Book This Essential Preventive Maintenance For The Upcoming Winter

It’s starting to get cold outside, and that means making sure that your heavy-duty vehicles are ready for the changing of the seasons. Winter can wreak havoc on a range of systems so if you’re not prepared, you’re in big trouble. Breakdowns, missed deliveries, expensive repairs, and reputation damage are all around the corner. 

But luckily, we’re here to help make sure this doesn’t happen to you. Today, you’ll learn about the different types of maintenance you need to undertake to make sure your operations keep running smoothly this winter. 

Focus on Your Battery

Strong, reliable batteries are already needed to power starter motors, fuel injectors, and glow plugs. But as the temperatures drop, so does your battery’s cranking power. In fact, you can lose up to 60% of the charge in the winter months. 

Actionable Advice

Use a multimeter to test your battery’s voltage, ensure your terminals are corrosion-free, and tighten any connections. If your batteries are over three years old, it may be best to replace them altogether. Also, check your alternator, as it will need to be in top shape to keep your battery charged and electrical systems working.

Keep the Fuel System in Check

Diesel tends to gel in lower temperatures. Because it’s thicker, it can clog your fuel filters and lead to an ineffective engine. 

Actionable Advice

Use winter-grade diesel or add an anti-gel additive to your fuel tank. Routinely check your fuel filter for blockages and, if possible, replace them before winter truly sets in. Remember to drain your water separator regularly, as the moisture in the fuel can freeze and restrict fuel flow.

Glow Plugs and Block Heaters

Starting your engine can be a challenge in the winter. That’s where glow plugs and block heaters come in. The glow plugs heat the air in the cylinders, while the block heat warms the engine coolant, making for a smoother turnover.

Actionable Advice

Check that your glow plugs are in good condition and that your block heater is functional. If your truck has an electric engine heater, always test it to make sure it's working when you need it the most. 

Fluids and Lubrication

Cold weather can cause engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant to thicken, reducing their effectiveness and making your truck run less efficiently.

• Engine Oil: Switch to a lower-viscosity oil during the winter to maintain proper lubrication.
• Coolant: Ensure you use the correct mix of antifreeze and water (generally a 50/50 ratio).
• Transmission Fluid: Winter-specific transmission fluid can help keep your gears shifting smoothly in low temperatures.

Actionable Advice

Visit a professional heavy-duty repair shop to schedule an oil and fluid top-up before winter.

Inspect Tires and Brakes

On icy roads, your stopping distance can increase by up to 10x. This is why it’s so important to have high-quality tires that are in good condition. Your brakes can also suffer, as moisture may freeze within the brake lines, reducing their effectiveness. 

• Tires: Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, which impacts traction. Regularly check tire pressure, rotate tires, and consider switching to winter tires for better grip.
• Brakes: Make sure your air brake system is working well since moisture can freeze in the brake lines. It’s also wise to check the brake shoes and drums for wear and tear.

Actionable Advice

Keep tire pressure at manufacturer-recommended levels and inspect brakes for proper function. Drain air tanks daily to prevent moisture buildup and freezing.

Check the HVAC System

HVAC systems are there to do more than just keep your cabin warm. They also help clear frost and condensation and reduce driver fatigue, which causes 91,000 crashes each year in the US alone. 

Actionable Advice

Inspect the air compressor and air dryer. A properly functioning air dryer can cause moisture to freeze in the airlines, making your brakes less effective. Make sure the defroster is blasting warm air to keep your windows clear.

Suspension System Care

Your suspension system is crucial during winter because it helps to distribute the truck’s weight evenly, especially when hauling heavy loads. Cold weather can cause leaf springs and air suspension systems to stiffen, making rides bumpier.

Actionable Advice

Inspect the shock absorbers and airbags for leaks or signs of wear. Ensure your air suspension system’s compressors function well to maintain the correct pressure.

Keep the DEF System Warm

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) needs to be kept from freezing for trucks equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. DEF starts to freeze at around 12°F (-11°C), which can damage your SCR system.

Actionable Advice

Many trucks are equipped with DEF heaters, so ensure these are working. Also, store spare DEF fluid inside so it's not exposed to freezing temperatures.

The Importance of Professional Services

Winter maintenance might seem like a chore, but it’s the best way to avoid downtime and costly repairs. To make things less stressful, you could always call the professionals to carry out preventive maintenance on your behalf. This way, you can sleep soundly at night, knowing you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.

If you’d like to learn more about why professional preventive maintenance is crucial for your truck's longevity, we’ve written an article about it. 

Conclusion: Winter Prep Is Essential

By staying proactive and covering these preventive maintenance tips, your heavy-duty truck will be ready to take on the cold, icy roads without a hitch. From checking your battery and fuel system to ensuring your suspension and brake systems are in top condition, every part of your rig needs attention before the freeze hits.