How to Protect a Working 4x4 Before Winter: Isuzu AT35

A proper workhorse is there to be used. Looking after what's underneath helps keep it that way.

The Isuzu AT35 Arctic Truck isn't your average pick-up.

Built by Arctic Trucks the name behind some seriously capable expedition vehicles, including those used on Top Gear's famous North Pole expedition — it's designed to deal with conditions that would stop plenty of other vehicles.

But being built tough doesn't make a 4x4 immune to corrosion.

Especially when it's actually used as intended.

Work hard, play hard and this particular AT35 earns its keep.

Work during the week and play at the weekend mean mud, water, rough ground and road grime aren't occasional inconveniences. They're part of normal use.

Then winter arrives and adds prolonged wet conditions and road salt. That's why we've got Ryan from Endure Car Protection, one of our Lanoguard trade partners, getting underneath this AT35 before winter sets in.

Ryan Lanoguards vehicles regularly, so he knows that protecting a working truck isn't simply a matter of spraying the obvious bits.

It's the overlooked areas that are often worth paying attention to.

Even the side steps need attention because that’s one that gets often overlooked by 4x4 owners.

Take the AT35's side steps.

They're built to be used, stood on and covered in whatever the truck drives through. Mud and moisture can accumulate around the brackets and mounting areas, while winter road salt adds another ingredient to the mix.

Leave those areas unchecked and corrosion can take hold, eventually rotting components out. It's a useful reminder that winter protection isn't only about the large, obvious chassis rails. Brackets, seams, mounting points and awkward areas where dirt accumulates deserve attention too.

Start with inspection, not protection

Ryan's approach starts with getting the vehicle properly clean.

Removing mud and accumulated grime means he can inspect what's underneath and identify areas that already need attention.

Lanoguard helps create a barrier against moisture and road salt and can reach the awkward areas of a working 4x4. Because it stays flexible and clear, future inspections remain straightforward too. That's particularly useful on a truck that's going to keep working rather than sitting pristine in a garage.

Tough vehicles still need maintenance

An AT35 is designed to take punishment.

That doesn't mean you should make it fight corrosion unnecessarily.

The harder you use a 4x4, the more worthwhile it becomes to occasionally get underneath, clean out what you've collected and see how everything is holding up.