To winterize equipment, first decide whether it will be stored or operated through winter, then follow the machine’s operation and maintenance manual for fluids, fuel, battery care, and storage. The seven steps below are a practical starting point for construction equipment and other machinery—not a substitute for model-specific instructions. Storage and cold-weather operation require different preparations.
1. Decide whether the equipment will be stored or used
Before servicing the machine, set the plan: will it sit idle, or must it start and work in cold weather? Note the expected temperature range, where it will be kept, and how long it will be out of service. Use those details and the machine manual to choose the right procedure. Caterpillar provides separate guidance for winter storage and cold-weather operation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 16 oz | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 8 oz | $6.78 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
STA-BIL Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment, 8 oz | $9.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 32 oz | $13.58 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
STA-BIL Gold Eagle 22240 360° Marine - 32 oz. | $21.59 | Buy on Amazon |
- For storage: focus on protecting inactive systems, fuel, battery, and exposed components from weather and deterioration.
- For continued operation: focus on temperature-appropriate fuel and fluids, cold-start readiness, and regular checks during use.
Do not assume a storage instruction is suitable for a machine that will keep working, or vice versa.
2. Clean, inspect, and handle overdue maintenance
Remove dirt, crop residue, road salt, and other debris that can trap moisture or conceal damage. Inspect hoses, exposed connections, and attachments; repair leaks or worn parts before storage or cold operation. Caterpillar’s storage guidance also calls for planning ahead, lubricating machinery, and protecting attachments and connections. Use the manual’s service schedule to identify any maintenance due before the machine is put away or returned to work.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
3. Match lubricants and fluids to the machine and temperature
Use the engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission lubricant, and final-drive lubricant specified for the model and expected temperatures. Do not choose an oil weight from a generic winter rule: Caterpillar advises using the manufacturer-recommended weight. Check the manual for required grades, specifications, and service intervals, and avoid mixing fluids unless the manufacturer permits it.
4. Protect the fuel system using the correct fuel-specific procedure
Fuel recommendations differ by engine type and by whether the machine is being stored or operated. Do not apply one universal drain-or-fill rule.
Rank #2
- PRESERVES FUEL: This fuel stabilizer ensures keeps gasoline fresh for up to 24 months for storing vehicles that are not in use, boats, outdoor power equipment during winter months, or stocking up on fuel.
- PREVENTS CORROSION: Safeguard your engine & fuel system from the detrimental effects of both ethanol & non-ethanol fuels. Maintaining the integrity of fuel system components, it ensures optimal performance & longevity, promoting a healthier fuel system.
- EASY STARTS: Guarantees quick & easy starts for your equipment & vehicles, providing peace of mind when storing them. With its reliable performance, you can confidently store your items, knowing they will start smoothly whenever needed.
- DIRECTIONS: Pour contents directly into the fuel tank before adding gasoline. Use 1 oz of STA-BIL Storage for every 2.5 gallons of gas. After adding the fuel, run the engine for 5 minutes to treat the entire fuel system.
- EXPIRATION DATE: 2 years from the opening of product, or 5 years from date of production (5-digit code on the back of the bottle; read as YYDDD). YY indicates the year of production. DDD represents the number of the day of that year of production.
Diesel equipment
For cold-weather operation, Caterpillar says diesel fuel can gel at around 10°F (-12°C) or lower. Use fuel suited to the temperatures and drain water separators as directed. Additives should be approved for the engine and used only as the manual allows; Caterpillar warns not to add gasoline or unapproved fuels to diesel. See its Winter Diesel Engine Checklist.
Gasoline small engines
Briggs & Stratton says gasoline can begin degrading in as little as 30 days. Its small-engine storage instructions describe adding stabilizer according to the product directions and then topping off the tank. The company says its described alcohol-free stabilizer and ethanol treatment keeps fuel fresh for up to 24 months; that is product-specific guidance, not a general guarantee for every fuel or engine. Follow the equipment and stabilizer labels.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Fixes rough running and hard-to-start engines: Breaks down gum and varnish that cause rough running, hard starts, sputtering, and no-start issues in small engines, helping restore performance quickly
- Cleans carburetors and fuel system: Works through the fuel system to clean carburetors, fuel injectors, and internal components, functioning as a small engine carb cleaner without requiring disassembly
- Removes water and combats ethanol fuel effects: Helps eliminate water in the fuel system and combats the effects of ethanol-blended fuels, including E15, which can contribute to rough running, stalling, and starting issues
- Designed for lawn mowers and small engine equipment: Ideal for use in lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, snow blowers, generators, and other 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines
- Easy-to-use fuel treatment: Add to fresh gas and run the engine to circulate through the system, treating up to 20 gallons and helping restore smooth operation in small engines affected by fuel-related issues
For example, Caterpillar’s fleet guidance discusses draining fuel or filling the tank to limit condensation, while Briggs & Stratton’s outdoor-power-equipment guidance uses a fill-and-stabilize procedure. Follow the applicable manufacturer’s instructions rather than combining these into one method.
