5 Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Pickup Truck: A Review List
We’re right in the middle of cold weather, so now is a good time to review your winter maintenance tips for your pickup truck. To see how your truck is stacking up against Old Man Winter, we’ve put together a quick review sheet.
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendations? Cold weather lowers tire pressure so check the manual, NOT the number on your tire’s sidewall.
If weather is consistently bad and you’re doing a lot of off-road driving, consider adding tire chains, or studded snow tires. Just remember that these additions mean increased stopping distances on hard surfaces.
Washer Fluid/Windshield Wipers
February temperatures can be brutal so it’s best to switch out your existing washer fluid for one that won’t freeze. Slush and snow means you’re using it more, so check it frequently to make sure it’s full.
Check your wipers, too. Replace blades that are more than six months old. This will ensure optimal performance in wintry weather.
Battery
Have you load tested the battery to make sure it’s operating normally? Battery cables and terminals should be clean and properly protected. You want water to cover the lead plates in the battery. If it doesn’t, add distilled water.
Because batteries can fail without warning, you may want to keep a spare in your truck.
Winterizing the Pickup Truck Bed
If you don’t have a truck liner in your bed, now is the time to consider one. It will help protect the truck bed from snow and ice damage, as well as rust. Either way, a truck needs more traction, so now is the time to add weights.
This will help to weigh down the rear wheels. Purchase pickup truck traction weights made specifically for trucks. These won’t damage the truck bed. If that’s not an option, add some other form of weight to secure the rear of the vehicle.
Rust Protection
Between the weather and road treatments, your truck can easily develop rust problems. As best you can, protect the undercarriage by cleaning it frequently. Or, if possible, get it rust-proofed.
Winter can be a fun time to own a truck. Just keep you and your passengers safe with these simple-to-do pickup truck winter maintenance tips!
When you’re ready to buy a new or used vehicle, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our sales consultants will work with you to help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your lifestyle!
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendations? Cold weather lowers tire pressure so check the manual, NOT the number on your tire’s sidewall.
If weather is consistently bad and you’re doing a lot of off-road driving, consider adding tire chains, or studded snow tires. Just remember that these additions mean increased stopping distances on hard surfaces.
Washer Fluid/Windshield Wipers
February temperatures can be brutal so it’s best to switch out your existing washer fluid for one that won’t freeze. Slush and snow means you’re using it more, so check it frequently to make sure it’s full.
Check your wipers, too. Replace blades that are more than six months old. This will ensure optimal performance in wintry weather.
Battery
Have you load tested the battery to make sure it’s operating normally? Battery cables and terminals should be clean and properly protected. You want water to cover the lead plates in the battery. If it doesn’t, add distilled water.
Because batteries can fail without warning, you may want to keep a spare in your truck.
Winterizing the Pickup Truck Bed
If you don’t have a truck liner in your bed, now is the time to consider one. It will help protect the truck bed from snow and ice damage, as well as rust. Either way, a truck needs more traction, so now is the time to add weights.
This will help to weigh down the rear wheels. Purchase pickup truck traction weights made specifically for trucks. These won’t damage the truck bed. If that’s not an option, add some other form of weight to secure the rear of the vehicle.
Rust Protection
Between the weather and road treatments, your truck can easily develop rust problems. As best you can, protect the undercarriage by cleaning it frequently. Or, if possible, get it rust-proofed.
Winter can be a fun time to own a truck. Just keep you and your passengers safe with these simple-to-do pickup truck winter maintenance tips!
When you’re ready to buy a new or used vehicle, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our sales consultants will work with you to help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your lifestyle!
