A winter prep routine can keep truck fleets on the road despite the ice, snow and dropping temperatures. Discover 12 winter prep tips focusing on three specific aspects of a truck’s operation.
Wheel-Ends
- Lubricate Wheel-End Parts. Protect against wheel-end corrosion by lubricating cam tubes, clevis pin connections, automatic slack adjusters, etc.
- Examine Air Brakes. Check the air brake chamber housing for corroded areas and examine dust plugs.
- Examine Wheel-Ends/Air Disc Brakes. Visually inspect the guide pins and boots. Remember, holes and cracks can lead to corrosion. Examine the shear adapter cover for proper position.
- Check Air Brake Pads. Ensure brake pads are operating freely on their guidance system, and scrub them if necessary.
Air-Systems
- Drain Air Tanks. Avoid frozen lines and valves by draining compressed air tanks. Trucks utilizing a lot of air should have their tanks manually drained each month.
- De-Icing Solution for Emergencies Only. These solutions can cause corrosion on O-rings and valve seals.
- Check the Purge Valve. Examine the purge valve for corroded areas. If it’s in bad shape, replace it to prevent issues.
- Replace the Air Dryer Cartridge. Keep moisture out of the air system and avoid freeze-ups by replacing a worn-out air dryer with an oil-coalescing cartridge.
Electronics
- Check Tire Pressure. When you get a tire pressure warning light, perform a diagnostic test. Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes, and ensuring proper tire pressure is an important safeguard on slippery highways.
- Inspect External Cameras. Clean the snow off exterior cameras and radar sensors. These safety devices are even more important in inclement weather.
- Check Connectors. Ensure connectors are firmly in place and watertight. The moisture and road salt can bring on corrosion.
- Check Electronic Systems. Stability control and collision mitigation are just two of the electronic systems to check during winter prep. The parts monitored by these systems, including the tires, should be checked for proper tread depth.
Dedicating time to winter prep can help your fleet remain productive throughout the winter months.
