Find out how to winterize your truck with tips from our mechanic Len. Winterizing your truck is a smart way to prepare your vehicle for the cold winter weather that can turn smooth roads into icy and slippery streets. The general tips in this article and video can keep you from running into problems in the cold.
Video: General Tips for Winterizing Your Truck
Areas to Inspect and Prepare to Winterize Your Truck and Take On Winter Weather
These are some general tips and locations to check in order to winterize your truck and prepare it for winter weather. You’ll want to check parts and fluids under the hood, lights and functions inside the vehicle, and areas and parts underneath and outside of the truck.
Parts to Check Under the Hood to Winterize Your Truck
Check the Fluids
Check the Brake Fluid
A “Max” mark on the reservoir shows the brake fluid level. The level should be near this mark.
Remove the cover and check the brake fluid for contamination, like debris or dark coloring. The fluid should be clear. Replace it if it’s dirty. This can be done with a fluid extraction tool. The type of fluid needed should be found on the cap or in the owner’s manual.
Read more on how to check the brake system
Check the Coolant
With the fluid cool, remove the radiator cap with your face away from it and check the antifreeze fluid condition and level. The level should be visible and the antifreeze, also known as coolant, should not have debris or be dark or discolored.
If you have something to test the coolant, you want it to read for negative 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the freeze point. Coolant could freeze inside the engine if it’s not at this point. Then check the coolant level inside the of the reservoir.
Check the Oil
With the engine warmed up and off, remove the oil fluid dipstick and clean it with a rag. Then reinsert the dipstick, remove it, and check the oil level. If the engine has enough oil, it’ll be between or closer to the higher marking on the dipstick. If it’s low, add a quart. Continue to add a quart until a level is recorded on the dipstick. If the oil level is halfway between the marks on the dipstick, add 1/2 a quart.
Check the Transmission Fluid
With the engine warm and running and the vehicle parked on a stable and level surface, you can check the transmission fluid. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick, clean it, reinsert it, and then record the level. It should be between or closer to the higher marking of the two. If the fluid is low, add more. If the transmission fluid is dark and dirty, replace it with fluid that is manufacturer-specified. Using a different type of transmission fluid can damage the system.
More on how to check the transmission fluid
Check the Power Steering Fluid
Remove the power steering fluid cover and check the fluid level and condition. The power steering reservoir should be on the power steering pump or connected separately. The level should be between or near the “Hot” or “Cold” mark. If the engine has been running, the fluid will expand and should be near the “Hot” mark, and if the truck has been sitting and is cooler, it should be between the two or near the “Cold” mark.
Place some fluid on a paper towel to see it’s color and make sure the fluid isn’t dark or mixed with debris. Check the cap or the owner’s manual to find out the type of fluid you’ll need.
Check the Windshield Washer Fluid
Make sure there is enough windshield washer fluid. Sometimes there is no “Low” or “High” marker on the reservoir, but there should be enough fluid to fill it. This will help clean the windshield from debris or staining that could block your vision.
Check the Battery
Check the battery terminals for discoloration like a green build-up, which means the terminals are corroding. Clean any battery corrosion from the terminals and battery posts. This can be done different ways, but generally you’ll have to scrape off any corrosion from the battery, and then clean the terminals and posts with baking soda, water, and cloth.
Read more on how to inspect the battery and clean the battery terminals
If you have a multimeter, set it to 20 V, and probe each terminal. You want each terminal to test for at least 12 V, preferably 12.4 V. If it’s reading around 12V or lower, especially without the weather being cold, the battery needs to be serviced or replaced.
Check the Fuses
Make sure that all the relays and fuses needed are installed and there are no visible problems like a rodent’s nest.
Check the Air Filter
Remove the air box cover and make sure the air filter isn’t dirty. A dirty air filter can affect air flow quality. If the fins are visibly dirty and you find more dirty than clean fins, replace the air filter.
Make sure there are no debris like a rodent’s nest at the bottom of the air filter housing. If a rodent managed to chew through the air filter, replace it.
Check the MAF Sensor
After checking the air filter, look at the mass air flow sensor (MAF) sensor. Not all vehicles have this part out in the open, but if you can unbolt it, it should be clean with no dirt or debris, and can be removed by disconnecting an electrical connector and removing two screws. You can clean the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner, but don’t use regular parts cleaner.
