If you own a semi truck or any other type of non-automotive transport vehicle, you know that extreme temperatures can be challenging. In the winter, you not only have to worry about the cold, but also the risk of icing up and icing off wheels. Keeping your truck and trailer warm and safe in winter conditions requires thoughtful planning and preparation. The following tips will help you winterize your semi truck and trailer before hitting the road again in the springtime (or whenever the temperatures start to rise again).
Change your oil and filter
Your oil is one of the most important and overlooked maintenance items on your truck. You should be especially diligent with it during the winter months, when the oil viscosity actually increases. When your oil gets too thick, it can cause major problems with your transmission and other parts of the drivetrain. To avoid this issue, you should change your oil and filter every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. In colder temperatures, you should change your oil faster, as it will get thicker more quickly. You can also use a synthetic oil if you live in a region with particularly cold winters.Synthetic oils are great for extreme temperatures because they have additives that prevent the oil from thickening and sticking to the inside of your engine, where it can cause problems.
Tune up and inspect your tires
Before you hit the road, you need to make sure your tires are in good working condition. In the winter, it is especially important to inspect your tires and make any needed adjustments. You should also use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Tires lose pressure with every drop in temperature, so you need to keep them at the recommended level. You can also use tire chains in certain situations to increase traction. While chains are great for extreme winters, they are generally not recommended for normal road conditions.
Change your brake pads and rotors
As with your oil, you need to be extra diligent when it comes to inspecting and replacing your brake pads and rotors. You should inspect them every time you change your oil and at least once a year. Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your truck and should be in good working condition at all times. When you change your brake pads and rotors, you should use a quality compound that is designed for extreme winter weather conditions.You can also use a chemical or commercial brake cleaning product to remove any buildup from the brakes that can cause problems in cold weather.
Add a bed protector
If you have a trailer with a plastic or wooden bed, you want to protect it from frost and ice buildup. One of the best ways to do this is with a bed protector. This is a large and heavy plastic cover that fits over the bed and extends out to protect the sides and back of the trailer. They are available in various sizes and materials and can be installed in a matter of minutes. Some trailers even have built-in bed protectors, but those are typically not as thick or effective as a standalone unit.
Add a tarp to your roof
If you have a semi that has a roof rack, you need to protect it from frost and ice buildup. One of the best ways to do this is with a tarp that you can secure to the roof rack. You can find tarp kits that are specifically designed for truck roofs, or you can fashion your own tarp out of a heavy-duty fabric.If you are able to secure a tarp to your roof, it will help protect your load and other items on the roof, as well as protect the roof itself.
Conclusion
The winter can be a challenging time for semi truck drivers. The extreme temperatures and icy conditions can put your truck and trailer at risk of damage. You can prevent these issues by planning ahead, changing your oil and filter regularly, changing your tires, adjusting your brakes, installing a bed protector and tarp, and more.