With colder temperatures just around the corner, Iron Wing wants to ensure drivers are well-prepared for the winter. Preparation isn’t all comfort either, it’s ensuring the safety of the truck and the driver from the challenges they may face. According to the NOAA, the 2024-2025 winter season is looking to bring wetter-than-average precipitation across the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region, as well as the northern and western parts of Alaska in the United States. In this article, we’ll go through the 10-point checklist to get your truck ready and running this winter.
1. Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is a great essential in any vehicle, as breakdowns can happen in any circumstance. When roadside issues occur, we’ve put together a list of essentials that can help any driver be prepared and safe.
- Blankets
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- First-Aid Supplies
- Non-perishable food items
- Bags of sand or kitty litter
- Extra clothing & winter gear
- Jumper cables
- Extra bottles of water
2. Cooling System
It is good practice to get routine maintenance done before the start of any season. Visit your local service provider or do a maintenance check on your cooling system yourself. Inspection of your cooling system should include your radiator, hoses, coolant filter, and belts. If you have the means to, getting a professional to run a coolant test is a good way to make sure your coolant is at the ideal freezing point.
3. Engine
Cold weather tends to be tough on vehicle engines. Ensuring your truck has proper winter-grade oils, antifreeze levels, and winter-blended diesel fuel can prevent freezing and wear when cold weather hits. It is also good practice to keep fuel tanks full to reduce condensation and be prepared for unexpected delays, detours, or breakdowns.
Parts you may want to attend to include glow plugs and block heaters. A defective glow plug can cause your truck to not start. Staying on top of your truck's maintenance before the cold weather hits can ensure a reliable cold start for the months to come. When your truck is parked for any length of time in the cold, it is recommended to use an engine block heater to ensure a smooth startup as well.
4. Tires
Assessing the condition and pressure of your tires is a crucial component for traction. Winter tires may be needed if you are regularly driving through areas with snow and ice. Ensure your truck has the correct tire with proper tread, tire pressure, and fit. Remember that lower temperatures cause tires to lose pressure. Therefore, consider regularly checking tire pressure after fill ups or stops on the road. Having insufficiently inflated tires can cause improper handling of the truck, excess wear, and increased fuel consumption. However, overinflating your tires can increase road debris damage and impact breaks. Refer to your tire manufacturer’s data chart for carried weight and to ensure your tires have the right amount of air. Tire chains might also be necessary to obtain for the event of severe winter conditions.
5. Battery
Colder temperatures make engines harder to turn, therefore making batteries work harder too. Checking your battery is essential to making sure your truck is prepared for the frigid weather ahead. Schedule time with a local repair or service shop to ensure all of your batteries are charged and in good condition.
6. Heating System
A functional heating system not only guarantees comfort but safety in the winter. Check that all cab and bunk heaters are in top condition before the temperatures drop. If needed, contact a repair or service shop to provide the maintenance needed. A warm cab can give you the warmth you need on the road to stay safe, comfortable, and focused on the miles ahead.
7. Lighting
With winter days come shorter daylight and compromised visibility. Ensure your truck has all lights operational, including turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and more if needed.
8. Wipers
Replacing worn-out windshield wipers are crucial when maintaining visibility during storms in any condition. Verify your defrosting system works as well, as cold morning can become longer without one.
9. Fluids
It is important to check your fluid levels at any time of the season to make sure your systems are operating properly. However, windshield washer fluid, coolant, antifreeze, brake, power steering, and any other fluids are important to stay on top of in the coming months ahead.
10. Communication
While it’s not the best to think the worst, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Staying in communication with other truckers, families, friends, or coworkers can help prepare you for unexpected events. It is best to stay ahead of the weather and road closures. Recognize what your truck can and cannot handle as temperatures drop and precipitation rises. If conditions become too dangerous, it is best to pull over and wait it out. Be sure to keep phones, radios, and other devices charged so you are well prepared for the road ahead.
Truck Parts at Iron Wing
Looking for replacement parts to prepare for winter? At Iron Wing, we carry thousands of Heavy Duty Truck parts that help to keep truckers on the road. From climate control to clutch & transmission, and everything in between! Our parts are In-Stock & Ready-to-Ship, which helps minimize downtime. Search our inventory by part #, category, or manufacturer to find the parts you need. For further assistance, contact us by email at sales@ironwingsales.com or by phone at 216-912-9089.