Whether you're with us in Abilene, TX or in the far corner of the U.S., everyone gets a little winter weather. This weather can spell bad news if you're unprepared and could cost thousands to get back up and running.
Use our list below to get a head start on maintaining your trucks for anything that comes your way!
Fluids:
Windshield Washer
Maintaining proper visibility seems like a no-brainer when it comes to harsh winter conditions. Before the snow, salt and ice get thrown up onto your windshield, make sure that your washer fluid is rated for lower tempuratures. The contents of your fluid reservoir can turn into a slurry and potentially freeze over if not.
Engine Oil
Industrial trucks use a heavier weight of oil when compared to standard commuter vehicles. During colder weather, consider switching the 10W or 15W out for a 5W oil to make sure all parts of your engine are being lubricated properly.
Engine Coolant
Much like windshield washer fluid, coolant also has a tempurate performance range. Make sure that the coolant being used in your truck can withstand the shift. Additionally, if the coolant is old and has not been flushed in a while, it may not be able to perform to it's maximum range. Consider flushing and refilling if age is a factor.
Equipment:
Block Heaters
If your fleet is going to sit outside during snow season, it might be worth looking into engine block heaters. Keeping your engine warm will help out everything from how fast the fluids move around to minimizing potential issues from heating up too fast.
Truck Decontamination/Cleaning
Road salt works wonders when used properly to treat hazardous road conditions. However, this salt builds in seemingly every crevice the truck has. It is best to spray the trucks off periodically to avoid too much build up that can lead to functionality issues down the line.
Emergency Kit
While the Department of Transportation requires commercial trucks to carry some emergency reponse items like a fire extinguisher and fuses, it does not require an emergency kit. If your crew frequents remote areas or sites where they could get stranded, it might be best to invest in cold weather emergency kits. They can be as simple as a thermal blanket, water and a few non-perishable food items.
Individual Trucks:
Water Trucks/Tanks
If you operate water trucks, tanks or towers in your fleet, make sure they are properly dried before winter storing. Water expands when freezing and can lead to cracks that render your truck useless until repaired.
Dump Trucks
The cold weather will make the bed of your dump truck more brittle, which can cause issues when dropping heavy loads straight in the bed. It is a good idea to routinely inspect the truck for small cracks and fractures to ensure there is not a small problem waiting to become a big problem. A good way to prevent this issue is to add another layer of protection with a bed liner.
Conclusion:
While there is not way to perfect prevent anything from being negatively impacted by the weather, some action is better than none. Get in contact with us today on the best practices for winterizing your specific unit.
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