Winter poses a number of unique challenges for commercial truck owners. Not only is it more difficult to navigate the roadways, but freezing temperatures and icy conditions can also wreak havoc on a truck’s various components. This is why it’s important to ensure your vehicle receives the maintenance it needs to make it through the season. Here are a few tips for making sure your truck is prepared to handle whatever it encounters this time of year.
How to Keep Your Commercial Truck in Good Condition Through Winter
1. Use Fuel Additives
Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which crystallizes in extremely low temperatures. If there is any water present in the fuel, this will allow it to emulsify and turn the diesel fuel into a gel-like substance. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to add an anti-gelling agent at every fill-up and use a winter-blend fuel with a high cetane rating.
2. Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure & Tread
Any time there is a substantial fluctuation in temperature tire pressure is affected. Underinflated tires compromise fuel mileage and increase the risk of an accident. As such, it’s crucial to be diligent about checking inflation levels consistently and making sure the pressure is set to the appropriate level. It’s also essential to ensure the tread depth is good enough to hold to the road.
3. Examine the Air Dryer
A truck’s air dryer is designed to prevent water from entering the brake lines where it has the potential to freeze in cold weather. Examine it regularly to make sure it’s working correctly, and change the filter as needed. Failing to do so can cause brake failure at an inopportune time.
4. Monitor the Fuel Filter & Water Separator
The water separator on a commercial truck should be inspected daily and drained whenever full to avoid engine contamination. Replacing old fuel filters is also instrumental in protecting the engine.
Winterizing your commercial truck can help you minimize repair costs, limit delivery delays, and improve driver safety. For help keeping your truck in top shape throughout the winter, contact Regional International Truck and Trailer. As a Diamond Edge Certified dealer, they are known for providing New York truck owners with superior customer service, parts, and accelerated service. Their highly trained technicians possess the skills necessary to perform quality maintenance and repairs on all types of commercial truck equipment. Call (800) 836-0409 for more information on the services they offer, or visit them online to schedule an appointment.
