If you have ever operated a semi-truck, you know how hazardous driving conditions are in cold weather. Additionally, it may negatively affect the numerous systems, operations, and components of trucks. Commercial truck drivers may meet preventable failures and perhaps fatal circumstances if safety procedures are not taken carefully. This is why understanding how to winterize a truck is important. When you winterize a vehicle with preventative maintenance, you are more than likely to be able to prevent cold-weather-related problems and contribute to reducing repair-related downtime and costs.
Top Winterizing Tips for a Truck
1. Test the battery and the electric system –
Winter months saw a noticeable rise in battery failure rates because batteries deplete more quickly in colder temperatures. Nevertheless, be sure the battery is placed correctly, is corrosion-free, and is fully charged using a handheld tester or digital voltmeter. Double-check for frayed or corroded wire as well as loose connections. Additionally, to be cautious, you may want to consider changing the battery before winter if it is more than three years old.
2. Install or Maintain the Engine Block Heater –
Block heaters increase the probability that your engine will start properly in cold weather by staying heated overnight. Putting one before the weather gets cooler is advised if you do not already have one. If you do, ensure it is functioning correctly and receives any necessary maintenance. This is crucial when winterizing a vehicle since diesel engines struggle harder to start in cold weather because they need a greater cylinder temperature.
3. Inspect the Coolant System –
Inspect the coolant system for leaks, cracks, and/or rust while preparing your winter vehicle. The radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan drive, and fan typically make up the coolant system; however, clamps and hoses should be given special care. You can leak if the coolant level is not rising to the “full” level. Pressurize the system to help find the leak if its position is not immediately apparent.
Additionally, if the coolant grows old, test it and replace it. Coolants typically last for 24 months, so if you are dealing with older coolants, cleanse the system and change the coolant before the winter season. Use test strips to see whether the coolant’s freezing point is sufficient to prevent aeration, corrosion, or cavitation if it has not yet hit the 24-month mark but is approaching.
4. Inspect the Air Dryer –
Before water can reach the braking system, which may freeze over and jeopardize the brake operation, it is collected and removed by the air drier in your semi-truck. That said, it is crucial to ensure the air drier is in excellent working order and in decent shape before the winter cold takes a toll. When inspecting the air dryer, test it to ensure good operation and keep an eye out for any corrosion or leaks. Additionally, it is a good practice to remove the drain plugs from the air tanks once a year and clean them while drying. You may sometimes need to change the filter if required.
5. Check the condition and tire pressure –
Every winter truck must have tires with enough tread depth for winter driving to operate at peak efficiency. You should consider getting new tires if the tread on your current ones seems worn down (circumferential cutting, chunking, spin damage, ripping, etc.). If you often travel through locations with winter driving conditions, you may want to spend a little more on tires with a tread pattern for those circumstances. Regardless of the kind of tire you choose, make sure the tire chains are attached properly.
6. Check for Windshield Cracks –
Small chips & cracks in the glass are something you do not want to ignore or neglect while winterizing a vehicle. As the temperature drops, the windscreens are placed under greater strain, which increases the likelihood that they may completely fracture. If you find any chips or cracks in your windscreen, fix the smaller ones immediately to prevent them from becoming larger as the weather gets colder and forces you to replace the whole windscreen.
7. Windshield Washer Reservoir Refill –
Ensure the windscreen washer reservoir is full & contains enough deicer/solvent solution to adequately assist in defrosting the windscreen and prevent the washer fluid bottle from freezing/breaking; however, this is not as important as some of the other things noted above.
8. Verify the Defrost Function –
It is crucial to confirm that the directional vanes are operating correctly and are in the best position to rapidly and efficiently defrost the windscreen due to the fog that may form on it during cold weather. You may sometimes encounter a lack of sight if your defroster is not working correctly, which might raise your risk of getting in an accident.
It is time to create your winter truck checklist now that you know how to winterize a truck. Additionally, we advise regular preventative maintenance throughout the year rather than just before the winter season. You will be prepared for anything on the road once you develop the practice of doing preventative maintenance. Even though it takes more time, it will be well worth the effort since it will lower on-road dangers, repair downtime, and repair expenses.