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Whether you live in a region that deals with rough winters or you have plans to drive through similar regions, you know that icy roads and conditions can be rough on your truck. The harsh conditions make it more dangerous to drive and more likely that certain vital motor functions will struggle or break down entirely. Here are a few tips on how to prepare a semi-truck for the winter and remain safe on colder roads.
Prepare the Tires
Tires endure a lot of wear and tear on roads, especially ones covered in ice and snow. Colder temperatures often cause your tire pressure to drop, so keep an eye on your tire pressure and reinflate your tires as necessary. Many large trucks also benefit from chains, so consider installing some to protect your tires over long distances.
Perform Regular Maintenance
A large part of keeping your truck running smoothly in the winter is just staying on top of regular maintenance. Many truck drivers focus too hard on the winterizing tasks, allowing normal maintenance to slip through the cracks. You can maintain your semi-truck engine by monitoring the oil levels, checking that your fuel injectors are working, and replacing your filters.
Use Fuel Additives
As the months start getting cold, you may want to invest in some fuel additives. Many fuels react to the colder temperatures, but you can add things to your tank to keep the fuel steady and reliable. Specifically, diesel engines have issues with a gel-like change in consistency when colder temperatures hit, so adding an anti-gel agent could be beneficial for your truck.
Flush Your Antifreeze
One of the best ways to prepare a semi-truck for the winter is to completely flush the antifreeze. While it may seem contradictory, engines often overheat in cool temperatures because the cold weather makes them work even harder to function. Flushing your cooling system and replacing it with the right amount of fresh antifreeze can help protect your truck from overheating and other common failures while out on the highway.