Winterizing a truck?

Question

I'm leaving the state of Alaska for the winter and want to leave my truck here. What should I do to winterize it the best? It's an 1989 Dakota.

Answer 1

Do an oil change with a lightweight oil, such as a 5W-30 or 0W-30. Then, fill the tank with gasoline to prevent water from condensing inside the tank. Put a few ounces of a gasoline stabilizer (such as Sta-Bil) in it before filling. Drive it home so that the stabilized gasoline gets all through the fuel system. The fresh oil will help prevent gunk from forming during the cold months.

I would put the truck up on blocks or jackstands so that it is off the tires. If a tire goes flat during the cold months and the truck just settles on the flat tire, it could damage the tire.

If you can park the truck in a garage, great. If you can't, use a clean car cover to keep the weather off. I would buy a clean cover every year. If you use a cover, put some planks across the bed to keep the cover from sagging into the bed.

Make sure you have a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water, which is good down to -40F or so. If it gets colder than that where you are, drain the coolant and add fresh coolant in the spring.

Make sure your windows are rolled up and doors closed tightly so that mice don't get into your truck. Plug the exhaust so that no critters climb in.

Answer 2

The antifreeze should me checked or completely drained. the gas should be drained or a stabilizer added. Vehicle should be blocked up to take the pressure off the tires. Battery should be removed and placed inside a warmer area. Plugs should be removed and a shot of light oil sprayed into each cylinder and then replaced. Exhaust pipe should be plugged with steel wool to keep any rodents out. Same for intake.

Answer 3

Yep, I gotta say, Gary was very thorough, but dont forget to cover it, even if its garaged!

Answer 4

i would make sure of the anti-freeze or drain system completely.