Many people use trucks when they go hunting to help transport carcasses for processing, whether they’re interested in the antlers or the meat. If you’re a diesel truck owner, it’s a good idea to winterize your truck before heading out since most deer hunting happens in colder months. Discover the things you need to know about winterizing your diesel truck.
Check Your Glow Plug
One of the most common myths about diesel trucks is that they have trouble starting in cold weather. That myth may have been true at one point, but all modern diesel vehicles have a glow plug to help with this problem. When energized, the glow plug heats up and helps kick-start your engine’s combustion. Before the temperatures drop too low, get a mechanic to verify the plug is working.
Add Anti-Freeze to Coolant
Coolant is what helps make sure your engine doesn’t overheat, which can still happen during the winter. However, coolant is a liquid that can freeze when it gets too cold outside. Always make sure you put anti-freeze in your coolant to ensure you don’t end up with damaged cylinder liners.
Replace Old Rubber Parts
Rubber is used in vehicles for a number of purposes, and it has some limitations to know about when winterizing your diesel truck. For example, it tends to get brittle when exposed to cold temperatures. If your rubber belts and hoses are already old, the cold temperatures could cause them to break. If your truck’s serpentine belt breaks, your truck won’t run at all.
Have Your Battery Tested
Since diesel trucks are so large, it’s possible you’ll have to leave your truck outside in the cold when you’re not using it. The cold temperatures can kill your battery, especially if it’s old or your truck sits unused for long periods. Have your battery tested before the temperatures drop so that you know it’s in good condition.
Going hunting takes a lot of planning, and the last thing you want is to get in your truck and find out it won’t turn on. Make vehicle maintenance part of the plan so that you can focus on enjoying your trip.