3 Preventive Truck Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving

To be protected, you should be ready to drive anywhere, in any condition, for deliveries. To make sure your heavy-duty truck survives winter remember these 3 recommendations.

Depending on where you’re driving, it’s likely you’re going to be facing wind, ice, and snow on the roads this winter. Driving might be a significant hardship in a region with severe winters. Fortunately, you can maintain your heavy-duty truck in great shape no matter what the weather is doing by following a few easy steps. While snow and ice may not be common in southern states, it’s still possible that truckers will have to face these harsh conditions. To be protected, you should be ready to drive anywhere, in any condition, for deliveries. To make sure your heavy-duty truck survives winter remember these 3 recommendations.

1. Be mindful of the exterior conditions of the truck 

It’s true that, especially when driving a fleet vehicle for branded deliveries, looks are important. What really matters is that the exterior condition of your heavy-duty truck is not causing harm to internal components. Spending a little time cleaning off any extra snow, salt and dirt can aid in defending your heavy-duty truck from corrosive, polluting, and chemical deterioration.

‍

It's best to give your heavy-duty truck's exterior more than one thorough cleaning every season. For the best defense against ice, chemicals, and road salt, spend money on high-quality wax. Who doesn't like a gleaming heavy-duty truck, too?

2. Check your oil

Oil is probably one of many items that come to mind when considering winter truck maintenance. There are several advantages to switching from traditional to synthetic oil. Depending on the brand and type of your heavy-duty truck, now might be the best time to make the change. Synthetic oil is substantially less demanding on the engine and typically improves performance in cold conditions.

‍

In contrast to traditional oil, synthetic oil doesn't require time to warm up, protecting the engine's moving components as soon as you turn it on. Try a synthetic mix first if you're not leaping to fully synthetic oil. As the name indicates, synthetic blends are composed of both synthetic and traditional oils and provide many advantages of fully synthetic oil at a reduced cost. Blends often cost 30% less than fully synthetic alternatives. However, the best course of action is to consult with your manufacturer or technician before making any significant choices or adjustments.

3. Charge your batteries

You may not be aware, but your heavy-duty truck's battery may have suffered due to the intense summer heat. You will realize you have a problem with an unresponsive engine when the first chilly winter morning rolls around.

‍

Make sure to test your battery and replace it if necessary. Check your heavy-duty truck battery sooner rather than later since you will eventually need to do so. Amid winter, nobody wants a dead battery.

‍

A trickle charger may keep your battery alive if your area has very low temperatures or if you don't use your heavy-duty truck often. The battery works harder than normal in cold temperatures and loses power while not in use. 

Final words

Now you know how to prepare your heavy-duty truck for winter conditions. Adhere to these tips, and you can stay away from trouble as you continue to drive the truck down the road. 

‍

Additional Articles

White semi-truck in a heavy-duty repair shop for ICBC repairs, with Northwest Freightways Ltd. branding.

A B.C. Fleet Manager’s Guide to ICBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Repairs

An ICBC claim for a damaged heavy truck involves far more than fixing dents and paint. Learn how B.C. fleet managers can navigate estimating, hidden collision damage, structural repairs, downtime, and return-to-service checks.

Heavy-duty repair inspection of truck engine components for BC-plated trucks making California deliveries from Delta.

Do BC-Plated Trucks Need Clean Truck Check for California Deliveries From Delta?

A BC plate does not exempt a qualifying heavy-duty truck from California’s Clean Truck Check. Here’s what Delta fleets need to verify in CTC-VIS when testing is due, and why checking compliance before a California-bound dispatch can prevent trouble later.

Fleet maintenance technician repairs a heavy-duty truck engine with the hood open in a service shop.

Early-Fall Fleet Repairs Delta Operators Should Handle Before Wetter Weather Arrives

Summer mileage, heavy loads, stop-and-go work, and long operating hours can leave Delta fleet vehicles carrying worn components into fall. These preventive fleet repairs Delta operators should prioritize can help reduce downtime before wetter weather arrives.

Contact Us

Freeway Truck Repair offers comprehensive heavy-duty truck repair services, both in-shop & via mobile service, to Delta, BC & the surrounding areas including Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, White Rock, & more. Get in touch today with any questions, to request a quote, and to schedule service!

Semi truck driving down the highway