Leaving Truck in the Cold For A Month

[noblecreed]

I am a college student who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, where at night the temperature goes down to 15 degrees. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger, and was planning to leave my truck in Flagstaff for a month as I leave town for winter break (outside in a parking lot.) A friend of mine says that's a horrible mistake, while another says that one month in the cold and snow won't be a big deal (it might snow maybe 1 or 2 times while I'm gone.)

I'm torn. It would be difficult for me to bring my truck with me, at the same time I don't want to damage my truck. Anyone who could help me would be a hero.

Thanks,

-Kyle

[kcg795]

I think it'll be fine. Almost everybody has to put their lawn equipment away for 3 months in the freezing cold and they always start right up with no problem in the spring. Just keep the fuel tank plenty full so moisture won't affect it. A bottle of Stabil won't hurt either. If you want a little more peace of mind, have somebody go out and start the truck once a week and let it run for a few minutes, then shut it down. This will help keep the battery charged at least.

[curtis73]

No problems at all. Park it and forget about it.

[noblecreed]

I really appreciate your help, and taking the time to respond. Leaving the truck here makes my life easier.

-Kyle

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by noblecreed

I am a college student who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, where at night the temperature goes down to 15 degrees. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger, and was planning to leave my truck in Flagstaff for a month as I leave town for winter break (outside in a parking lot.) A friend of mine says that's a horrible mistake, while another says that one month in the cold and snow won't be a big deal (it might snow maybe 1 or 2 times while I'm gone.)

I'm torn. It would be difficult for me to bring my truck with me, at the same time I don't want to damage my truck. Anyone who could help me would be a hero.

Thanks,

-Kyle

Kyle

I didn't think it got that cold in AZ. Here in MN at times it doesn't get above 0 for a while and our vehicals survive. We make sure our batteries are up to par and if it gets really cold we plug in the engine heater and things are running again. (Yes that is what that plug is for that you may of seen hanging out of some cars here in MN)

I just wanted to post about MN here.

Like the others have said. You shouldn't have any trouble.

Dan

[noblecreed]

Thanks Dan for the advice. I'm up in Northern Arizona, where it gets pretty cold. Still I guess it doesn't compare to your conditions.

Thanks for the tip. Check out http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/ if your interested in learning about N. Arizona. It's cold but beautiful up here.

-Kyle

[beef_bourito]

i don't know how much it'll affect it but you might want to change your oil. i know for general maintenance on lost of small engines its good to change oil after the winter but that could also because they've boon sitting for a long time and dont get their oil changed otherwise (up here in ottawa, canada, we usually dont use our lawn mowers till june so they sit for around 7-8 months)