Your pickup might be tough enough to conquer most terrains, but it doesn’t mean it can withstand all weather. If you want to maintain its performance on and off the road, you have to make sure that it’s shielded from ever-changing weather conditions.
If you plan to reduce the strain that your pickup undergoes in these conditions, look for the best pieces of equipment you can furnish for full-time protection. Before hitting the road for your long weekend trips, have these gears fitted to your pickup truck:
Protect your pickup’s bed
There’s no denying the benefits of having a truck shell for your pickup during harsh weather conditions. It protects your vehicle from torrential rains or harmful UV rays. Also, choosing shells offers more space than lid covers.
If you drive in Utah, truck shells, you can look for durable and versatile options for your pickup. They provide color-matching fiberglass shells, cab-high canopies or shells that have a raised roof, and shells that have side windows or rooftop racks.
Let your light shine
When you’re driving through rain or hail that offers almost zero visibility, you’ll only have your lights to depend on, so make sure they’re duly upgraded before the weather shifts.
Fog lamps are especially helpful when your sight is obstructed by snow, dust, or rain. Driving lights and long-range lights also improve your driving view with wide-angle and long-range illumination, respectively.
Make sure that your built-in halogen lights are working. You can upgrade to LED or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps for brighter output.
Deflect debris
When you’re soldiering through bad weather, it’s always your hood that’s most susceptible to damage. This is where deflectors might be beneficial. They angle the airflow that passes through your hood upwards so that debris is coursed up and past your pickup truck. You can also apply protective wax and film to protect your hood from the elements further.
Don’t forget to protect your other windows with rain guards and visors too. You might also want to upgrade to high-quality winter wipers for your windshield.
Look under the hood
There are lots of things under the hood that can bear the brunt of severe weather changes.
A car battery that has been bouncing between hot and cold climates will most likely have reduced capacity and increased draw. Upgrade to a battery that has a better charge before hitting the road.
You can also fit your engine and radiator with block heaters, which use an electrical element to preheat your engine’s fluid when it warms up before you start your vehicle.
Get new tires
The next thing you’ll have to look into are the next most exposed part of your car: your tires. Accelerating, braking, and steering all become difficult once the weather shifts, so make sure your tires can keep up.
Upgrading to high-performance winter tires is the most vocal recommendation here. Choose snow tires that have deeper treads for improved surface grip. If conditions are really dire, you should also consider installing snow chains for maximum traction.
Cover up your car
Whether you’re driving or not, a good cover will always keep your car secure from the harsh elements. There are various types of car covers in the market today, including cotton, plastic, and composite covers that are lightweight and water-resistant.
Another helpful upgrade is tinting your windows. By blocking harmful UV rays, not only do you keep your interiors cool; you also protect your upholstery from fading.
Your pickup truck is meant to take you to places other cars can’t go. You should look after it so that it can take you to places whether it rains or shines!