Winter Prep

Hello!

I've just moved to the northeast, and I'm wondering if there's anything I need to do to protect my car from the elements. Also, if there's anything that would help it perform better in the snow, for when I want to drive to the mountains?

For reference, I have a Gen 3, 2WD off-road.

 

Way back in my Navy days, I was stationed in (very) upstate NY and had one of those dipstick heaters for the really cold nights. Other than that, I made sure my coolant strength was up to the task. I am sure some of our resident cold state people will chime in with more modern suggestions, but the above worked just fine for me.

PS: sometimes I would bring my battery inside for the real bite-ass cold nights.

 

You might also want to post your questions in the Northeast section. Welcome to TW.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/north-east.38/

 

Winter tires. I am a believer.

 

Corrosion protection via petroleum or lanolin based product, on everything metal but, the brakes, BEFORE THE FIRST SNOW/ICE/SALT EVENT. If you dont, you will be sorry next summer. You were warned. Ski

 

Definately spray the underneath with corrosion protection !!

Winter tires. Lots of people like Bridgestone Blizzak. Sipes mean more than aggressive tread, usually.

A couple hundred pounds of sandbags in the bed. Best if they are over the axle.

 

Corrosion protection (I have no affiliation but am a satisfied customer): https://corrosionfree.com/about-us/

Winter tires (or, at the least 3PMS tires).

CAA (AAA)

 

Remember 2wd. Don’t think off road means anything if it’s not 4wd so be careful. Undercoating and washes are important. Check antifreeze, also remember windshield washer fluid needs to be rated for low temperatures

 

best tires for winter= studded winter tires.
Then in order:
winter tires
all weather tires, note, not all season
Also consider a plug in block heater if parking outside
Check antifreeze.
It should be good to be at least -40.
An auto parts shop can check it for you with an hydrometer.
Or you can buy one.
Buy antifreeze pre-mixed or mix your own.
50% full strength, 50% distilled water.

 

The canuck guy has spoken! Take this to the bank.

 

"Northeast" spans a lot of different climates. Would help if you were more specific. Northern Maine will warrant different strategies than Long Island.

I spent my first three decades in central New York State (Finger Lakes region) before I moved my cold azz to GA.

Nobody had block heaters and all was good. Let the motor warm a bit before putting a load on it but otherwise no issue.

Yes to winter tires. Studs maybe if in icy areas or where they don't plow much, otherwise I never knew anyone with them.

Definitely do underbody protection - road salt ruins vehicles - clean things up and apply new undercoating each fall.

 

If you read op it says driving in snow and mountains.
My recommendations were for that as we get a lot of snow, live near Rocky Mountains so a lot of people drive there and temps can be -20 to -30 for extended periods.
Those are extreme conditions that are common here and of course people have to base their own needs on their own environment. "common sense".

 

Welcome to the opposite of California! (Except for the high prices.) Where did you 'move to' and what mountains would you be driving to?

As for the truck, get the underside sprayed - oil or lanolin based. Then spray it again.

Get some good snow tires. Better snow tires. The best snow tires you can reasonably afford.
Consider what you might need to get un-stuck in the mountains. (tire chains, show shovel, sand, traction aid, etc.) Ask the locals.
Hard-top bed cover or bed cap/topper, if you're planning to carry any gear in the bed.

Consider what you might need if you can't get un-stuck in the mountains...

If you've never driven much in the snow, get out every chance you can and practice driving in the snow. Find a parking lot and see what the truck can and can't do. Better to learn in 2" of snow at the mall, than in 8" of snow on a curvy mountain road.

 

Upon the first snow storm, drive the truck to an empty parking lot and practice losing and regaining control. Don’t forget to have fun.

FYI: 2wd pickup trucks suck in the snow. As mentioned above, good tires, and weight in the bed are your friends.

 

QUALITY STUDDED WINTER TIRES!!!!

Also it doesn't hurt to add around 200lbs of weight over the rear axle. Consider it a excuse to get a new topper! Or just grab some bags of sand.

(Bridgestone Blizzaks, Nokian Hakkapelleta, Cooper Snow Claws or Toyo GSI6 get my vote for winter tires)

 

Being 2wd, you will definitely require winter tires. You're rear end will constantly slide out from you. Some people say to put weight in the back. Myself I dont use either as I shove it in 4hi, and I'm gone. But to be fair my tires have the 3 peak snow designation. Not quite a winter tire, but more than adequate for my needs.

My #1 recommendation is yearly rustproofing!!!!!!!

 

And to be clear, use a liquid product, not a hard rubber undercoating. Woolwax or Krown is a good option.

 

Rockies aren’t really like the Adirondacks or other northern Appalachian mountains.

For occasional mountain driving people would put on chains, and depending on specific location they might use studded tires, but it wasn’t that common where I lived. Without more specifics from OP it’s difficult to give true advice.

I applaud your interest in helping OP, and it’s great to share your experience/advice in your area, but maybe don’t correct people who’ve lived through winters where you haven’t.

 

Just watch out for those pesky light poles.

 

Well it starts snowing in late October here until May and often (like last year) Alberta and Saskatchewan had snow on the ground and roads for every day.
So ya I think we know and experience more than the occasional snow driving conditions.
Most use winter tires.
Chains are for tractor trailers and were really only used in cars here in the 1960's and '70's
Not tryin for a pissin match but the Canadian Prairies are nicknamed the "Great White North" for a reason !
OP asked for snow and mountain driving experience so that's what I gave him.
That's also from being a ski patroller for 8 years.