Canada’s winter can be difficult to survive for semi-truck drivers transporting emergency goods from one state to another during snowy days. From snowstorms to icy roads, they face many challenges.
Thus, to reduce such challenges, one thing that a truck driver needs to ensure after buying used trucks for sale in Alberta is to keep it properly maintained for better reliability and safety.
This entire article will help you with certain tips and tricks that experts suggest to semi-truck drivers to reduce their struggle to deliver goods during unpredictable weather of winter days.
1. Engine Maintenance: Keep It Running Smoothly
Oil Changes and Fluid Checks
What best you can do to keep your truck engine working smoothly during harsh winter days is to change its oil and check its fluid before departure to the next destination.
You should ensure that the engine oil you are using is suitable to meet temperatures near zero degrees during winter.
Experts advise switching to a lower viscosity oil during winters to keep the flow of your semi-truck good. Always check your oil levels and consider changing the oil before winter arrives.
Battery Health
Don’t ignore battery health, especially in winter. Cold weather impacts the battery health, resulting in non-ignition of your engine. It’s vital to have your battery tested before winter, ensuring it holds a sufficient charge.
Clean its positive and negative points, check any corrosion from the terminals and ensure wire connections are secured.
If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to avoid potential failures while you are driving on the highway.
2. Tire Care: The Foundation of Safety
Tread Depth and Winter Tires
Tyres are the main parts of your semi-truck holding the entire weight over them. So it is vital to maintain them after a few months.
Before winter, check the tyre depth and ensure it meets the legal requirements for winter driving. Go for installing tyres that are specially designed to withstand road conditions during winter.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
To avoid conditions like tire inflation and deflation, you need to regularly monitor the air pressure inside after buying used trucks for sale in Alberta.
Generally, in winter, tyres get deflated, causing poor handling and increased wear. Remember that the recommended pressure may vary between summer and winter tires, so adjust accordingly.
3. Brake and Lighting Systems: Essential for Safety
Brake Inspection
In the winter season, roads are usually covered with snow, wet and slippery. While driving at high speed, you need to control your truck with the proper braking system.
Ensure that your brake pads and rotors are in good condition, and check the brake fluid level. It is necessary to keep your brakes working properly, especially to avoid collisions on icy roads.
Lighting Checks
As the winter days are usually short, foggy, and get darker early in the evening, it becomes difficult to drive in reduced visibility. Your lighting system in a semi truck plays the role of your best friend while driving on highways during low visibility situations.
Check before buying trucks for sale Alberta headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Final Words!
Whether it is the tires, coolant or battery of your semi truck it becomes important to keep it up to date and working when you are driving on highways, especially in winter.
Stay safe, and stay aware while driving a semi truck. Follow different techniques for handling skids and loss of traction during your journey
FAQ’s
Q1: What are the Most Important Maintenance Tasks for Semi-Trucks in Winter?
Ans: For drivers and trucking business owners, it is important to check the battery health, tire pressure, suspension and brake system to prevent freezing in winter.
Q2: How Often Should I Check My Tires During Winter?
Ans: In winter it becomes necessary to inspect your tire condition as well as pressure before every trip for safe winter driving.
