How To Prepare Your Semi-Truck And Trailer For Winter

The coming winter spells truck spring repair and maintenance for your semi-truck and trailer. Learn how to prepare yours for winter today.

Whether you’re a natural snow lover or you’re the type who’d rather be laying on a beach somewhere, like it or not: winter is coming. This can mean plenty of work for you in your own home and driveway, but what about your truck? Your semi-truck may be tough, but can it stand up against below freezing temperatures and piles of snow? Help prevent unnecessary repairs and costly accidents by learning how to winterize your semi-truck and trailer this season.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly
When it comes to your semi-truck and trailer, your tires can either be your best friend, or your worst nightmare. Because the road becomes both icy and salty during the winter, this can reduce traction of your tires and increase wear and damage. Minimize the risk of road accidents by checking your tires regularly for bald spots and replace when necessary.

Be Mindful Of Your Engine
Your truck’s engine can become a fickle mistress in freezing temperatures. Engines become vulnerable to cracking, should the coolant start to freeze. Another issue with your engine during the cooler months is reduced efficiency. Vehicles should be left to warm up for some 10 minutes before moving to ensure the engine is running at a proper operating temperature.

Inspect Your Liquids
Since antifreeze is a mix of both antifreeze and water, there is a possibility that it and other liquids in your vehicle may freeze. Remedy this by constantly checking your liquids for thickening, and swap out your 50/50 split of water and antifreeze for antifreeze only.

Check Your Battery
Since batteries have a nasty habit of dying during the winter, you will want to be on top of battery inspection, and opt to plug your rig in overnight to maintain the necessary heat and reduce energy loss.

If you’re not up for a DIY winter preparation on your semi-truck and trailer, leave it to the professionals! Call Smith Springs today and get a professional quote on what we can do to better prepare your truck for the coming snow.