• Diesel additive should be added to the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
  • If your 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.
  • Initial start up procedure should be as follows: Complete pre-trip of unit, unplug block heater, turn ignition switch to on, wait for glow plug lights to go out, start engine, leave engine running until engine operating temperatures increase.
  • For trucks equipped with air brakes, drivers should purge air tanks daily. If the unit is equipped with an air drier, bringing the PSI to 120 will automatically purge the system.
  • Before parking the unit for the day, if you are driving in snow, ice, slush, rain, etc., 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.
  • Make sure windshield washer solvent is full and that all windows are clean.
  • Remove any ice-snow build up from steps and grab handles to prevent a slip or fall.
  • 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 to

Originally Posted on the Idealease Safety Bulletin