I'll be taking my jeep with me on my ventures north... Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. I've seen snow probably 5 times in my life so I have no clue what to expect. My question is do I need to take any extra steps to protect my soft top, fluids, or jeep in general? Really any winter tips would b greatly appreciated
washer fluid is usually the 1st thing to freeze. I like to use Prestone De-icer, Rain-x makes a winter fluid or Xtreme Blue, I think that is what I saw in Love's Fuel stop. I think they all contain alcohol/anti-freeze blends so be careful with it.
get a short ice scraper that you can fit in your hand, it also fits better along the side of your seat. I wouldn't use a scraper on the soft top or windows, they scratch too easily. Don't smack any of the soft top or windows to try to get snow off either- it's been awhile since I've owned a soft top but last one I owned in snow country I cracked it trying to smack the snow off. Let the Jeep warm up the interior before trying to remove ice from the windows.
Also as mentioned, winter clothes (layers), gloves and some sort of head/ear coverage.
When I travel in the winter (snow) I carry my old and trusty ski jacket, Froggtoggs Toadz raingear, a fleece vest and an oversized heavy cotton work shirt in case I need to work on the Jeep (it's sprayed with waterproofing and easier to clean). Make sure the outer shell of your coats are waterproof, you'll likely get into pretty wet snow in the northeast. I can easily layer with these 4 items.
I recently discovered Duluth fire hose shirt jackets and plan to spray it down with waterproof (I buy a little bit larger to allow for a fleece vest or other under layer). I prefer to get something like this dirty because it's easier to wash off.
I also carry a pair of Kamik winter boots, I like these or Sorel - they're roomy, waterproof, warm and good for deeper snow. nothing sucks like getting out in deep snow and having the snow inside your shoes. They also keep your feet dry and warm for longer periods of time. I keep a pair of thermal longer socks inside them so I can change into them inside the Jeep.
I'll have several packs HotHands of hand warmers, they're cheap and awesome. A couple of fleece blankets (they don't take up much space and a tarp, the harbor freight free ones work great in case I end up on the ground to work on the Jeep (only happened once). I also keep several pair of one size fits all knit gloves (cheap on Amazon).
Some water and dry snacks in case I have to spend a few days off the road.
I've only had to go full emergency a couple of times in over many years and while my friends always thought I was crazy to have so much stuff on hand, the one time we ended up off the road overnight and wake up to discover we've been buried by snowplows, they were very happy I was prepared.
Most the time I'll end up helping others who have broken down or slid off the road. It amazes me how many people are not prepared for winter conditions. I've given away a lot of knit gloves and hand warmers over the years.
I haven't broken down but I like to think of preparedness in case I need to wait out a winter snow. I have had to spend the night in the Jeep because of road closures and not a hotel room to be found.
Driving is a matter of going a little slower - great tips mentioned. You will be tempted to hit the brakes but remember to pump them, locking them up may send you into a spin.
4Hi will give you greater control but it's not a reason to go faster. drive with care.
it's a lot but hope it helps :beer:
