Winter weather can make trucking more challenging than usual. And while you can’t prevent bad weather, there are things you can do to ensure your trucks are in top operating condition so they can handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Before winter sets in, ensure your trucks are brought to the shop for a preventive maintenance service and that technicians pay special attention to components most likely to be affected by cold temperatures.
- Moisture in air dryers can freeze when the temperatures drop, so drain air tanks of any moisture.
- Summer can be hard on the electrical system, so check the batteries and starting and charging systems, and make repairs or replace electrical system components as needed.
- Check pre-heaters, ultracapacitors, and other components that help the truck start. The last thing you want is a truck that won’t start on a cold winter morning.
- If the truck has a block heater, plug it in to ensure it works properly.
- Check the condition of the windshield wipers. While wipers are a simple component, they significantly impact safety. Make sure they are in good condition so they are ready to handle ice, sleet, and snow.
See also: Clark: Top 12 tips to prepare your fleet for winter
Once winter officially arrives in your area, there are things you and your drivers should pay extra attention to.
- The correct blend of fuel can prevent waxing, but drivers may also want to carry fuel additives that prevent the fuel from gelling when temperatures drop.
- When trucks are in the yard overnight, plug in block heaters to ensure they will start the next morning.
- Monitor the condition of the diesel exhaust fluid, which can begin to freeze at 32°F.
- Drivers should always check tires during pre- and post-trip inspections, but tire conditions are especially critical in the winter. Proper tread depth and correct inflation pressures will help prevent breakdowns.
- If chains are mandated where your drivers will travel, make sure the chains are in good condition and that drivers know how to use them safely.
A host of other components could use a little extra attention in the winter, so encourage drivers and technicians to periodically check brakes, hoses and belts, door locks, air and fuel filters, and all vehicle lighting.
In addition, drivers should understand how to use all winter-related technology on their trucks. Consider holding a driver training refresher in which you go over best practices for operating safely in winter weather conditions. Remind drivers that it takes longer to stop on wet, slippery, snowy roads, so they should consider reducing speeds and increasing following distances. Encourage them to carry a winter driving kit that includes water, blankets/sleeping bags, extra clothes, hand warmers, snow shovels, and other items that will help keep them safe should they run into an emergency situation during the winter.
Winter will be upon us shortly, but following these simple steps will allow your trucks and drivers to operate safely until the robins announce that spring is just around the corner.
