Nothing beats the thrill of driving down a highway in your truck, but winter can be tough on vehicles and it is essential that they are properly prepared for winter conditions.
Commence by conducting a coolant test to identify optimal freezing point protection levels for your specific engine and truck, and check all hoses and clamps to make sure they’re in good shape.
Check Your Tires
Winter driving presents its own set of unique challenges to any truck driver. From subzero temperatures that reduce battery power and slippery roads that reduce grip, to snowstorms compromising traction on roads, winter driving requires excellent preparation and care in order to safely traverse this season.
One of the most essential components to any trip is your tires. They provide direct contact between yourself and the road surface, so their condition can make or break your journey.
As part of your preparations for winter, start by inspecting your tire’s tread depth. While legal minimum tread depth requirements for tires is 4/32″ deep treading depths are generally preferred to increase and maintain traction on snowy and icy surfaces.
Check your tire pressure regularly as cold air can reduce tire air pressure, potentially leading to flats. Consult your manual or doorjamb placard for guidance, or invest in a tire pressure gauge so you can keep tabs on this aspect of vehicle care.
Check Your Battery
Winter is not only about staying warm and having fun in the snow; it is also an opportunity to ensure your truck is equipped for harsher conditions this season. Winterizing your truck could make a major impactful difference to its performance and reliability throughout its season of service.
Freezing temperatures can quickly deplete batteries nearing their lifecycles. Therefore, it is recommended that batteries and their connections be checked prior to winter’s arrival – and should one not perform optimally, replaced.
Antifreeze levels should also be checked regularly; too little could result in engine issues and even severe engine damage. You should also ensure your gas tank remains full as this helps prevent condensation in the lines as well as lessen the chances of getting stranded during winter driving conditions.
Inspect Your Brakes
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features on any truck. They help prevent accidents and injuries by keeping it from colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Brake maintenance should be a top priority all year-round, but especially so during the cold months. Any sign of trouble such as squealing during stops or vibrating pedal should be addressed quickly before further damage occurs.
Air brakes can be especially troublesome during winter weather conditions, necessitating regular inspection and lubrication. A thorough air brake system check should include an air dryer inspection to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the system; automatic slack adjusters, cam tubes, shafts and bushings should also be lubricated to keep them from freezing up. When temperatures decrease further still, coolingant condition becomes even more crucial – an antifreeze test must be conducted to verify its optimum freeze point value for engine protection purposes.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Few things evoke freedom like driving down an open highway or country road in your truck. As winter draws nearer, however, you should begin thinking about winterizing your vehicle to prepare it for cold temperatures and slippery roads.
One of the most essential checks you should perform regularly is on your tire pressure. Air inside of your tires expands when temperatures warm up and contracts as temperatures cool off, which causes its pressure to fluctuate accordingly. A drop can significantly compromise performance, traction and fuel efficiency so keeping an eye on this number regularly is vitally important.
Tire pressure gauges make it simple and accurate to check your tire air pressure. Resembling something out of a pen, these tools feature an angled tip designed to go over the valve stem and an indicator at the bottom that displays readings. Simply press it against the stem until you hear a hissing sound before taking note of its reading.