Stryker: Protect Vehicle from Extreme Cold

Parking your Stryker overnight or longer in below zero temps can take a toll on your vehicle. Here are some things you can do to protect your Stryker from biting cold temps and make sure it’s ready for the next mission:   
                               

• Check that the vehicle’s batteries have a good charge before shutting down the engine for the day.
• Set the transfer case to the high range position and put the vehicle in 8x8 mode.
• Shut down the engine by following the correct procedure found in the -10 TM.
• Open all hatches so that the interior temperature matches the outside temperature and release any moist air. Then close the hatches and fasten them tight. This will help protect the seals from hardening from the cold.
• Remove all hull drain plugs to remove water and other fluids. This will keep any accumulated moisture from freezing inside the hull. Just be sure to reinstall the drain plugs once the hull is drained.
• Remove ice, snow and mud from the underside of the vehicle to prevent freezing.
• Drain the air reservoirs and close the valves once the reservoirs are drained.
• Set the AUX MASTER and AUTO MASTER switches to the OFF position.
• Set the BATTERY INTERCONNECT switch on the power distribution panel (PDP) to the OFF position.
• Install environmental covers over the air intake and exhaust grilles to keep snow or ice from getting inside.
• Chock the wheels.
• Never park the vehicle overnight where snow has melted during the day. That could make the wheels freeze to the ground.
• Park with the wheels on brush, cardboard or similar material to prevent direct contact with the ground.
• Top off the fuel tanks to prevent condensation buildup.
• Cover the vehicle with a tarp.

Check out your Stryker’s -10 TM for more info about operating in extremely cold temps.