For those of us who live in a region that has winter, what do you all do? Just a couple of weeks ago, I waxed, vacuumed, cleaned the interior of the 4Runner. I also just had an oil change and the antifreeze was checked. It can protect down to -50 degrees. I also went out and filled the windshield washer fluid. Last night I got some WD-40 and lubed all of the hinges and the locks in the 4Runner. They all work great now. I was just wondering what everyone does to winterize their 4Runners? :fireman:

 

Sounds like you got quite a few bases covered Ryan.

Since you live where it can get a lot colder than where I am, have you thought about an engine block warmer?

 

This probably goes without saying here, since everyone is pretty in tune with their rides, but don't neglect your tires in the winter. I actually had an extra set of rims and studded snow tires I'd swap out on my old truck.

Also, I put a little weight in the back during the winter months, just for good measure. Another overly compulsive tip is to keep a couple bottles of gas-dry or 'HEET' (alcohol) in your truck...

 

That is a good idea Corey, but it doesn't get quite that cold here in PA. Thanks for the idea though.

Loose...yeah, that would be a good thing too, but I don't have them. If it gets icy, I won't go out. But thanks too!

I also threw some stuff in the back. I got some duct tape, a warm wool blanket, a folding shovel, and a cell phone charging cable. That should help if the ˟˟˟˟ hits the fan! :fireman:

 

Good idea Jayson.
I will be putting on my winter tires & wheels perhaps as early as next week.

This way, the good rims don't get abused from not being washed all winter long.

Here's me last fall switching to the winter setup.

Corey

 

Buy a parka & gloves first & foremost

I'd recommend silicon spray over WD-40, especially if you get weather below freezing. Silicon will last longer, won't freeze & inhibits rust. Try dipping your finger in some 5W30 oil for the plastic part of the door hinges, that works very well and obviously won't freeze either. I also do all sorts of greasing every 6 months, including chasis (slip yoke, u-joint, steering knuckles, cv boots, etc.). That's all part of my winterization. Rad fluid & oil you've got covered I see, very important. Check the rest of your fluids while you're at it too.

Lastly blankets, emergency kit, flares, etc. are good to have around just in case.

 

I just put on a nice coat of Griots BOS wax last weekend which should last the winter season. I'm hoping it offers more lasting protection than Meguires GC. Also picked up some new purple winshield anti-freeze called Peak Winter De-Icer and cleaner. Soon I will throw a shovel in back to be sure, never needed to use it though.

 

I was just thinking about this. Anyone know what the ratio is of our Radiator fluid when new? I haven't flushed it out yet and am wondering if I need to or not.

 

Winterizing....Hmmmmm....I better check to make sure I have enuff freon

 

lol is there even mud where you live

 

Nah....just alot of dust. A real bitch for us black vehicle owners. But it looks soooo nice when it's clean...

 

But I am guessing with the dust it does not last long though. I am kinda afraid to put flares in my vehicle. Not in winter, but in summer, when it gets hot, could they possibly light and start a fire? Just wondering. Thanks! :fireman:

 

I bet your neighbors love it when you are out there with your air ratchet!

 

Hrmm...never even crossed my mind but good point. I only put stuff that like that in, in the winter. I do know of a couple people that have flares in their car trunks all year round with no problems. I don't know how hot it gets where you are, but it's never hotter than 35 degrees Celcius here (around 90 - 95 degrees F).

 

Ryan, I carry flares year round in the back of my rig in the middle drawer.

My rig sits out in the hot sun all summer too.
Also the Power Tank is in direct sunlight at times, and I have never had a problem with it, nor do I expect too.
Corey

 

I wanted to bring this up as a reminder that the winter solstice 2003 is fast approaching. I also wanted to ask what you all would recommend as far as winterizeing is concerned, when I buy a rig in AZ and bring it to Nebraska? Oil? Lube? Radiator Fluid?

Thanks in advance!

 

Something I can add is to spray the bottom of the car and wheel wells with Armor-All. This is the only thing I use Armor-All or equiv for. It helps the snow/ice that builds up fall off easier. I also spray bolts, cables etc. with some type of spray grease. The kind that sprays out wet then dries and leaves a light grease coating. Rain-X on front and rear windows, and rear view mirrors. New wipers. Grease all shafts (on your truck).