Ensure Your Big Rig is Prepared for Cold Conditions
For professional drivers, proactive scheduling is essential to avoid delays caused by hazardous weather conditions. Adjusting your route can help you stay on schedule with your deliveries. However, it’s equally important to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road in freezing winter temperatures due to a breakdown. Staying proactive and up to date with your truck maintenance is essential. Preventive maintenance will give you peace of mind, knowing that you can avoid costly repairs during the winter months.
As we head into colder temps and longer nights, keep in mind these key tips to winterize your truck:
- Start by giving your truck a good look over by inspecting belts and hoses for cracks and wear, and ensure lights and reflectors are working properly.
- Give your battery a visual inspection for corrosion and loose connections. Have a service center check your battery’s charge level. Find a Sapp Bros. Service Center nearest you.
- Make sure your coolant level is at the ‘full’ mark.
- Install new windshield wiper blades for the winter, fill up with washer fluid rated for freezing temps.
- Check the tread on your tires, ensure that they are fully inflated, and install tire chains if needed. Consult your local Sapp Bros. Service Center if it’s time for a replacement. Our team will assist you in finding the right tire for your truck.
- Check and replace the air dryer as needed.
- Have the brake system inspected by an ASE Certified technician.
- Drain the water separator to prevent condensation build-up, and replace the fuel filter if needed.
- Plan ahead and see what truck stops are offering No. 1 diesel and keep anti-gel additives on hand. Sapp Bros. has three locations that carry No. 1 diesel for your convenience: Omaha, Nebraska, Council Bluffs, Iowa and Lincoln, Nebraska. Each of our 18 travel centers also carries high-quality diesel additives. Additionally, our Sapp Bros. Petroleum locations can provide additives in bulk.
- Avoid cold soaks when you can. Don’t let the engine sit inactive for more than 24 hours. Plug in an engine block heater for added security.
- Pack an emergency kit in case of a breakdown. There are many DOT and OSHA-compliant kits available. Include a blanket, flashlight, water and snacks.
- Finally, fatigue is more prevalent during the winter months. Ensure your route allows sufficient rest time. Consider a full-service restaurant that allows you to recharge and get a nutritious meal. Our full-service restaurants Apple Barrel, Coffee Kettle Café and Aunt Lu’s Café feature all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more to help you relax and refuel.
Questions or need to schedule repair service? Sapp Bros. is happy to look under the hood. We have 11 service centers throughout the Midwest, many with emergency roadside assistance.