Winter isn’t always such a wonderland — not when you have to deal with bunk heaters that don’t work, fuel that wants to gel, and frozen brakes.
Breaking down on the road is not only inconvenient but it can also be dangerous, especially when you're far from assistance or don’t have the tools you need to problem solve.
As a truck driver, your livelihood depends on your ability to keep your rig running smoothly. While standard maintenance practices like treating your fuel are crucial, there are several out-of-the-box strategies you can employ to prevent breakdowns and ensure a safe journey.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the winter tips and tricks we share with the fleet here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS).
Check out these essential tips to keep your truck in top shape and minimize the risk of roadside emergencies all season long.
Bunk heaters are essential for keeping your truck warm during cold weather. However, tiny fuel lines connected to these heaters are susceptible to icing or gelling, even if your main fuel tank is treated. If these lines freeze, your bunk heater can fail, leaving you without heat and potentially stranding you in freezing conditions.
If your bunk heater stops working due to iced fuel lines, utilize the hand warmer packets you probably already carry around with you. Place these around the accessible fuel lines on top of the fuel tank to gently heat them.
This can help melt any ice and restore fuel flow, allowing your bunk heater to function again. Without this quick intervention, you might be forced to seek professional help, which can be time-consuming and costly.
When you compress air, it heats up. If this hot air enters a cold tank, it creates condensation. Over time, especially during winter months, water can accumulate in your air tanks, reducing their capacity and potentially leading to brake and suspension issues.
Excess water can overwhelm your air dryer systems, leading to their failure. Water in the air system can freeze, causing valves to stick and brakes or suspension systems to malfunction.
By regularly draining your air tanks, you maintain the integrity of your air system, ensuring your truck remains safe and operational.
Modern trucks are equipped with radar and other equipment that aids in cruise control and accident mitigation technology. Snow, ice, or debris can block these sensors, rendering these safety features ineffective and potentially increasing the risk of accidents. The features may also malfunction, which can result in accidents or other problems.
Fuel water separators are critical in preventing water from entering your engine. There is a heater in the fuel water separator, but it isn’t strong enough to keep it thawed when temperatures drop. In extremely cold temperatures, water in the fuel system can freeze, causing blockages and potentially shutting down your engine.
A sign of issues is unusually high fuel levels or restricted fuel flow.
By actively managing your fuel water separators, you prevent water-related fuel system problems, ensuring your engine runs smoothly even in harsh conditions.
In cold weather, moisture can cause your brakes to freeze to the drums, making them difficult to release. This can lead to brake malfunctions and pose significant safety risks. Think about it: When you park it for the day or night, you’re coming into a cold area with hot brakes. This creates moisture that freezes and adheres the brakes to the drum.
Frozen brakes can lead to incomplete brake releases, affecting your ability to stop safely. Persistent brake freezing can strain your suspension system, leading to further mechanical problems. Implementing brake cycling routines helps maintain brake functionality and enhances overall vehicle safety during cold weather.
If your brakes do freeze, you might need to use a steel bar and hammer to gently knock the ice off the brake drums. However, regular preventive measures can minimize the need for such interventions.
Icy and slippery roads can make it difficult to maintain traction, leading to accidents or getting stuck. Navigating icy steps and trailers can be hazardous, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Not only that, but it can be difficult to get traction when leaving the truck stop on cold, icy mornings.
By managing traction effectively and prioritizing personal safety, you reduce the risk of accidents and maintain control in challenging road conditions.
Blocked fuel tank vents can create a vacuum, disrupting fuel flow and causing your engine to stall. In cold and slushy conditions, vents are prone to icing, which can significantly impact your fuel system.
A blocked fuel vent can lead to a complete engine shutdown, stranding you on the road. Irregular fuel flow can cause engine performance issues and increased wear on your fuel system.
Maintaining clear fuel tank vents is essential for consistent fuel delivery and reliable engine performance, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Preventing breakdowns on the road requires a combination of regular maintenance, proactive checks, and carrying essential tools and supplies. By maintaining your bunk heater, regularly draining air tanks, keeping front radars clear, monitoring fuel water separators, preventing frozen brakes, managing traction, and checking fuel tank vents, you can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Integrate these habits into your daily routine to ensure your truck remains reliable and safe, no matter where the road takes you.
Be sure to also remember these safe winter driving tips, like increasing your following distance and driving slower.