Winterizing a Tacoma
Scott,
I've been meaning to post for some time. Here are some tips that you probably already know about already, but worth a mention anyhow.
Winter driving and preparations
Fresh batteries
Will you changing your batteries before the trip? Nothing kills a battery quicker than a real cold snap.
Gas consumption
I’ve been keeping reasonable MPG data for the last two full years and went back to look at the data and trends I have. The temperature here goes from + 30 degrees Celsius to -30 degrees Celsius. I notice a drop in MPG (1 to 2) during the cold months. The biggest factor that increases fuel consumption during the cold months is vehicle warm up because as you know, when the engine is running in the driveway or parking lot and it’s not moving your effective MPG for that time frame is 0!
Synthetic Oils
I’ve switched to full synthetic fluids for engine, tranny, transfer case and diffs. Where I’ve noticed the biggest difference is on extreme cold start ups. The vehicle starts easier because synthetic fluids typically don’t turn to molasses as quickly as regular oils. Don't forget about brake and power steering fluid.
Engine coolant (winter/cold weather mix)
Will you be replacing your engine coolant before the trip
Windshield washer fluid, winter wipers and window scraper
Make sure to bring cold weather windshield washer fluid and change out any remaining windshield washer fluid left in the truck. Get good quality winter wipers you will need them, or you can get really good at driving down the highway and sticking your arm out the window to grab the windshield wiper and lift it off the glass and drop it as it goes by to clear the frozen snow and ice build up from the wipers. Most of us Canadians learn this skill early on in our driving careers! Rather comical to see actually.
Finally don’t forget your window scraper! You would not believe that I have seen used to scrape ice build up off of vehicle windows (credit cards, books, pocket knives to name a few…).
Sunglasses and Snow glare
I think this has been mentionned previously in this thread, but a good pair of sun glasses are a must.
Parking brake (drums full of snow and water that can freeze)
As Ursidae69 has mentionned already, the E brake on these trucks tends to freeze up especially when you drive though lots of deep snow or water. I've had to put the truck in 4Lo in one occasion to get the truck rolling after driving through some mud and water on my way to a hunting spot then parking over night. The rear E brake was frozen solid and I was way back in the woods. When I got home, I inspected the brakes and nothing was damaged. I just cleaned and lubed everything up to prevent the problem from re-occuring. I think that the problem area is the point where the E brake bracket pivots on the brake backing plate. Water gets in and freezes with the brake on. In my case mentionne above the brake shoes were actually frozen to the drums.
Engine Bay full of snow (-30 to -35 degrees Celsius)
I can recall two occasions where I started my truck after a real bad snow storm. The parking lot for my appartment at the time was near the side of a hill and was very exposed. When I turned the key, the engine made a strange noise then snow was coming out arround the hood! :yikes: I killed the engine and opened the hood. My engine bay was stuffed with fine powdery snow. I cleaned some out and started the truck again with no other problems. It took 3 days for all the snow to melt and clear from the engine bay. The point of this, is to say that these trucks are reliable even in extremely cold and snowy conditions. I have never hesitated going out in a snow storm with this truck. I actually enjoy going out and driving in snow storms.
Gas line anti freeze.
You should also consider using some gas line anti freeze every few fill ups just to prevent frozen gas lines. During winter months, I use some every 5 to 10 fill ups just to be sure and have not had an issue to date.
Hope you find a few of these tips helpful.
Cheers,
P
