Prepping Your Rig for the Winter: A Guide for Truckers

During the winter months, heavy snow, ice, cold temperatures and low visibility all create challenging and risky conditions for drivers—and especially for drivers of large diesel vehicles. Winter breakdowns are incredibly common and can be caused by a variety of different issues. Being stranded on the side of the road during the winter is not an ideal situation, so it’s important to take care of a few critical aspects of truck service in Wytheville, VA to get your rig in the best condition possible for the upcoming winter months.

Every aspect of your vehicle’s operation is important, but there are a few key systems and components that are especially vital to pay attention to when you’re preparing your rig for winter. These systems serve an essential role in the operation of your diesel engine, and they are also susceptible to inhibited function during cold, icy winter conditions:

• Tires: Your tires bear the brunt of treacherous road conditions during the winter months, so it’s important to keep them in the best shape possible. It’s essential that you have your tire pressure and tread wear checked before the winter arrives. Without proper tire care, you may wind up dealing with a blowout on the road. By having your tires serviced before the winter, you avoid the danger of tire blowouts and you can feel more confident on the road.
• Cooling system: Diesel engines tend to run especially hot, so it’s vitally important that your cooling system is working effectively. It’s important to inspect every component of your cooling system, including your belts, fans and radiator. You should pay special attention to signs of leaks and debris accumulation that might inhibit your system from running properly.
• Starting system: It’s much more difficult for your engine to start up when outdoor temperatures drop, so inspecting and maintaining your starting system is an important part of winterization. Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion and test it for charge, and have your alternator inspected to determine whether it’s in good shape. It’s important to have these systems looked at by a professional who specializes in truck service in Wytheville, VA for the best results possible.
• Air brake system: In order to maintain complete control over your vehicle during especially harsh conditions, your brake system must be in tip-top shape. Your air brake system should be inspected for leaks or damage that might prevent it from working properly. It’s especially important to check your air dryer for leaks and replace your air dryer cartridge as necessary.

If you’re looking for truck maintenance professional diesel engine repair in Wytheville, VA to get you ready for the winter months, the team at Complete Truck Service Inc. is here to help. We’ve been providing comprehensive diesel engine repair services for 35 years, and we continue to deliver outstanding quality and customer service. Whether you need emergency tow service or you have a basic maintenance concern, we are here to help. Give us a call today to find out more about what we have to offer and to schedule a service appointment.

Categorised in: Diesel Engine Repair, Truck Service

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