How Do You Winterize A Pickup Truck?
Winter is hard on vehicles, and it’s hard on even the toughest trucks. That’s why it’s important to winterize a pickup truck, preparing it against frigid temperatures, ice, and snow. How? By following these simple tips.
Antifreeze
Check your antifreeze to make sure you have enough. Just do it before wintry weather strikes. Most trucks work just fine on a mixture of 50/50 water to antifreeze ratio. This will protect your vehicle to -20 degrees below zero.
However, if you live in an area that regularly drops below zero, don’t assume that this is enough protection. Take the extra precaution of removing some of your radiator fluid and replacing it with antifreeze.
Not sure what the ratio should be for your truck? Ask your mechanic. Just remember to return to your summer blend when warm weather returns.
Tires
Because cold weather reduces tire pressure, make sure pressure is at the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendation. Follow the guide in your owner’s manual, not the number on the sidewall of your tires.
Washer Fluid and Windshield Wipers
Lighter weight washer fluid will freeze in winter temperatures. Swap out what you currently have with a fluid that won’t bow to winter’s harsh temperatures.
You’ll want to keep the washer fluid full because of the increase in slush and road salt. That means you’ll be using the washer fluid more often.
Are your wiper blades six months old or older? Replace them to ensure good wintertime performance!
Battery Check
Before winter starts, load test your battery to make sure it’s going to start as it should. You want to make sure that terminals and battery cables are also clean and properly connected.
Water should cover the lead plates in the battery. If not, add some distilled water. You may even consider keeping a spare battery in your truck if you’re traveling off-road because batteries can fail without prior warning.
Change the Oil
Changing your oil may not be on your winterizing list for your truck, but it should be. It’s a good time to switch from conventional to synthetic oil—if it’s appropriate for your vehicle.
With full synthetic oil, cold weather starts can be easier because it flows freer at lower temperatures. Plus, it doesn’t require warm up time which provides immediate as well as crucial protection for your engine’s moving parts.
Another option is a synthetic blend, the blending of conventional oil with a synthetic.
Winterizing Your Pickup Truck Exterior
We don’t have to tell you how grueling winter weather can be on your truck’s exterior. Before Old Man Winter blows his first big breath, scrub away summer debris and apply a quality car wax to protect against the elements and road salts.
Winterizing Your Truck Bed
If you don’t already have a truck liner, it’s a good idea to get one before winter hits. A pickup truck liner will protect your bed from rust due to snow pile up.
It also protects it from any weight you put in the back. We recommend getting traction weights that are designed just for trucks. They don’t damage your bed.
If that’s not in the budget, lay down an old rug and add weight to that. The important thing is to keep you safe while driving in unpredictable weather.
Rust Truck Undercarriage Protection
Road salt treatments and winter weather are damaging to your truck’s undercarriage. If you haven’t gotten your truck rust proofed, consider it. It will save you in the long run.
Winter isn’t all drudgery, though! Winterizing your pickup truck keeps it ready for the fun times like hauling snowmobiles and sledding gear!
When you’re ready to buy a new truck or a quality used truck, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our experienced sales consultants will help you find just the right truck for your budget and lifestyle. Learn more here.
Antifreeze
Check your antifreeze to make sure you have enough. Just do it before wintry weather strikes. Most trucks work just fine on a mixture of 50/50 water to antifreeze ratio. This will protect your vehicle to -20 degrees below zero.
However, if you live in an area that regularly drops below zero, don’t assume that this is enough protection. Take the extra precaution of removing some of your radiator fluid and replacing it with antifreeze.
Not sure what the ratio should be for your truck? Ask your mechanic. Just remember to return to your summer blend when warm weather returns.
Tires
Because cold weather reduces tire pressure, make sure pressure is at the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendation. Follow the guide in your owner’s manual, not the number on the sidewall of your tires.
Washer Fluid and Windshield Wipers
Lighter weight washer fluid will freeze in winter temperatures. Swap out what you currently have with a fluid that won’t bow to winter’s harsh temperatures.
You’ll want to keep the washer fluid full because of the increase in slush and road salt. That means you’ll be using the washer fluid more often.
Are your wiper blades six months old or older? Replace them to ensure good wintertime performance!
Battery Check
Before winter starts, load test your battery to make sure it’s going to start as it should. You want to make sure that terminals and battery cables are also clean and properly connected.
Water should cover the lead plates in the battery. If not, add some distilled water. You may even consider keeping a spare battery in your truck if you’re traveling off-road because batteries can fail without prior warning.
Change the Oil
Changing your oil may not be on your winterizing list for your truck, but it should be. It’s a good time to switch from conventional to synthetic oil—if it’s appropriate for your vehicle.
With full synthetic oil, cold weather starts can be easier because it flows freer at lower temperatures. Plus, it doesn’t require warm up time which provides immediate as well as crucial protection for your engine’s moving parts.
Another option is a synthetic blend, the blending of conventional oil with a synthetic.
Winterizing Your Pickup Truck Exterior
We don’t have to tell you how grueling winter weather can be on your truck’s exterior. Before Old Man Winter blows his first big breath, scrub away summer debris and apply a quality car wax to protect against the elements and road salts.
Winterizing Your Truck Bed
If you don’t already have a truck liner, it’s a good idea to get one before winter hits. A pickup truck liner will protect your bed from rust due to snow pile up.
It also protects it from any weight you put in the back. We recommend getting traction weights that are designed just for trucks. They don’t damage your bed.
If that’s not in the budget, lay down an old rug and add weight to that. The important thing is to keep you safe while driving in unpredictable weather.
Rust Truck Undercarriage Protection
Road salt treatments and winter weather are damaging to your truck’s undercarriage. If you haven’t gotten your truck rust proofed, consider it. It will save you in the long run.
Winter isn’t all drudgery, though! Winterizing your pickup truck keeps it ready for the fun times like hauling snowmobiles and sledding gear!
When you’re ready to buy a new truck or a quality used truck, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our experienced sales consultants will help you find just the right truck for your budget and lifestyle. Learn more here.
