Reddit reviews ATD Tools 1106 Professional Antifreeze and Coolant Tester

Hey, I used to live in Sacramento too! (but I didn't move here to work for Epic, lol)

Most cars have 50/50 glycol/water in them already, so you shouldn't need to change it unless you've been topping up with straight water as Californians are known to do. Madison doesn't get cold enough to need 60/40. You can buy a floaty ball tester (like that but not "professional") for $2 at Farm and Fleet or any auto parts store. Last winter was the coldest in 30+ years and it got somewhere around -25°F.

What you will need to do is use up all your washer fluid before it freezes for the first time. California has this wonderful low-VOC stuff that "protects to 32°F", i.e. doesn't do shit for freezing. The stuff you get here freezes somewhere around -20 to -30°F. Resist the temptation to use the sprayer to melt ice off your windshield. Sometimes you can get away with it, but just scrape it.

Antifreeze should be used all of the time regardless of the temperature outside. It's not just for preventing the water freezing, it also has additives in it that raises the boiling point of water and anti corrosion properties to stop things corroding. Get an antifreeze tester to test the strength, but a rule of thumb is a 50/50 mix for most cold climates.

Someone else has also mentioned a thinner weight oil. Personally I'd use semi synthetic on an older engine.

Before you go do a service on both vehicles. Change the oil and filters, fuel filters, check the spark plugs and the leads / distributor cap on the van. Also check transmission and axle oils. Take spare belts with you too, something as simple as a broken belt could hold you up for a few hours if you don't have a spare!