Tool Time Rural Essentials
Upgrade Your Winter Ride
Get personal vehicles and farm machinery ready before the snow flies. Switch to snow tires if you’ ll be driving in icy conditions or on unplowed roads, swap out windshield wipers with wintergrade wiper blades and buy windshield fluid with a deicer.
Check tire pressure regularly, as cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, and keep fluids topped off throughout the winter.
Winter-Proof Your Water Lines
Water in hoses, pumps, pipes and other places can freeze, causing cracks that require costly repairs or replacement. Prevent cold snaps from snapping your equipment lines by draining hoses and pipes. If you use them during winter, fully drain water after each use to prevent freezing. Wrapping exposed lines with insulation, heat tape and foam covers is also a smart move.
Beat Rust Before It Starts
Rust will damage and degrade tools, so protect your investment by applying rust preventatives before storing tools for winter. And keep tools sharpened— sharp blades cut more efficiently and are less likely to break or shatter in the cold.
Safeguard Power and Heat Sources
Test backup generators before winter to make sure they’ re in good working order and have enough fuel to run them. While you’ re at it, check extension cords and outdoor power cables for wear, and replace any that might crack in the cold or give up before the days get longer.
Keep safe, reliable heat sources in workshops and garages. Propane or electric heaters can be a lifesaver for working during cold spells. If you’ re using heaters in enclosed spaces, have adequate ventilation and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep you safe.
Be Prepared, Not Stranded
Every vehicle should have a winter emergency kit that includes a blanket, hat, gloves, snow removal tools, flares and other emergency equipment. You can also create winter kits for garages and workspaces. Add hand warmers, spare batteries, anti-freeze additives and basic repair tools for quick fixes when problems arise.
It’ s also a good idea to stock extra jumper cables, flashlights, ice scrapers, shovels, antifreeze, oil, wiper fluids and other necessities in case you can’ t get to town.
Seal and Insulate
Garages and outbuildings that house equipment need attention, too. Insulate sheds and barns to maintain higher temperatures. Use caulk or weatherproofing spray foam to seal drafts that let in cold air and moisture. Upgrade weather stripping around doors and windows to block snow and rain, keep out drafts and protect the equipment inside.
Remain in the Light
Darker days are ahead— fight back by installing, adjusting and upgrading outdoor and indoor lighting. Replace old bulbs with LED lights that work better in cold weather. They’ ll help you see what you’ re doing and keep your utility bills down despite more use. Motion-activated lights can improve safety in garages and outbuildings, and they’ ll act like an extra hand, so you don’ t need to search for the light switch.
Getting ready for winter doesn’ t have to be a chore. Make smart choices now to protect your equipment and tools and prepare for the cold months ahead.
Winter Maintenance
Start Strong Service vehicles with winter in mind Replace fluids, belts and hoses
Fuel Prep Use winterized fuel blends Add stabilizers Keep fuel tanks full
Battery Care Start with charged batteries Keep them warm Recharge regularly
Lubrication Switch to synthetic oil Grease moving parts
Small Engine Prep Use fogging oil Drain fuel tanks Add fuel stabilizer
Storage Store items in insulated, dry spaces Use silica packs or dehumidifiers
Warming Up Preheat engines Run at low power before full use
Water Systems Drain water from pipes, hoses, and pumps Wrap pipes and hoses with heat tape or insulation
Rust Prevention Apply anti-rust spray or coatings Keep tools sharp
Emergency Kits Pack a kit for every vehicle Create custom kits for garages and workshops
Seal Buildings Insulate, caulk, foam and weatherstrip buildings
Add Lighting Upgrade to LED lights Install motion-activated lighting
21 AcreageLife January 2025 AcreageLife. com