We find ourselves with quite a few weeks left in winter. For truck drivers, this can be a time of year that’s filled with dangerous weather conditions, such as icy roads, snowstorms, and hail. As such, you want to make sure that your truck is ready to handle whatever winter has to throw at it. Here are truck maintenance tips to help get you through the remainder of winter.
Give Your Truck an Inspection
Inspections are an important part of truck maintenance all year long. You want to be sure that lubricants and fluids are all at optimal levels. You want to check the condition of your truck battery, especially during winter because of the extra strain the winter cold puts on it. You also want to check your tires to make sure they’re at the right pressure and have the necessary traction to grip the road and avoid sliding out of control.
Get Your Truck Engine Prepared
When the weather gets cold, your truck engine needs more attention to keep it in good condition. To start, test out your glow plugs to make sure they work in cold temperatures. You also want to check on your block heater, seeing that it’s still fully functional. Sometimes, the filters in your fuel system will need to be changed in order to keep your fuel efficiency high.
Check on Your Brakes
Truck maintenance also involves looking at your truck’s brakes. The brakes are vital for safety purposes, especially in winter since there are many hazardous road conditions that can pop up. Be sure that the brake shoes and drums are in optimal condition. You also want to have a functional Anti-lock Braking System, which is especially crucial for slick and slippery surfaces. The last part of truck maintenance for your brake system includes looking at your air system, such as the wet tanks, air dryer, and air compressor. With a functional braking system, your truck can safely come to a stop and help you avoid trucking accidents.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: safety, trucking tips, winter