Back On The Road | 7 Tips To Help Prevent a Winter Breakdown of Your Truck

Winter weather can present a number of challenges for truck drivers. Cold temperatures can affect a truck's battery, tires, and fluid levels, making it more difficult to start and operate. Snow and ice can make roads slippery and unpredictable, increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, the use of de-icers on roads can be corrosive to a truck's undercarriage, causing rust and other damage. Finally, the combination of cold temperatures and long hours on the road can make it more difficult for truck drivers to stay alert and comfortable, potentially leading to fatigue. All of these factors can make winter driving difficult for trucks.

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To avoid breakdowns and have a smooth driving experience, it's important to understand the common winter truck issues and take preventive measures. 

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Here are seven tips to help prevent truck breakdowns this winter:

1. Check your battery & alternator

To prepare your heavy-duty truck for winter, you should start by checking the battery and alternator. Cold temperatures can reduce a battery's ability to hold a charge, so it's important to make sure it's in good condition before winter arrives. Test the battery using a voltmeter or a battery tester, and make sure it is fully charged. If the battery is more than three years old or shows signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace it.

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Your truck’s alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system of your truck. A mechanic will be able to test your alternator as well as connecting wires and electrical systems to make sure they are winter ready. 

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Throughout the winter, it’s important to keep both your battery and alternator clean. Dirt, grime, and salt can accumulate, causing corrosion that can interfere with the performance of your battery and alternator. Clean them regularly and make sure the connections are tight and free of rust or other debris.

2. Examine the hoses and belts

Extreme temperature variations can be tough on a truck's rubber components and can lead to problems with belts and hoses. To prevent these issues, it's a good idea to have your coolant hoses and drive belt system checked at each oil change. During the inspection your service technician will look for signs of wear, cracking, or glazing on the components. If you notice any strange belt movement or hear any noises coming from the belts, have your system checked by a qualified expert as soon as possible. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your truck's belts and hoses are ready to handle the stresses of winter driving.

3. Check your tires

Driving on roads covered in snow and ice, or in subfreezing temperatures, can be extremely hazardous. To ensure the safety of you and your heavy-duty diesel truck, it's important to conduct regular pre-trip inspections and tire checkups. Here are some steps you can take:

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• Check the tread depth of your tires: Tires with shallow tread may not grip the road well in snowy or icy conditions. Use a tread depth gauge to accurately measure the tread depth. 
• Check the tire pressure: Cold temperatures can cause the air pressure in your tires to drop, so it's important to make sure they are properly inflated. Check the pressure with a tire pressure gauge and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure as needed.
• Inspect tires for damage: Look for any visible damage, such as cracks, or debris that may be stuck in the tread or around the wheels. 
• Have your alignment checked: If you notice any vibration or shaky steering, it could be a sign that your tires are out of alignment. Have a reliable diesel technician check the alignment and make any necessary adjustments.

4. Use a heater for the engine block.

To help your truck perform better in winter, you may need the aid of additional equipment, depending on your route, cargo and the weather conditions you'll be facing. One such piece of equipment is a block heater. Block heaters are designed to minimize engine wear, reduce engine stress, and help the engine reach its optimal temperature at start-up more quickly. To use a block heater, plug it in at night or during extended periods when the engine is not running. It's a good idea to have a technician conduct a continuity check on the block heater to make sure it's working properly and to ensure that the coolant levels are topped off to maximize efficiency. 

5. Maintain your dry air system 

A dry air system in a heavy-duty truck is a system that removes moisture from the air used to operate the brakes and other systems on the truck. A dry air system is typically used in trucks that have air disc brakes or air drum brakes. These types of brakes use compressed air to operate, rather than hydraulic fluid like most other types of brakes. The air in the system is typically dried using an air drier cartridge, which removes moisture from the air as it passes through. 

During winter driving, it is especially critical to maintain your dry air system to prevent corrosion and moisture from damaging your truck's brakes. Here are some steps you can take:

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• Change the air drier cartridge: The air drier cartridge helps remove moisture from the air system and is an important part of your truck's brake system. Make sure to change it regularly to prevent moisture buildup.

• Properly lubricate braking components: Proper lubrication can help prevent corrosion and moisture from damaging your brakes. Check that your automatic slack adjusters and other braking parts, such as clevis pin connections, cam tubes, shafts, and bushings, are all correctly oiled.

6. Replace the fuel filters and drain the fuel water separator

Winter weather can have a negative impact on your truck's fuel system. When warm engine fuel is combined with cold winter air, condensation can form and eventually crystallize, causing problems like clogged filters, corroded injectors, and damage to the fuel system. To reduce the risk of these issues, you can use a winter diesel mix, which is formulated to help reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates in the fuel system. It's also a good idea to have your service provider regularly replace the fuel filters and empty the fuel water separator to help keep your fuel system in good condition. By taking these steps, you can help protect your truck's fuel system from the challenges of winter driving.

7. Consider using a winter fuel additive

Diesel fuel contains paraffin wax, which helps increase its viscosity and lubrication. However, in cold temperatures, this can cause the fuel to gel, making it difficult to start the engine and potentially causing other issues. To help improve cold engine starts and prevent fuel gelling and moisture accumulation in the fuel tank, you can use a winter diesel additive. In addition to making it less likely for your diesel fuel to gel, these additives may also contain other ingredients that help reduce moisture buildup and protect against corrosion. 

Final words 

While you can't control the weather, you can take steps to help ensure that your heavy-duty truck is ready to handle the challenges of winter driving. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent breakdowns and keep your truck running smoothly. Pre-trip checks can help reveal any potential problems, so make sure to conduct them regularly and address any issues before they become bigger problems. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your truck running smoothly all winter long.

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