More on how to diagnose a MAF sensor
Check the Serpentine Belt
Make sure the serpentine belt is tight and doesn’t have tearing or wear.
Read more on how to check the belt
Check the Belt Tensioner
Pull the belt. Movement is a sign the tensioner is working. Make sure the tensioner can move and loosen the serpentine belt. If the belt is hard to pull and the tensioner is frozen, it’s defective and needs replacing.
Check the Hood Latch
Inspect the hood latch and make sure it isn’t rusted. If it’s rusted, coat it with rust penetrant and consider replacing it if it’s too worn.
Parts to Check From in the Cabin to Winterize Your Truck
Test the Door Latches
Open the doors and make sure the door latches can open and close them smoothly. Spray rust penetrant onto the latches to keep them from binding.
Check the Lights
Turn on the headlights and make sure they are bright enough. Have an assistant watch the brake lights and confirm they’re working. Make sure the tail lights and any other lights are functioning.
Check the Wiper Blades and Washer Nozzles
Make sure the wiper blades are working and are in good condition. Worn wiper blades will be torn, loose, and leave streak marks, making it harder to see.
Make sure the washer nozzles aren’t clogged and are spraying enough windshield washer fluid.
More on how to check the wiper blades and washer nozzles
Check the Blower Motor
Turn key to the ON position and test all the fan settings. Listen for the blower motor and feel for air flowing from the vents.
Check the Four-Wheel Drive
Make sure the four-wheel functions work when activated.
Parts to Inspect Outside of the Truck
Check the Tires
Check the tire tread’s wear and depth. This will let you know if your tires are ready to handle slippery roads. You can check the tread depth with a penny or tire tread gauge. If Lincoln’s hair doesn’t meet the tread, the tire is worn too thin.
Read more on how to check tires
Gauge the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. You can find the recommended psi for your tires on the sticker in the front driver side door jamb.
Check the Brakes
While down near the tires, check the brake pads and make sure there is enough brake shim material. You can check the brake pad material with a specially-designed measuring tool.
Check the Steering
Raise the truck with a jack and jack stands and check for looseness or play in the steering. Grab the tire from the 12 and 6 o’clock positions and shake it up and down, feeling for looseness. Do the same from the 3 and 9 o’clock position. Then spin the tire to see how well it turns and listen for any abnormal sounds.
Underneath the Vehicle
Check the Ball Joints and Axles
If the ball joints are greaseable, you might need to grease them. Check the axle boots and ball joint boots for tearing or leaking fluid, and replace them if needed.
Check for Leaks
Go around the truck and check for leaks.
Learn more on what the different colors and smells mean
Check the Front and Rear Differential
Depending on whether your truck has 2WD or 4WD, check the differential and make sure it isn’t leaking. Steps to check the fluid include raising the truck and making sure it’s level, placing a drain pan underneath, removing the fill plug and seeing if some fluid leaks out, which indicates there is enough fluid. You can also check the fluid level by eye or with a wire-tie to see if it’s up to the bottom of the fill hole. If the level is too low, add more fluid to the differential.
More on how to check the differential
Check the Transfer Case
Make sure the transfer case isn’t leaking fluid. Confirm that the pan isn’t rusted or rotted.
Check the Driveshaft
Make sure the u-joints on the driveshaft are in good condition. Many aftermarket u-joints will have grease fittings. Grease any parts with a grease fitting.
Read more on how to check carrier bearings
Check the Suspension
Inspect the Coil Springs
Check the front struts on the truck. Make sure the coil springs on the struts are in good condition and aren’t chipped or broken.
Read more on how to check the front suspension
Check the Spare Tire
While you’re underneath the truck, check the spare tire and make sure it has enough air.
Checking parts and fluids is an important way to winterize your truck. While it can take some time, it’ll help get you ready for the snow, sleet, fog, colder temperature and other challenges that lie ahead.
Watch How-to Videos & Do More Than Winterize Your Truck
Learn how to do more than winterize your truck. The 1A Auto video library has thousands of videos with instructions from professional mechanics for hundreds of models. Learn how to work on specific cars and pick up general tips.
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Shop Parts and Tools
- Brakes & Wheel Bearing
- Steering & Suspension
- Headlights & Lighting
- Exterior, Body Parts & Mirrors
- Interior
- Engine & Engine Management
