- Nostalgic landmark for returning players
- Located in thermal "Danger Zone"
Cottage Island
Accessible via the frozen lake (be careful of weak ice!).
- Potential firewood gathering spot
- Remote and treacherous to reach
- Weak ice surrounds the island
Thermal Radius Navigation Strategy
Think in thermal radii, not kilometers:
Radius 1: SAFE
- Apartment
- Teimo's Shop
- Inspection Center
- PSK Service Station
Heat is abundant. Low risk.
Radius 2: CAUTION
- Frozen lake crossing
- Route to Fleetari's
- Futufon commute
Feasible with warmed-up car and winter clothing.
Radius 3: DANGER
- Highway loop
- Kesselinperä peninsula
- Ski Hill
- Remote areas
Without reliable heater and survival gear, these areas are lethal.
Survival Strategy
Before Any Journey
- Pre-heat your vehicle (30-60 minutes block heater)
- Clear all windows with ice scraper
- Check fuel level - cold engines consume more
- Plan your route - know where the next heat source is
- Dress warmly - winter clothing is essential
Essential Supplies
| Item | Purpose | |------|---------| | Winter clothing | Prevent hypothermia | | Food/Drinks | Energy for warmth | | Fuel | Don't get stranded | | Money | Rent, repairs, supplies | | Warning triangle | Inspection requirement |
Time Management
| Period | Activity | |--------|----------| | 08:00 - 10:00 | Inspection, Fleetari opens | | 10:00 - 16:00 | Shop open, optimal work time | | 16:00 - 20:00 | Shop open, Fleetari closes | | 20:00 - 02:00 | Pub open, shop closed | | 02:00 - 08:00 | DANGER ZONE - no services! |
Quick Reference: All Locations
Navigate the frozen expanse with this comprehensive location guide. Plan your routes carefully—every journey is a negotiation between speed and survival.
Weak Ice Warning
The frozen lake contains areas of weak ice that can break, causing instant death. Look for dark/cracked ice near river inlets and the island periphery. Always stick to plowed ice roads!
Thermal Radius Strategy
View the map in thermal radii: Safe (Apartment, Teimo's), Caution (Lake route to Loppe), Danger (Highway loop, Kesselinperä). Never leave a heat source without a clear destination.