Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Off-Road Vehicles

Once snow hits, my 1995 Toyota doesn't have many adventures, aside from hauling firewood, until spring.

If you're like me, that means winter is a great time to have any work done you've been putting off, whether it's adding a winch, upgrading your bumper, installing a lift kit or more. Mike's Off Road put a Warn winch and mud tires on my truck earlier this year—they are the only off road specialists I trust with my truck. In fact, their ICI bumpers, which offer added protection if you happen to hit a deer, are 15 percent off through the end of the year.

If you did still go off-roading in the winter, here are some winterization tips to keep in mind:

1) Install snow tires. Four-wheel drive helps you move, but it doesn't help you stop...

2) Keep up with regular maintenance. Winter is really harsh on your vehicle, so keep up with oil changes, make sure your fluids are topped off and switch to a windshield washer fluid that won't freeze. (Pro tip from Offroaders.com: After you add the anti-freezing washer fluid, spray and clean your windshield well so the new fluid is in the lines and the lines don't freeze when cold hits.)

3) Check your battery. "Your battery won’t be nearly as efficient in cold temperatures anyway, and has to work a lot harder to turn the engine over when the oil’s stiffened by the cold," Offroaders.com explains. "A dead battery in a blizzard or remote location can be life-threatening."

4) Make sure you take proper supplies, such as a first aid kit, food and water, warm clothing and blankets and other items you'd need if you break down.

Meanwhile, Mike's Off Road also tackles bigger projects. Take a look at the 1976 Ford Bronco they're rebuilding: