Winter presents many hazards for even the best of drivers. From rust to accidents, these risks on the road and to the vehicle are much higher than during the warmer months of the year. As dangerous as these hazards can be, they are not without solutions. This article will share important tips, such as how to warm up a diesel engine and the ways in which you can minimize winter fleet corrosion. Without further ado, here are 10 winter prep tips for trucking fleets.
1. Create a Winter Emergency Kit
You never know what emergencies you may encounter on the road during the winter, so it’s important to be reasonably prepared for anything. This could range from a flat to getting stranded overnight. Along with everything you need for a flat tire and minor repairs, you should also keep the following items on hand, separate from your usual stash:
- Bottled water
- Change of clothes, including extra socks and thermal underwear
- First-aid kit
- Non-perishable food items that do not require preparation
- Sleeping bag rated for winter weather
- Survival items, such as flashlight, matches, knife
2. Inspect Your Vehicle
This should be done before and after every trip. It may seem like a hassle at first, but once you get into the habit of doing it, it becomes second-nature. Here are a few things you should look out for during your inspection process:
- Damaged or worn parts on the vehicle
- Uneven or excessive wear on the tires
- Evidence of rust
- Properly functioning head and tail lights
3. Clean Drains
All vehicles have drains in different locations that prevent water from pooling in the areas most susceptible to rust. However, these drains often become clogged with debris, such as leaves or dirt. When this happens, they begin to collect water and, ironically, pose a threat of rust. Thus, it is important to clean them.
4. Choose the Correct Fuel Blend
When purchasing fuel, it is important to pay attention to the blend and the cetane number.
During the winter, gas stations usually switch to a winter blend of 1D and 2D gasoline, which is not as fuel efficient as the regular 2D gasoline. It does, however, prevent your fuel from congealing when the temperature drops. Keep in mind that when fuel congeals in your vehicle, it can lead to engine failure.
5. Get a Good Wash
It is important to routinely wash your truck to remove the salt that gets stuck to the exterior. At the end of the winter, a more thorough wash is needed for the chassis and undercarriage to remove any remaining salt from these areas before the warmer months begin. This helps to prevent rust from creeping in through the floors.
6. Clean the Inside
It can be easy to forget the inside of your vehicle if it’s not obviously dirty. However, keep in mind that your shoes will track salt in from the road when you enter your vehicle and begin to seep into the mats and through the floors. Use rubber floor mats to limit this in the winter and when the cold season is past, clean up with a wet vac.
7. Lubricating the Undercarriage
If you live up north or frequently drive through the area, you have probably wondered how so many farmers have held on to their decades-old trucks this long. Their secret to preventing rust is to coat the undercarriage with oil. Experts say the best oil for the job is the bar and chain oil that is often used in chainsaws. It is also possible to have this done for you by professionals.
8. Install an Electric Block Heater
These devices help to keep the engine warm overnight and on very cold days. Why does this matter? Diesel engines need a good warm-up before they can start properly. So, an electric block heater ensures there are no delays when you’re ready to start up the engine and begin your day.
9. Install a Winter Front
Knowing how to warm up a diesel engine is important, so an alternative and good companion to the electric block heater is a winter front for your truck. This helps to protect the grill and radiator from snow and ice. It also assists with maintaining the optimum engine temperatures during the brutal cold. Like an electric block heater, it reduces start-up time in the mornings.
10. Keep Your Fuel System Water-Free
Condensation is a natural process that occurs in your fuel tank due to humidity and fluctuations in temperature. Unfortunately, water can cause damage to the engine of your truck, so reducing condensation is important. To do this, you should fill the tank closer to dusk and install a water separator.
Winter is a dangerous time to drive long distances. It is especially dangerous for truck drivers covering 2000 to 3000 miles per week on icy and desolate roads. Thankfully, the tips outlined here will help to keep you safe and minimize winter fleet corrosion. In the event that something does go wrong, however, always ensure you have a good insurance company you can trust.
