so i have a florida truck and in a year or so moving north to minnesota. what suggestions do you have to prep the truck for north weather? the previous owner of this must have drove this through salt water and a lot of "surface" rust. i have to at times drive into salt water while playing around. i would like to under coat it, any ideas on that? anything else to prep the truck for northern climate?

 

Make sure your heat works

Seriously though, fluids, tune up, that sort of stuff.

Mix A/F and choose oil viscosity according to anticipated temps. Cold weather can be hard on vehicles.

Oiling/ undercoating the frame, like you said, is a good plan.

Get the rust off and make sure there is no rot.

Block heater may not be a bad idea if compatible. Helps with cold starts on those sub-zero mornings.

 

Might want to run a lighter oil during the cold months. Make sure your antifreeze is up to snuff. And a small thing is to make sure stuff like wiper fluid is rated for the cold. People who drive never have temps below zero don't have to worry about it but the wrong fluid could freeze and break lines etc.

 

Meant below freezing not below zero

 

I live north of Pittsburgh and we have fairly serious winters here as well....what I do is get one last good wash + wax right before the snow comes (around Thanksgiving) and apply the wax especially well around the wheel wells...for you, you'll want to focus on the wheel wells and the rockers (mine are painted with bed liner so no worries for me). After that, I lay down a big sheet of thin plastic and get the truck up on ramps and then touch up all undercoating with whatever brand I happen to have in my garage. I've heard that "bed armor" stuff tends to stick better so I'll be using that this year if I can. Hopefully you have a garage! Even keeping the truck garaged at night during the winter makes a difference in preserving the truck in my opinion.

 

Where "north" are you headed? Location plays an important part in answering your question.

 

He says minnesota in the first sentance...so he'll be up to his nuts in salt before he knows it

 

WHOOPS! I missed where he stated Minn-ee-so-thda.

Nevermind!






**Bonus if any of you know who Emily Itella is.

 

Hey, that's my aunt!

I'm from MN. Awesome winters if you aren't a pansy. The truck will handle it just fine stock but the SALT IS HORRIBLE. The best thing to do is wash it once a week. There are automatic car washes all over for this purpose. Most gas stations have car washes in them. If you use good oil like 10-40w or 10-30w you'll be fine. Also, make sure the battery is newer and strong. I have a 840CCA sucker in mine and has always cranked right up, even well below zero. You may want to have the stock 195 deg t-stat if you don't already. Check the coolant to make sure it is proper mixture. Get good wipers, carry extra washer fluid, a big long arm ice scraper, extra gloves, hat, coat, hazard reflector, blankets, snacks, etc. for the survival kit. And last, be prepared to loosen your schedule to warm up your vehicle several minutes.

Ever driven in snow or ice? Slow take-offs, slow braking. Leave lots of room between you and other cars. They are very good about cleaning roads off but they can get slick in a jiffy. Get good all-season or all-terrain tires. No need for gimmick "winter tires." You will use 4wd on occasion. Be smart when driving and you too can avoid the ditch.

You may notice new noises or ticks of your truck. This is due to the cold affecting the materials and metals. Check for leaks and issues just like you would in extreme heat. You will enjoy true four seasons up there and people are nice but keep to themselves. There are tons of outdoor activities all year round from snowmobiling and ice fishing to water skiing and counting mosquito bites.

If you have any other questions, feel free to pm me.

 

Florida to Minnesota? Ooooo, that's gonna be the very picture of 'climate shock'. I do not envy you. Why on god's little green acre would you subject yourself to that sort of change?