Protecting Your Truck During Cold Weather

1. Diesel Supplement should be added to the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
2. Engine Block Heater – If you truck is equipped with an engine block heater it should be plugged in when the temperature is below 32 degrees. Trucks that are not utilized should be started and let run every day to bring the unit up to normal operating temperature.
3. Initial start up procedure should be as follows: Complete pre- trip of unit, unplug block heater, turn ignition switch to on, and wait dash lights to stop cycling, start engine, leave engine run until engine operating temperature increases.
4. Air Brakes – For trucks equipped with air brakes, drivers should purge air tanks daily. If the unit is equipped with an air drier, bringing the PSI to120 will automatically purge the system.
5. Dry Brake Shoes – If you are driving in snow, ice, slush, rain, etc., before parking the unit for the day you should lightly apply the brakes while the unit is moving to dry the brake shoes, drums, rotors and pads so the brakes do not freeze while parked.
6. Windshield Washer Fluid – Make sure windshield washer solvent is full and that all windows are 100% clean.
7. Remove Ice/Snow – Remove any ice-snow build up from steps and grab handles to prevent a slip or fall.
8. Safe Enter / Exit – Always use the 3-point method of entering and exiting the cab.
9. Watch for Snow Drift – When parking the unit make sure if heavy snow is forecast that the unit is not left parked in an outside dock or near a building overhang. Snow can drift off the building causing excessive accumulation on the top of the truck or trailer and can cause the roof to collapse.