Most areas in the US and Canada begin to grip for winter and colder months once September comes around yearly. While scrapping during the colder months, especially for regions under freezing temperatures most of the winter, it’s crucial to think warm. There are some essential steps and tips to use while preparing to scrap in the winter months. Ensuring your car is being taken care of properly is necessary; otherwise, you may be unable to scrap it if it breaks down. Also, dressing correctly with the right clothes during the winter is essential to keep you moving.
Tips For Your Car In The Winter Months
One of the most critical pieces of equipment for scrappers is their vehicle. Below, we have some great suggestions and reminders to keep in mind.
Suggest Reading: Best Tips for Driving In The Snow
Warm Your Truck Up:
Warming up your truck or car before you go on a scrap run, especially in the cold morning, is essential. Not only will you have a nice warm truck to get in before driving, but you can also prevent damage like cracked engines and other parts if you try to haul on a cold machine.
Check Your Tires:
During the cold months, you could encounter ice and snow when driving; having the right tires and tire pressure is vital for safety. Besides your brakes, your tires are your vehicle’s most prominent safety feature, and having winter tires is a good idea.
Auto-Trac - 0232805 - Light Truck/SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2
Have A Full Tank of Gas:
During the summer, it is easy to get away with less than a half tank of gasoline in your vehicle, but not during the winter. Always try to have your gas tank filled to prevent condensation from building up from the colder weather, which could lead to engine problems.
Have The Right Equipment:
Having some equipment in your vehicle during the winter is crucial so you don’t slow down when scrapping. Appropriate chains, a winch, shovel, de-icer windshield washer fluid, and ice scraper are essential when you may find yourself stuck or slipping in bad weather conditions.
Synthetic Rope: 3/8" Diameter x 90' Length, 5 Ton (10,000 lb) Pulling Capacity
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Wear the Right Clothes For Scrapping
Now that you have your vehicle ready for the cold weather, it is time to get yourself ready for the cold weather so your body doesn’t slow down when you’re on the go. From your head to your toes, being appropriately dressed will ensure you don’t get sick and slow down.
Head:
Having a warm hat on is essential. Did you know 80% of your body heat leaves your head? If you are required to have a hard hat on (recommended) when scrapping, you can find thinner liners that you can wear underneath to stay warm.
Chest:
Having layers is essential, especially on your torso. Your core is where your heat is produced, so if it gets cold, the rest of your body will, too. Having a good base layer that can wick away sweat while you’re working but keep you warm during everything else is the goal.
Force Heavyweight Thermal Base Layer Long Sleeve Pocket Shirt, Shadow Heather, Medium
- Convenient zip pocket on chest; made for extreme cold weather
- Fast dry wicks away sweat
- Fights odor
Hands:
It is essential to wear gloves when scrapping for your safety, but having warm ones during the cold weather is essential. You can buy glove liners to add warmth to your winter work gloves.
Suggested Reading: Best Work Gloves For Working Outside in the Winter
Legs:
Again, having layers here is essential to ensure your legs are always warm when lifting, loading, and hauling materials throughout the day.
100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants Army Green
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Feet:
Having warm boots is as essential as having steel-toed boots. Make sure you have good traction on them for the slippery conditions. Also, having warm, longer socks will help keep you moving.
Suggested Reading: 5 Top Work Boots for Safety & Comfort for Scrapping
We suggest having a cold-weather checklist together to make sure you can buy and collect all of the tools and equipment you need this winter before it is all sold out during the winter months. If you have any additional tips, email us at [email protected]. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more information!