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Checking the Battery

The first thing you should do is check how your battery is doing. Cold weather puts a lot of extra stress on your battery, and you don’t want to get stuck in an emergency in a big winter storm with a truck that won’t start. That’s why you should check it out before the weather really hits. Make sure everything’s tight and nothing is damaged, and then either run a load test on it or take it to an auto parts store that’ll check it for free. If it’s near the end of its life already, it’s not going to be reliable, and you should consider replacing it.

Keeping Your Engine Cool without Freezing

Look over the radiator, the internal thermostat and the rest of the coolant system for any leaks or worn-out pieces. Replace any pieces that need it, and make sure your coolant levels are right and the mixture ratios are what they’re supposed to be for your truck and your particular weather conditions. If you’re ever not sure about the proper ratio of water and antifreeze, look it up.

If you’re in an especially cold area, you might consider some kind of engine block heater or a grille cover, too. Diesel engines can be especially hard to start in colder weather. If you’re due for an oil change, swap out for a more cold-resistant oil.

All About Fuel

Some elements in diesel fuel can freeze when temperatures drop enough, and that can lead to all sorts of engine problems. Avoid that by buying anti-gel additives to add to your fuel. While you’re doing that, make sure the fuel filter is in good shape and clean out the water separator. Water is another hazard to your fuel system and the whole engine, and – like many hazards – it’s especially a problem during winter months.

Tire Inspection

You’re going to be depending on your tires all season long, so it’s important you make sure they’re ready and have plenty of tread. Look them over carefully for any bubbles or cuts. Make sure they have enough air, and if you live somewhere that requires chains, get those set up and inspect them often to make sure they’re holding up.

Keeping the Windshield Clear

Obviously, visibility is essential. Replace your wipers if needed and fill up on wiper fluid. You’ll need to change the fluid mixture to be ready for the freezing temperatures, too. Check carefully for any cracks or chips in the glass and fix those before the weather gets worse. Even minor cracks can create big problems for you when it’s dealing with extreme temperature changes.

Enjoy the Weather and Be Safe

Pack a kit of emergency supplies in your truck, too, just in case you get stuck out in a particularly wild storm. Then, once you know your diesel truck is ready for action, get out there and enjoy the season. (Don’t forget to wash the exterior after a big storm to get any salt from the road off!)

If something doesn’t seem right, or you’re not confident you can properly run some of these tests, don’t hesitate to take your truck to a mechanic and get some help from a professional. It’s better to ask for help and ensure you’ll have a safe and fun winter.

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• Stay right where you are: If you feel that the weather is simply too bad to drive in, then stay parked. Give your dispatcher a call and explain the situation. Ask for the load you’re carrying to be rebooked. A nervous truck driver is a dangerous driver.
• Know what the limits of your equipment are: You should be very familiar with your truck and how it performs in rotten weather. If you don’t believe it will operate safely, then stay where you are.
• Get your windshield warm: When there is ice and snow built up on your windshield, it’s imperative that it is cleaned before you take off. Mix a little bit of brake line antifreeze in with your window washer fluid. This will keep all of the alcohol from evaporating out of the washer fluid, so no frozen fluid is left on your window.
• Keep kitty litter on-hand: It doesn’t take long for the warm tires of your truck to melt the snow underneath when parked on snow, leading to a slip and slide nightmare. In order to negate this process, simply throw some kitty litter under your tires. Not only will you get the traction you need to get moving, but it’s also environmentally friendly.
• Watch your trailer tires: When you’ve just picked up a trailer, make sure the wheels are moving. If the trailer brakes are frozen, then there could be one of two things wrong. First, it could be that the shoes are frozen to the drums. First, tap the drum with a hammer when the red button is pushed in. Second, it could be a valve that is frozen. Some methyl hydrate through the system can help melt it.
• Keep a putty knife and a hammer close by when traveling in a lot of snow. Get under the truck and ensure that there is no ice or snow built up on your air tanks. Compressed air is much cooler, so any way that you can keep the snow or water from building up will keep it from turning to ice.

Cold Weather Supplies Every Trucker Should Have

There are many road supplies that you should keep in your truck during cold weather. These include:

• Plenty of warm clothing
• High quality boots and insulated socks
• An extra sleeping bag or blanket
• Extra food and water
• Fuel conditioner
• Extra fuel filters
• Propane lighter and regular lighter
• Windshield washer fluid
• Chains
• A fully-charged cellphone

These are just a few of the items that you should keep in your truck when you are traveling cold weather routes. Remember that it is better to have something and not have a need for it than to need something and not have it.

Staying safe while driving a semi truck is not only imperative for your safety, but for the safety of other drivers. Easing your stress level while driving will help you stay calm while on the road. Remember that no truck driving job is worth giving your life or costing another person his or her life. Do what you must do in order to stay safe.

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