Back

Caring for Your Truck During a Winter Haul

Jan. 21 2020 Miscellaneous By _____

Share

Work doesn’t stop during the winter if you’re a trucker. The job is 365 days a year, which means you’ll need to figure out how to tackle the winter months. Inclement weather can pose a real challenge, so to help manage the problem and still sustain productivity, Tri-County Truck & Equipment has provided some tips for handling the winter weather and maintaining your truck. You can also stop by our location in Pompano Beach, Florida, for additional tips from our experienced staff and welcome all those from Fort Lauderdale.

Essential Materials

Preparing for winter includes getting the right set of tools to help you out of tough situations. We’ve provided a handful below, but you’ll want to ask around at your stops to build on this list. More experienced truckers might have their own tips on how to handle the winter.

  • Winter wiper blades: Getting bigger, sturdier blades for inclement weather can make all the difference during a storm, whether you’re encountering snow or rain. They’re also designed to prevent ice accumulation.
  • A different set of fluids: This one’s all-encompassing. Wherever you use fluid, from washer fluid to engine oil and more, everything you use needs to have a low freezing point, so you’re not trying to run on solids when you should be running on liquids.
  • Fuel treatment: Under the same umbrella—but worth its own entry—if you want to avoid fuel gelling, you’ll need to treat it with special chemicals.
  • Jumper cables: Dead batteries are common, so make sure you have a good set of cables in your standard toolkit. Even if you don’t need it, there might be another trucker on the road who will.
  • Windshield scrapers and snow brushes: Get going faster by clearing off the snow and ice by hand.
  • Extra blankets and clothes: Some of the materials you bring don’t have to be for your truck. Be prepared to take care of yourself by bringing along plenty of warm clothes and even an extra blanket.

This is all in addition to some of your standard gear, like the emergency toolkit.

Switch Your Tires

Now to address tires. Overwhelmingly, big rig accidents happen due to tire failure. The hazards only increase in inclement weather. That’s why there are some additional supplies and parts you’ll want that pertain specifically to the wheels.

  • Winter tires: Snow tires or more general winter tires are going to give you better traction without any additional help (although replacing every tire can get expensive).
  • Chains and cables: Make sure you’ve got your chains and cables handy. You might need to put them on at a moment’s notice, or just when you’re traveling through certain snowy areas. Even laying them down without attaching them can help you out of a sticky situation.
  • Kitty litter: Go for a bottle as opposed to a bag. Kitty litter is a clean, compact way to put just a little extra traction under the tires to help you get moving again.

On top of the right tools, you’ll want to be diligent about tire maintenance. Check the psi levels before every day of driving, and even every time you make a stop. You’ll also want to inspect the tread for signs of excessive wear or damage. 

Keep Up on Maintenance

Regular maintenance and servicing can prevent breakdowns on the road and ensure you’re working with safe equipment. It’s an easy part of ownership, but you don’t want to let up on it, even if business does start to slow down. This includes regular oil changing and daily inspections. The sooner you can catch and fix a potential problem, the sooner you can get back to safe hauling. 

When in Doubt, Pull Over

There’s no need to put yourself and others in harm’s way, no matter how strict your deadline is. If it’s not safe for you to be driving, simply pull over. Depending on the situation, you might want to be ready to book an overnight stay until roads are cleared. This can be especially true if you’re traveling through flooded areas or through mountain passes.

Winter trucking can be particularly challenging, but your work doesn’t have to end because of it. Be cautious and be careful for a less stressful experience. You can also ask Tri-County Truck & Equipment for additional tips, or stop by our location in Pompano Beach, Florida, to check out the trucks we have available right now. We proudly serve those from Fort Lauderdale, FL!