Winter is fast approaching and will be here before you know it! Truck driving in harsh, cold, icy weather can send a cold shiver down any driver’s spine. However, if a trucker prepares with winter equipment check, they can not only make it through the winter months but excel in strides.
The first step a trucker must take when preparing for the Winter is to take a thorough look at their winter equipment and take winter inventory of what they have in their cargo control portfolio. Open up your truck toolboxes and determine the condition of your gear and what valuable items you may be missing.
Some gear can be repaired, but other used items may need to be fully replaced. Begin to write a detailed winter inventory list of what you currently have and what you need. This list will make it easy to determine what you need to purchase to make it through the harsh winter months.
IT’S TIME TO CHECK YOUR WINTER TRUCKING EQUIPMENT
Winter brings a whole new set of challenges for truckers that they must consider before hitting the road. Even if you typically drive home to a warm, southern state, chances are you’ll have a route that could take you up North. In this case, you may be used to the warm weather, but you and your gear must be adaptable to the situation.
It’s time for your Winter Equipment Check! Below we’ll break down everything you need to know to be prepared for these harsh winter months
1. Truck Tarps For Winter: Every trucker who does flatbed work needs to have a full selection of tarps for winter on hand at all times. During the winter months, the trucker’s choice of tarps for winter can mean the difference between adequate protection and taking risks with cargo.
2. Tires And Snow Chains For Trucks: Every trucker knows how critical tires are in bad weather. Make sure all of your tires are in good condition before winter weather sets in. Trucks not only need good tires, but they need dependable snow chains as well. Snow chains for trucks are an indispensable tool for winter driving.
There are some jurisdictions around the country that mandate the use of chains under certain weather conditions.
3. Straps, Winches, And Binders For Trucks: Cold temperatures and high winds can make securing cargo a real challenge during the winter. Cargo control is easier when the truck driver has the right kinds of supplies in good working condition. Therefore, check your toolbox for an ample supply of mesh and bungee straps, chain binders, winches, tie-down straps, and chains. If any of your straps are worn, keep in mind that cold temperatures could cause them to fail at any point. Worn straps should be replaced.
8 STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR TRUCK IS WINTERIZED OR NOT
Ensure your truck is winterized or not with these 8 simple steps.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure: Cold weather can cause your tire pressure to go down below their recommended PSI. This can lead to lower fuel mileage and increased wear and tear.
2. Charge The Battery: Winter conditions drain your truck’s battery faster, so ensure it’s fully charged.
3. Inspect The Cooling System: Ensure your truck coolant has a proper freeze level and inspect all your belts and radiator hoses.
4. Emergency Supplies: Breaking down in the Winter can become a life-or-death situation quickly. Ensure you have an emergency kit with hand warmers, food, water, shovels, snow boots, flares, and any other supplies that will help you survive if your truck breaks down in the cold.
5. Fuel Additives: Hydrocarbons in your diesel fuel can actually freeze in the winter. It’s crucial to choose a fuel that is optimized for the winter and add anti-gel additives each time you fuel up.
6. Air Dryer: Your truck’s air dryer ensures water does not enter your brake lines. Ensure it works before hitting the road.
7. Engine Block Heater: Diesel fuel engines require more heat to get started than gasoline vehicles. Consider using an electric engine block heater especially if you park your truck for extended periods of time in the Winter.
8. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades & Fluid: Imagine you driving through a torrential snowstorm and one of your windshield wipers breaks. That’s a situation that can cause a dangerous accident.
Source: Mytee
