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new girl needs winter advice

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Truck Chick, Nov 2, 2012.

  1. Nov 2, 2012 at 8:52 PM
    #1
    Truck Chick

    Truck Chick [OP] Active Member

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    Lauren
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    Hello fellow truck lovers! As a recent move in from non-snow country, I have heard I need to look into changing some fluids in my truck so I don't have problems in near or below freezing temps this winter. So far I have heard: windshield fluid and anti freeze? Are these right? Do I need to change over anything else for the winter (engine wise)? Thank you :)
     
  2. Nov 2, 2012 at 9:03 PM
    #2
    aidenhardcore

    aidenhardcore Well-Known Member

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    Hey there. Glad to see another tw member from new england lol. Yes do the windshield and anti freeze. There might be other things but Thats all i can think of. I would get some sand bags from lowes and put them on your truck. They will help you not slide as much in the winter time. That works for me:). I hoped i helped.
     
  3. Nov 2, 2012 at 9:04 PM
    #3
    650H1

    650H1 Well-Known Member

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    you SHOULD be ok! washer fluid has something in it to prevent freezing im pretty sure, and anti-freeze is pretty self explanitory. when you get your oil changed before the winter, they will put a thinner consistency of oil in, than they do in the summer, but the place should automatically do it for you. some of us from NE are having a meet on sunday at 10am in Henniker NH, you should go! dont forget to post pics of your truck btw, and there is a new england BS thread as well. welcome! :wave:

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/north-east/204874-new-england-b-s-thread-382.html
     
  4. Nov 2, 2012 at 9:22 PM
    #4
    Hairy Taco

    Hairy Taco Jungle of Love

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    When you buy windshield fluid up north, it will be temperature rated. Just buy according to the worst of local temperatures for winter. Other than that you shouldn't have much to worry about.

    Winter tires are certainly nice for icy roads however
     
  5. Nov 2, 2012 at 9:27 PM
    #5
    KodiakToyTRD

    KodiakToyTRD Well-Known Member

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    I don't know about the NE guys, but I have a battery heater and a blocker heater on mine from when I was in AK. So far, haven't needed to use it, but we'll see this winter here in CO.
     
  6. Nov 2, 2012 at 9:31 PM
    #6
    the.sight.picture

    the.sight.picture Wishes he was in the woods.

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    Welcome to TW. Well, so far I have made sure my wipers are good, new antifreeze, and drained my old washer fluid. Then I put in Rainex de-icer (its Orange in color). Here in VA it does snow at times but not enough to need a block heater..
     
  7. Nov 3, 2012 at 6:05 AM
    #7
    jake72

    jake72 Well-Known Member

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    if you came from the south, I would under coat the frame.
     
  8. Nov 3, 2012 at 6:25 AM
    #8
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I live in PA - which, I can't say is as cold as New England.....but its not like you guys are in the negatives.

    The only issues I've ever encountered in the cold temps, is the windshield washer fluid (standard blue cheap stuff) crystallizing and sometimes It won't come out the nozzles. After the truck warms up....its fine.

    And honestly...If its THAT cold out, spraying windshield washer fluid on the windshield makes it even worse because it crystallizes on the windshield and makes the windshield cloudy. I'll usually buy some of the winterized mix (orange stuff ??) and pour it in with the other stuff....

    It's never been a 'real' issue.....just annoying. Kinda annoying like winter itself!

    Nothing else to worry about (per say). Just keep up with regular maintenance. Starting is always a little sluggish (have a GOOD battery & make sure your charging system is fully functional).

    I will usually lower my rear tire pressure slightly for a little better traction ...(same idea as airing down for offroading).
     
  9. Nov 3, 2012 at 6:29 AM
    #9
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    Lauren, welcome to Tacoma World! You will find yourself on here probably more than you expected. Once the TW bug bites, it's a sickness forever.

    As for winterization of your truck, many good things have been mentioned. Protection is important obviously if you want your truck to last. I would suggest when you take it in for your oil change, have them check it out underneath from front to back. Inspection and application or renewing of undercoating is a must for the salt treatments of the road. It quickly will bring on rust. Have your tires checked, and if you have less than 40% tread life, consider getting a replacement set. Have the battery tested for winter CCA. Get the brakes inspected, and make sure the caliper slides and pad brackets have anti-sieze lubricant. Under the hood you should have washer fluid put in that exceeds the expected lowest temp you will see. Make sure they do this, because sometimes during the summer some service stations will put in a cheaper fluid that will end up freezing up in the winter. Change the wiper blades also. Ice will play havoc on your blades, and if they are more than 6 months old, they should be replaced before winter sets in. As far as your engine coolant, unless you have had a leak and someone added fluid, your fluid should be in good condition. Most of the brands of coolant used today are good for 5 years and 150k miles. According to Peak brand, this is what they say:

    You didn't specify which engine or transmission you have, but of the different combinations, the cooling capacity is between 9.1 and 10.3 quarts. If you do a 60/40 mix you will be protected down to (-50) degrees, which should be fine. Some people say 70/30 mix, but unless you are in extreme arctic conditions, you won't need to do this.
     
