If you live anywhere near us, you have no doubt noticed that winter has already come. Before long we'll have freezing weather, large mounds of snow, and icicles everywhere, and it will stay awhile. So, while you're busy putting up your holiday decorations, buying presents, or whatever it is you like to do during this time of year, we want to drop a quick reminder on some basic preparations you should take to assure your Jeep enjoys the season just as much as you do.
Winter riding can be fun, but it can also be a lot more dangerous. Make sure to pack extra fuel, clothing, food, and water if you're planning on heading up to your favorite winter trail run anytime soon!
Here's an easy checklist with some basic maintenance steps you should take to prepare your Jeep for the winter:
- Check your cooling system. If you’re not sure if you have the right mixture of water and antifreeze, drain and replace it. Snow driving is hard on your cooling system.
- Check your hoses for cracks, bulges, or anything else odd. Replace hoses in doubt.
- Get an oil change and lube job. Change your oil to a lower viscosity if in a cold-weather climate to allow better lubrication during cold starts.
- Check drive belts to make sure they’re in good condition.
- If you use winter tires, switch them out now. If not, check your tires and rotate them if necessary.
- Lubricate all your locks with a lock lubricant.
- Check all your fluid levels and fill if necessary.
- Apply dielectric grease to your electrical connections that will be exposed to the weather to help keep them from corroding.
- Replace your windshield wiper fluid with winter fluid.
Follow this checklist and you should be good to go for all the winter excursions you have planned!
Be safe out there and Happy Holidays!