Winter driving can a challenge, especially if you are off-roading. It is easy to slide off into areas you don’t want to go and get stuck, a potentially dangerous situation when the weather is cold. Winterizing your truck means preparing it for conditions of snow, ice, and cold. As a result, you are less likely to get stuck but able to cope in the event that you do.
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Winch for Emergencies
A truck winch is a mechanical device mounted on the front of your vehicle that uses a cable or rope to pull your truck out of a situation that you can’t drive out of on your own. In the winter, this is likely to occur because your vehicle slipped on ice or snow. You pull out the cable and attach it to a sturdy object, then you turn on the winch’s motor. The movement of the winch reels the cable back in, a movement that pulls your truck out of the ditch or depression where it is stuck and gets you back on the path, road, or trail.
All Terrain Tires For Better Snow Traction
One reason why you might get stuck in the first place is that snow and ice make surfaces slippery, and it is more difficult for warm-weather tires to get traction. A better choice is 33 inch all terrain tires, which are bigger and wider than the usual factory-issued tires, with deep treads to bite into the snow and ice and give you a better grip.
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Adequate Tire Pressure
Even all terrain tires won’t do you much good if you do not maintain adequate tire pressure. Temperature changes can cause tire pressure loss, so make sure you check the tire pressure regularly, especially before you go off-roading.
Sufficient Brakes
Stopping quickly is difficult enough when you are driving on snow and ice. If your brakes are worn down, it could increase the distance you need to stop. When off-roading, this means you could collide with an object or slide into a gully or trench where you could get stuck. Pay attention to signs of brake trouble such as pulsating without the anti-lock brake system, pulling to the right or left, or squealing noises.
Full Fluids
Before you head out, make sure the coolant tank is filled with the proper antifreeze for your vehicle. Otherwise, the cold temperatures could take a serious toll on your truck. You also need to make sure that you have enough windshield wiper fluid. This is especially important when off-roading because dirt from the trail could combine with rain or snow on the windshield and cause a cloudy mess that obscures your vision.
Fully Charged Battery
Even under the best of circumstances, it is difficult for a battery to function in cold weather. If the battery is already having difficulty holding a charge because of its age, you should replace it altogether before going off-roading.
Winter doesn’t mean that you have to give up off-roading until conditions improve, but it does mean that you have to properly equip your vehicle, and online retailers can help you with that.
Also Read: The Best Upgrades For Truck Lovers
