Truckers: Stay ahead of the cold

Chilly days out there this winter across America—it’s the perfect time for stuff on a truck to break, and you really don’t want it to.  Trucking is an industry where the work always gets done, no matter the challenges – and there are many challenges. Staying on top of new legislation and regulation, monitoring new technologies and their benefits, and creating a company culture that attracts the best talent at all levels are just of few of the things leaders in transportation know to expect and can manage. Winter weather, however, is a factor team can prepare for, but no one can control.

WINTER WEATHER TIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS WINTER: 

—Be absolutely sure to do a thorough pre-trip inspection before you leave.

—Test the truck’s defroster and heater.

—Replace wiper blades if needed (winter blades are best in tough winter weather). Be sure wipers are working right and keep washer fluid topped up.

—Drain moisture from air tanks. According to PFJ, the best way to keep the truck’s air brake system from freezing is to use only pure methanol alcohol in alcohol evaporators.

—Completely clean windows, windshield, and mirrors before departure. You’ll begin with visibility as ideal as it can be.

—Below 30 degrees, use a fuel supplement to prevent diesel gelling and fuel-filter icing. If a truck won’t start or gain power in such temperatures. It could be gelled fuel and/or a frozen fuel filter and a fuel supplement such as Diesel 9-1-1 to free it up.

—Keeping tires correctly inflated is key for best traction and safest driving.

—Keep fuel tanks as full as possible to put extra weight over the drive tires and help boost traction.

—In conditions such as a storm, clear snow and ice off lights when you can stop safely (especially brake, tail, and head lights). Lighting is even more vital when visibility is poor.