With winter approaching, the roads will soon be icy and dangerous. This is a unique risk for truck drivers, who spend much of their lives on the highway. Because of this, truckers need to plan and make safety a priority throughout the colder months. To help you stay safe and avoid the need for truck repair, below are some winter driving tips for truckers.

Winter Driving Precautions for Truck Drivers

1. Avoid Objects Instead of Braking

Due to the sheer weight of the truck, it can be difficult to stop in time to avoid a braking car or object in the road. This is particularly true on snowy, slushy, or icy roads, as sudden braking can cause the vehicle to swerve. A better solution is to decelerate, check your side mirrors, and steer around any obstacles.

2. Perform a Vehicle Check Before Each Trip

Always take a few minutes to make sure your truck is in good shape before beginning a trip. Clean ice and snow from the windows, lights, roof, and hood, as failure to do so could impair your visibility. Inspect your wipers and fill your wiper fluid reservoir to ensure you can keep your windshield clean on the road, and inspect the tires and ensure that all of your lights are operational.

3. Carry an Emergency Kit

In the case of a winter breakdown, you could find yourself hiking to the next exit or shivering in your cab while waiting for truck repair. Keep an emergency kit with you to stay safe. It should contain a flashlight, a blanket, a basic first aid kit, non-perishable food and water, extra washer fluid, a windshield scraper, and jumper cables. It’s also a good idea to have road flares and a spare phone charger on hand.

If you end up needing truck repair, contact Kranz Body Co. in St. Louis, MO. They have served clients throughout Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois for more than 150 years. In addition to truck repair, they also specialize in uplifting, metal fabrication, and vehicle painting. Visit their website to reach out to them online or call (314) 776-3787 today to make an appointment.