Essential Equipment Prep for Rural Living

Winter can be especially harsh on the tools and equipment that keep our homes and properties in good shape. Whether you’re a long-time homesteader or new to rural living, the cold can present unexpected challenges.

Here are some tips to get your gear ready and keep it running all winter long.

Stay Ahead of the Chill

Before cold weather arrives, have pros service vehicles, tractors and engine-driven tools. Ask them to replace and refresh fluids, look for wear, replace aging belts and hoses and check common points of failure. Frigid temperatures are tough on motors and moving parts. Avoid breakdowns by starting the season with winter-ready vehicles.

Fuel Prep for the Frost

Engines struggle when fuel thickens or moisture gets into the gas tank. To prevent this, choose the right fuel for the season — winterized gas won’t gel. You can also add fuel stabilizers to reduce condensation in gas tanks and keep tanks full to reduce water contamination.

Keep the Spark Alive

No one likes getting started on a cold morning, and your machinery is no exception. Starting engines in frigid weather can be tough on moving parts. So, use block heaters, heating blankets or portable heat lamps to pre-warm engines and batteries. Once you’ve got them started, let vehicles and equipment run at low RPMs for five to 10 minutes before driving or using them at full speed.

If your equipment uses rechargeable batteries, recharge and store them in a heated building to help them maintain power.

Grease Against the Freeze

Cold weather thickens oils and other lubricants. That can cause friction, which strains engines and moving parts. To combat this problem, opt for synthetic motor oils. These flow more freely than conventional oils in subzero temperatures.

Applying cold-resistant grease to machinery weekly keeps moving parts from seizing up.

Don’t Let Small Engines Become Big Problems

You may not be using small-engine equipment like lawnmowers and chainsaws during the winter, but you can prep them so they’re ready to go come spring. Use fogging oil on small engines before storing to prevent rust and damage, and drain fuel tanks or add fuel stabilizers to equipment you won’t use until after the melt.

Shelter From the Storm

If you can, protect vehicles, machinery and tools by storing them in garages or sheds to avoid direct cold exposure. All the better if those buildings are heated. If you’re storing equipment or vehicles over winter, dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs will keep condensation and rust at bay.

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 winter-grade 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.