When the temperatures start to drop, the last thing you want is to be stuck with equipment that won’t start or breaks down in the middle of a job. Whether you’re plowing snow, feeding livestock, or hauling supplies, winter puts extra strain on tractors, plows, and ATVs. Cold weather can expose weak points in your machines—especially in systems like hydraulics, cooling, and electrical. Preparing now can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration when the freeze sets in.
At Reliable Aftermarket Parts, we know how important it is to keep your equipment dependable year-round. Here are the top replacement parts to check—and replace if needed—before winter weather hits.
1. Batteries: Keep the Power Flowing
Cold temperatures drain battery power faster than you might expect. A battery that worked fine in October might struggle to turn your engine over in January. Before winter arrives, check your battery’s age, terminals, and voltage. Corrosion or weak connections can make cold starts even harder.
If your battery is more than a few years old, replacing it now is a smart move. Pair it with new battery cables or an upgraded starter if your equipment is slow to crank. Reliable Aftermarket Parts carries dependable battery components and electrical parts to make sure your equipment starts every time you need it.
2. Hydraulic Hoses and Seals: Stop Leaks Before They Start
Hydraulic systems take a beating in freezing temperatures. The cold causes hydraulic fluid to thicken, which puts extra pressure on hoses, seals, and fittings. Any small crack or worn connection can quickly turn into a leak once you start operating in the cold.
Inspect all hoses for stiffness, cracks, or visible wear. Replace any that look questionable—it’s far cheaper than dealing with a burst line in subzero weather. You may also want to switch to a winter-grade hydraulic fluid that flows better in cold conditions. Reliable Aftermarket Parts offers a wide range of hydraulic components to keep your system tight and reliable all season long.
3. Thermostats and Cooling Components: Maintain the Right Temperature
Engines need to reach the proper operating temperature quickly, even in cold conditions. A faulty thermostat can cause your engine to run too cool, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. On the other hand, an old or sticking thermostat can prevent coolant from circulating properly, putting your engine at risk of overheating once it’s under load.
Before winter, inspect your thermostat, radiator, and coolant hoses. Replace worn or brittle parts to ensure your equipment maintains a steady operating temperature, no matter how cold it gets.
4. Filters: Keep Fluids Clean and Flowing
Filters often get overlooked until there’s a problem—but in winter, clean filters are essential. Clogged oil, air, and fuel filters make it harder for your engine to start and run efficiently. Dirty fuel filters, in particular, can cause freezing and restrict fuel flow.
Replace all filters before the cold weather sets in. This small step improves performance and helps your engine handle the extra stress of winter work. Reliable Aftermarket Parts offers a full selection of quality replacement filters for tractors, UTVs, and ATVs—so you can easily stock up before the busy season.
Stay Ahead of the Cold
Winter doesn’t have to mean downtime. With a few preventive steps and some smart replacements, your equipment can perform reliably through the harshest conditions. Taking time now to check your battery, hydraulic hoses, thermostats, and filters ensures your machines will be ready when you need them most.
When it comes to winter maintenance, Reliable Aftermarket Parts has you covered. We stock dependable, affordable replacement parts for tractors, snowplows, ATVs, and more—all backed by our commitment to quality and customer service.
Visit www.ReliableAftermarketParts.com today to get your equipment winter-ready before the first freeze hits.