Everyone recognizes the tough build possessed by your Ford Ranger that was precisely engineered for adventurous journeys to regions with extreme weather conditions. Yet, you need to take a few steps to winter-proof your vehicle. That not only goes with certified used Ford, but also for the brand new ones.

If you’re looking for a 2020 Ford Ranger for sale, you must have been impressed with its innovative technical specifications, including the windshield wiper deicer for winters. Nonetheless, there are various other things to look for to prepare it for chilly conditions ahead.

Here are some effective ways to prepare with your Ford Ranger for upcoming winters:

Thorough Winter Inspection

Everyone recognizes the need to pay regular visits to a dentist for oral health inspection or physician for general medical checkups. You don’t wait for emergencies, do you? Then, why not be proactive when it comes to vehicle care? Getting your vehicle inspected is just as important, especially as you transition into the winter season.

The last thing you’d want is to have your vehicle broken down in peak winters and for you to walk to the bus stop in extreme cold for days while the vehicle gets repaired. Just because you procrastinated on its inspection earlier, your vehicle can trouble you big time. Plus, driving with those worn-out brake pads on bleak ice can be life-threatening.

It is even possible that an important component in your Ford Ranger is functioning flawlessly but malfunctions in the winter. That’s where winter inspection helps. The process involves checking the battery, filters, radiator, ignition system, fluids, exhaust system, tires, and more. Make sure you get the inspection done before it’s too late.

Replace Your Tires

No one is denying the incredible flexibility offered by all-season tires, but they cannot match the dependability and performance offered by winter tires during those extreme conditions. The moment the temperature in your region drops below 10 degrees Celsius, your summer or even all-season tires will start losing the road grip, getting worse as the temperatures continue to fall.

But when should you switch to winter tires? Some experts suggest that you should change the tires two weeks earlier than the first snowfall. However, if you live in a region characterized by extreme climatic conditions, predicting a snowfall is never easy. The ideal approach is to get our tires replaced in October, by November latest. If you live in Chicago or similar areas, consider going to your mechanic even earlier to avoid getting stuck in the long queues of cars waiting for their turn to get the tires replaced.

Install Winter Wiper Blades

Visibility is one of the most of the most pressing problems in winters. To ensure safety for you and your family, check whether your Ford Ranger’s windshield wiper deicer is heavy enough to wipe snow and ice off the windshield.

If you’ve been using the vehicle for a while now, the rubbers of the wipers might have been torn by the salt and grit on the road, significantly reducing their efficiency. You’ll find it out during the winter inspection. If you do see any such problems, get the wiper blades replaced before the winter season begins.

Also, your defrosters should be working well and the vehicle should be filled up with washer and transmission fluid, oil, gasoline, etc. To be on safe side, keep a spare water jug in your trunk in case your radiator heats up in the middle of nowhere. All this will prevent your pipes and hoses from freezing during peak winter months and your Ford Ranger will perform much better.

Clean the Lights

Another critical component of your Ford Ranger associated with visibility is the vehicle lights. During the winters, the sun sets earlier and the days are darker which means visibility can be problem during blizzards and whiteouts. To prepare for these days, pay special attention to the vehicle lamps. They should be in ideal working order and clear and crisp before the onset of winter. Get a lamp restoration kit so that you can clean them from time to time when they look dirty or dim.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

No matter what, you should have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle throughout the season to ensure your safety, in case you get stuck in the snow at any point in time. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, the equipment will be extremely helpful. Here are some items to include in your winter emergency kit:

• Flashlight
• Ice scraper, shovel, and brush
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Blanket, hat, gloves, and socks, to keep you and others warm
• Salt or kitty litter to melt snow or ice piled around your car
• Two-way radio so that you can seek external help from authorities.

Including these items in your Ford Ranger winter emergency kit will minimize the potential dangers and keep you safe as you look for help.

Key Takeaways

The athletic muscular body of your Ford Ranger might be remarkably sturdy, but if you don’t take the necessary protocols before the arrival of the winter season, it can get a bit risky. By following the 5 tips mentioned above, you can safely transition into the winter season.

While all vehicle parts need to be inspected beforehand, the most critical components to examine in your Ford Ranger include the tires, windshield wipers, brakes, and the lights. Get them replaced if you spot any issues with them. Yet, you can’t afford to become complacent during the winters. Thus, your Ford Ranger should always be equipped with a winter emergency kit to help you in unfortunate scenarios.

About Author:-

Don has a decade in automotive service and customization in his CV, being a Ford Certified Technician. He enjoys spending time with his 3 kids, and working on his customized new Ford Explorer.