Cold winter weather can be tough on trucks. Cold temperatures, ice, deicing chemicals all can make keeping your truck on the road difficult during winter. Here are 8 tips to help you keep your truck running at peak performance during the cold.
Air Dryer - The air dryer prevents water from forming in the air brake lines. During cold weather this water could freeze, and prevent you from keeping your brake released. We suggest replacing your air dryer cartridge yearly.
Fuel Water Separator - Your daily inspection should include the fuel water separator. Inspect, and drain water when necessary. We suggest during the winter to carry a spare fuel water separator filter with you.
Engine Block Heater - If your truck will be parked for more than a couple of hours, we recommend ensuring you plug in the engine block heater. The block heater will heat the engine coolant and help keep your engine from getting too cold. This will help you start the engine.
Batteries - Extreme temperatures can drain a battery quickly. We recommend having your batteries tested to ensure they will make it through the winter. Be sure to check for any loose wiring or corrosion on the connections. All connections should be cleaned.
HVAC System - Make sure your heating and cooling system is running well. A faulty blower motor can not only make your cab cold, but can prevent you from defrosting your windows to see. Keep your cabin air filter clean, and check your coolant's freeze point.
Fuel Additives - Diesel fuel can start to gel at 32 degrees. The paraffin present in diesel starts to solidify and crystallize at 32 degrees, and at 10-15 degrees it can gel and clog the tank and fuel filters. Make sure you're purchasing a winter blended fuel with a high cetane rating. You also may need to add anti-gel additives during fill-up.
Tire Pressure - Temperature changes from warm to cold can cause a loss of tire pressure (Tires lose up to 2 PSI for every 10 deg F of change in temperature). This can risk tire failure. Trucks traveling cross-country from warmer to colder weather should be extra careful to check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Keep it Clean - Deicing chemicals used to treat the roads are highly corrosive and can eat away at metal, and wiring. Wash your truck down periodically to help prevent these chemicals from destroying your truck. Making sure to inspect the wheels, and your brakes. Electrical connections (tractor and trailer pigtails) you should apply dialectic grease to prevent moisture and corrosion from starting.
