Getting your truck ready for winter? Follow these nine tips for preparing your truck for the cold.

1. Switch to Winterised Fuel

Diesel fuel does not respond well to winter weather. Serious issues such as plugged filters, fuel gelling and frozen fuel lines will result from driving your truck with untreated fuel during freezing temperature. To prolong the life of your engine, and to avoid extensive truck repair, be sure to switch to winterised fuel before the cold season begins.

2. Avoid Cold Soaks

"Cold soak" is a term specific to diesel engines. It refers to what happens when engine fluids and metal engine components all drop to freezing ambient temperatures.  This usually happens when the truck is left in the cold for more than a day. The fuel becomes cloudy, caused by the wax molecules in the fuel solidifying, and can result in the truck not being able to start, or the charging systems not being able to work.

3. Use Your Engine Block Heater

The best way to avoid cold soaks is to use your engine block heather faithfully. By keeping the block of the engine warm and avoiding those cold soaks, you can make it easier for the engine to start, and minimise necessary warm-up times. If you do not use your heater systematically throughout the cold season you may find yourself in need of heavy equipment service. This habit can keep your trucks on the road all season long.

4. Check Your Tyre Pressure and Tyre Treads

Air expands and contracts when the temperature fluctuates. Freezing temperatures make this situation even worse. Maintaining proper inflation in your tyres can ensure that they function safely and not suffer from excessive wear. Additionally, tyres with excessive wearing on the treads can create an exceptionally dangerous situation when the roads are icy and slippery. Be sure that your tyres are correctly inflated and that the treads are in good condition to prevent breakdowns and accidents over the winter. 

5. Check the Battery

Your battery needs special care in cold weather. It is imperative to check the expiration date on your battery to make sure that it is not expired, so you are reassured that it is capable of holding a good charge.
 
As a precaution when you are on the road, you should consider keeping a reliable voltage tester on board. Be sure to keep the battery fully charged and the terminals corrosion-free, otherwise you could end up with a dead battery.

6. Keep Your Fuel Tank at Least Half Full

Truckers sometimes get in the habit of only buying enough fuel for their current trip. No one likes having their money tied up in their gas tank. However, especially in the winter, there are benefits to keeping your fuel tank full. Condensation build-up will add unwanted water into your tank, even if you have a water separator for fuel going into your tank, increasing the chances of icing in your fuel lines.

7. Change Your Wipers

Wiper blades need to keep your sightlines clear, especially when driving during inclement weather. Your safety depends largely on the quality of your windshield wipers. If they are old and worn, the harsh conditions such as freezing rain and ice build-up could leave you unable to see the road. Keep your truck safe by changing your wipers for a fresh set, and monitor them frequently to be sure they do not incur damage due to bad weather on the road.

8. Check Fluid Levels

To keep your truck in tip-top shape you should always make sure that your fluids are topped off, especially during the cold temperature months. Ensure safety by keeping windshield washer fluid full, as impaired visibility can be life-threatening in dangerous weather conditions. Other fluids like coolant and antifreeze, are essential to survive winter on the road when the temperatures drop. This also helps with maintaining good fuel economy and keeping fuel costs as low as possible.

9. Prepare For the Worst

Be sure to stock your trucks with necessary items for safety should the worst happen and you suffer a breakdown on the road. Equip every truck with a winter tool kit, including a rechargeable flashlight, a spare fuel filter and filter wrench, anti-gel fuel additive, air line anti-freeze and road salt.

Include items to keep your driver safe and comfortable if they have to wait for assistance in the cold. A sleeping bag, cold weather gear like gloves and dry socks, waterproof boots and insulated coveralls can be lifesaving. Keep emergency rations in the cab as well, including drinking water. Better safe than sorry.