Winter can be particularly hard on trucks operating in road transport. Low temperatures, ice and adverse weather conditions affect a number of key vehicle components, increasing the risk of breakdowns and accidents. Therefore, proper winter maintenance of trucks is essential to avoid surprises and ensure their correct operation during the coldest season of the year.
In this blog, we explain how the cold impacts trucks and what preventive measures to apply to ensure optimal truck maintenance in winter, minimising risks and improving safety on the road.
Impact of cold on trucks
The main problem with freezing is how it alters truck fluids. Both oil and fuel thicken in cold temperatures, making it difficult to circulate and putting engine performance at risk. In addition, the battery system is also impacted, as low temperatures reduce its charging capacity, which can prevent the truck from starting.
Therefore, preventive maintenance of trucks in winter is key to avoid these issues. Keeping the fluid and battery system in optimal condition is essential to ensure that trucks do not suffer from failures during the winter.
Preventive measures for truck maintenance during winter
Here are the essential measures to prevent breakdowns and keep your trucks in perfect condition during winter:
Checking the battery
The battery is one of the components most sensitive to the cold. To avoid failures, carry out a thorough inspection before winter, making sure it is well charged and free of corrosion. If necessary, invest in battery heaters to keep the battery at the optimum temperature and ensure its proper functioning during the winter.
Filters and fuel
Air and fuel filters should be checked and, if necessary, replaced. Clogged filters can impede the passage of air and fuel, affecting engine performance and increasing the risk of breakdowns.
As for fuel, use anti-freeze additives to prevent diesel from freezing in extreme temperatures and be sure to fill the tank completely, which helps reduce the amount of air entering the fuel system.
Winter tyres and suspension
Winter tyres are essential to ensure good grip on icy or snowy roads. In addition, it is essential to check the suspension system, as snow build-up or component wear can compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Checking the cooling system
Before the cold weather arrives, it is crucial to check the radiator and cooling system. Make sure the antifreeze is at the right level to prevent the system from freezing. Also, check that the engine heating system is working properly to prevent overheating and ensure that the engine is operating at optimum temperatures.
Pre-winter inspection: Fundamental to avoid breakdowns
Before the coldest days arrive, conduct a complete inspection of every truck in the fleet. Check all critical systems and components to ensure the vehicle is ready for winter conditions. Proper winter truck maintenance not only reduces long-term costs, but also improves driver safety and optimises operational efficiency.
At Subitur, we have a team specialised in carrying out this preventive maintenance, ensuring that our trucks are ready to face the challenges of winter without mishaps. We guarantee that our fleet operates safely and efficiently all year round, minimising the risks associated with winter conditions.