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During the winter, as temperatures steadily drop, just like how you instinctively dig out your long johns without your mom reminding you, trucks also have their own essential maintenance routines to endure the cold. Remembering these winter maintenance tips is like dressing your beloved vehicle in its own pair of "long johns".
Before hitting the road, it's crucial to conduct thorough checks. Regularly inspect tire pressure and tread wear. With low temperatures, rubber tends to harden and become brittle, affecting tire pressure and consequently, safety. Low tire pressure increases the risk of blowouts, while high pressure reduces traction. Additionally, during winter, the air inside tires contracts, and the rubber hardens, leading to decreased grip. This forces the engine to work harder to maintain speed, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
Prior to departure, ensure steering, brakes, lights, indicators, horn, and wipers are all functioning correctly. In cold weather, temperature differentials between the interior and exterior can cause window fogging. To quickly defog, open the front windows slightly while using the heater. Also, utilize heated mirrors, if available, to prevent fogging. Snow contains corrosive elements that can damage paint, chassis, tires, and hubs if left unattended. When washing your vehicle after snowfall, avoid using cold water directly, especially after the engine has warmed up. Instead, warm water should be used, followed by drying the vehicle thoroughly, including door seams, to prevent ice formation.
During travel, start off slowly and ensure the engine warms up adequately. While warming up the engine is common practice in winter, the duration is debated. Too short a warm-up doesn't allow sufficient oil circulation, while too long results in carbon buildup and increased fuel consumption. Generally, half a minute after ignition is enough, avoiding excessive idling. Drive cautiously until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Cold engine oil is viscous and less lubricative, increasing the risk of engine damage if subjected to sudden acceleration. When driving manual transmission vehicles, keep engine revs around 2000 RPM during start-off.
Particular attention should be paid to driving in winter conditions, especially with the use of heaters, which can lead to drowsiness. Adequate rest before long journeys is essential, and avoiding medications that induce drowsiness is advised. If fatigue sets in, drivers should promptly pull over to a safe area for rest before continuing.
After the journey, maintaining the chassis and body of the vehicle is essential. In regions where snow is common, corrosive de-icing agents are used, inevitably leading to the accumulation of corrosive substances on the vehicle. While trucks may not undergo chassis rustproofing treatments like passenger cars, regular cleaning is necessary.
Regarding fuel and coolant selection, low temperatures increase fuel viscosity, impairing flow and combustion efficiency. Thus, opting for fuel with lower pour points, better fluidity, and lower viscosity is advisable. Antifreeze can be used when temperatures are extremely low and conditions permit. Prior to use, the cooling system should be thoroughly cleaned, and high-quality, low-corrosion antifreeze should be chosen to prevent component damage.
Winter roads are unpredictable, demanding vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. So, fellow truckers, stay diligent, and drive safely!
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