Ever thought of winterizing your semi truck (winterize truck)?
As winter is around the corner, it’s high time for all owner-operators and fleet managers to prepare their semi trucks for snowy weather. Cold temperatures may severely impact a truck’s performance, which can result in crashes.
That’s why it’s important to take necessary measures to prevent breakdowns and accidents. A well-maintained truck means you’ll be more productive and safe. If you haven’t started preparing your trucks for freezing temperatures and snowy roads, you still have time to do so.
Check out these tips to help you prepare your semi truck for the winter.
Tips for Preparing Your Truck for the Winter
Check the Coolant System
Before winter begins, make sure your anti-freeze system in your truck is functioning properly. It should be strong enough to withstand colder temperatures.
You can do so by conducting a pressure test on your coolant system. The first step in the process is attaching your coolant system to a cold engine. After you turn on the heater control spigot, the pressure test should read 15 to 18 PSI.
After that, conduct the same pressure test on the radiator cap at 5 PSI.
Lastly, inspect all the water and heater hoses for hardening, cracks, and wear. Make sure to tighten the hose clamps if any of them are loose.
Check Your Electrical Systems and Battery
Note that batteries drain faster in cold weather. That means now is the appropriate time to assess your truck’s battery for any corrosion or need for replacing. All connections need to be secured and cleaned if necessary.
Lastly, check your electrical wiring for any frayed parts or corrosion.
Make Sure Your Water Separator and Fuel Filter Work
Checking fuel filters and water separators is another important step to ensuring your truck is in working condition. Change out your fuel filter before winter if it doesn’t seem to be working properly. You should also stock up on additional filters just in case the current one becomes full of water.
Also, when the temperature drops, monitor the water separator regularly to make sure no condensations forms. To prevent this from happening, drain the water regulator when necessary.
Use Fuel Additives
When you’re fueling up at the gas station, incorporate anti-gel additives so the fuel will go through the filter easier. Always keep additional anti-gel additives on you at all time while you’re on the road.
Get an Electric Block Heater
If you tend to operate in colder regions, install an electric block heater. This will keep the engine warm when the truck is off.
Check the Weather Forecast
Apart from all the tips mentioned above, monitoring the weather daily is the most important. Make sure you take into account the weather forecast while planning your routes. Plan your routes carefully if severe weather is expected.
If there’s ice, make sure to drive carefully and slowly.
Summing Up
All in all, you can avoid or prevent damages to your semi truck with these simple but effective tips this winter. For insurance information, refer to our blog (insurance on semi truck).
Link
https://www.apexcapitalcorp.com/blog/prepare-truck-for-winter-weather/