  10. Nov 3, 2012 at 7:05 AM
    #10
    File IFR

    File IFR "... Intercepting The Localizer"

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    Your truck will be fine.

    During the winter months (a few days after a smowstorm), run your truck through an automatic carwash that will have an underwash feature... this will wash away road salt and keep your frame/axle/springs and whatever else from corroding.
     
  11. Nov 3, 2012 at 7:48 AM
    #11
    Beers

    Beers Well-Known Member

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    This. I don't take my truck through an automatic car wash but instead will go to a self wash bay and spray it down, first with the soapy mix then a regular water rinse. I do this to the body and under the truck all the way around. Either way, get it rinsed off after each snowfall.

    I also like to have my windshield treated with Rain-X before winter. It seems to make scraping the frost off the glass a little easier.
     
  12. Nov 3, 2012 at 8:21 AM
    #12
    File IFR

    File IFR "... Intercepting The Localizer"

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    Good call Beers, I meant to say touchless carwash.... which doesn't do a great job anyway.

    :D
     
  13. Nov 3, 2012 at 8:45 AM
    #13
    Shadetree

    Shadetree Well-Known Member

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    I agree with Bill, especially since your battery appears to be four years old. The average life of a car battery is approximately three years. Heat kills a battery and cold reduces it's performance. Most battery dealers and auto parts stores will test your charging system and battery for free and it only takes a few minutes.
     
  14. Nov 3, 2012 at 9:46 AM
    #14
    Truck Chick

    Truck Chick [OP] Active Member

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    Thank you so much for the input guys! And yes, I am already addicted to this forum haha! So much helpful information, and as far as the meetup on Sunday what is the plan?
     
  15. Nov 3, 2012 at 9:50 AM
    #15
    aidenhardcore

    aidenhardcore Well-Known Member

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    We going wheeling with a bunch of people in nh. Meeting at a gas station in heniker nh at 10 and then going wheeling. It's this Sunday. You should come.
    Always a fun time.
     
  16. Nov 4, 2012 at 10:25 AM
    #16
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    To help with battery life, some could consider a battery blanket. I don't think they are very expensive, and they will help the life of the battery.
     
  17. Nov 4, 2012 at 10:48 AM
    #17
    bethes

    bethes Señorita Member

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    Yay!! More ladies here on TW! Welcome.

    I'm in North Dakota, gets pretty miserable in the winter (and moved from Oklahoma, I was in the same boat you are now). I have a block heater ($120 installed). Been considering a battery blanket, but last winter was mild and I never got it. Windshield wipers/fluid, antifreeze. I put synthetic oil in mine in the winter, too. Seems to have a little easier time of it on cold mornings.

    Just for convenience a remote start might be nice, and heated mirrors.
     
  18. Nov 4, 2012 at 11:45 AM
    #18
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I just winterized my truck today which consisted of checking the air filter, changing to good winter tires and putting the de-icer windshield washer fluid in the tank. Standard windshield washer fluid will be fine in the winter also but the de-icer stuff helps keep your windshield clear. Before I bought a shell, I put a couple hundred pounds of weight in the bed. Usually 250-300 lbs in the front of the bed and make sure it's secured. Depending on how cold it gets where you live, a block heater might not be a bad idea. I live SW of Boston and don't feel it gets cold enough to require a block heater.
     
  19. Nov 4, 2012 at 12:18 PM
    #19
    bethes

    bethes Señorita Member

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    Mine froze in the reservoir last winter! :eek:
     
  20. Nov 4, 2012 at 12:25 PM
    #20
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    Welcome!

    Depending on the year of your truck, it might not be a bad idea to flush the radiator.

    I've lived in MA for all but one year of my 38 now and never had issues with washer fluid freezing. They do make some kinds guaranteed to minus 0F if you want to err on the side of caution.

    Never needed a battery or block heater, and my vehicles are always kept outside.

    Only thing you "might" have is door freezing. It's only happened to one car I've owned before so I'd say wait till it happens b/c it probably won't, if so just use a little graphite on the door mouldings. Door locks might not be an issue, but I just use a lighter to heat the key up for a second or 2 if mine freeze.
     

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