Make sure your truck is prepared for this winter.
It can be difficult to find time in a hectic driving schedule to perform preventative maintenance on your freight truck. But doing that maintenance now will save you from having bigger problems down the road. If you check that every part of your truck is working properly and up to date, you can ensure that your winter driving will be a lot smoother.
- Check the DEF system. The freezing point of DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is 12 degrees Fahrenheit, so your DEF might freeze if you are driving in the northern states during the winter. Frozen DEF should thaw within 45 minutes of operation, so that’s nothing to worry about. What you do need to do is check your DEF system for leaks, so you know that your system is running safely and efficiently.
- Check your coolant. If your coolant is over 24 months old, you probably need to change it. While the antifreeze properties will still work, the corrosion protection, anti-gumming agents, and other functions of the coolant break down over time, compromising the quality of your vehicle.
- Check your battery. Make sure that your battery is operating at full capacity and clean the connections. While battery degradation happens faster in hot weather, it is under the high starting load they face in the winter that batteries usually fail.
- Check your view. Make sure there are no chips in your windshield, and if there are, get them fixed. Also make sure that your windshield wiper blades are effective; after about a year, windshield wiper blades need to be replaced. Finally, make sure that your windshield wiper reservoir is full. You’ll be surprised at how often you need to use it to wipe grime off your windshield during the winter.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about commercial truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking.
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Tags: maintenance, tips, trucks, winter