5. Check coolant protection and drain water systems when required
Check engine coolant with a hydrometer or compatible antifreeze tester to verify its freeze point. Confirm that the tester is suitable for the coolant type, and use only coolant specified for the system. Caterpillar states that a 50/50 coolant mixture is generally suitable to -37°F (-38°C), but the correct coolant and procedure depend on the machine; consult its diesel checklist and the operation and maintenance manual.
Rank #4
- PRESERVES FUEL: This fuel stabilizer ensures keeps gasoline fresh for up to 24 months for storing vehicles that are not in use, boats, outdoor power equipment during winter months, or stocking up on fuel.
- PREVENTS CORROSION: Safeguard your engine & fuel system from the detrimental effects of both ethanol & non-ethanol fuels. Maintaining the integrity of fuel system components, it ensures optimal performance & longevity, promoting a healthier fuel system.
- EASY STARTS: Guarantees quick & easy starts for your equipment & vehicles, providing peace of mind when storing them. With its reliable performance, you can confidently store your items, knowing they will start smoothly whenever needed.
- DIRECTIONS: Pour contents directly into the fuel tank before adding gasoline. Use 1 oz of STA-BIL Storage for every 2.5 gallons of gas. After adding the fuel, run the engine for 5 minutes to treat the entire fuel system.
- EXPIRATION DATE: 2 years from the opening of product, or 5 years from date of production (5-digit code on the back of the bottle; read as YYDDD). YY indicates the year of production. DDD represents the number of the day of that year of production.
Drain and dry water-containing systems only where the equipment procedure calls for it. Do not treat RV antifreeze as engine coolant. Corteva’s instructions for anhydrous applicators are a specialized exception: they describe flushing and draining the system before running RV antifreeze through it. That procedure is specific to that equipment and does not apply generally to construction machinery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Prepare the battery and cold-start equipment
For extended storage, maintain battery charge with a battery tender or maintainer if the machine instructions recommend one. Follow the manual for disconnecting, removing, charging, and reinstalling the battery; procedures vary by machine and battery type. For equipment expected to work in winter, check the condition of the battery and cold-start systems before the next cold start.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER: Cleanses the entire fuel system using PEA additives, including fuel injectors, lines, & fuel pumps. This advanced formula removes water, gum, and varnish, ensuring optimal performance & longevity of your fuel system while preventing corrosion.
- CORROSION PROTECTION: Industry-leading rust and corrosion protection & designed for in-season cleaning & the protection of internal fuel system parts.
- PERFORMANCE BOOSTER: Designed to optimize fuel performance which contributes to enhanced gas mileage & improved engine power. This advanced formula cleans & protects the fuel system, allowing for efficient combustion & prolonged engine life.
- DIRECTIONS: Pour directly into fuel tank prior to fill up. Use 1 oz for every 10 gallons of fuel. Run the engine for 5 minutes to treat the entire fuel system.
- YEAR-ROUND PROTECTION: Pair STA-BIL In-Season Marine Protection with STA-BIL Storage, providing a complete solution for both in-season operation & storage needs during the winter ensuring that your watercrafts remains in peak condition year-round.
Use only approved heaters and starting aids. Caterpillar cautions: “Don’t use starting fluid unless the engine has a factory-installed automatic system.” Follow the machine manufacturer’s warning labels and instructions rather than improvising a starting aid.
7. Store safely and label the machine
When the machine will be idle, use sheltered storage where possible. Cover equipment when appropriate, protect exposed connections and attachments, and complete the model-specific steps for fuel, fluids, and battery care. Caterpillar’s storage guidance recommends planning storage and protecting machinery and components; its cold-weather operating guidance addresses a different use case.
Tag stored equipment so it is clearly identified as out of service and not ready to operate. Before returning it to work, follow the manual’s recommissioning procedure and remove the tag only after the required checks are complete.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
