By Chett Winchell
Officially, it is the first week of fall; however, "old man winter" is looking our way. Look at the weather and see the unusual participation patterns. Check the weather channel when possible, listen to radio reports on newscasts, and talk with other drivers either on the CB or in person. Exchange information and find out what they have come through. That information may prepare you for upcoming poor driving conditions.
What are the steps to prepare you for winter? First, I suggest that you ensure that you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food, clothing and emergency supplies in your vehicle. Think about what you may need if stranded. Personal things you really need may include extra clothes, proper footwear, spare gloves, hats, and coats. Extra or additional bedding is also important. Emergency food items including power bars grains, beverages maybe a few military MRE’s [(meals ready to eat) the new ones self heat]. Do not forget spare batteries, matches, candles, Sterno, toiletries and a small pan or pot…and a can opener! Understand that you cannot go overboard loading up your truck…you will not have the room.
Next, what condition is your vehicle? Has it been "winterized"? Look at the condition of the anti-freeze - it may be time to either reinforce the antifreeze or do a complete flush and refill – make sure that the heater valves are turned open to get the cab and bunk heaters flushed, too! Bye the way, check to ensure that the defrost vents are clean and not blocked from items that may have fallen into the vent gates. Heaters and defrosters are required to be in good operating condition by 49CFR§393.77 & §393.79. Have all the seals around the windows, doors, and side boxes checked…it gets very cold with a draft continually coming into the cab.
Ensure that you get a good 50/50 mix. Remember not to mix the antifreeze types – yellow-green regular; red extended life, or the blue environmentally friendly extended life. Each has its own properties and may cause cavitations in the cooling system if mixed.
Additionally, ensure that you maintain normal interval oil changes. Replace filters regularly. Depending upon the area you operate, a lighter type of lubrication may be called for. Specifically, check the equipment operation handbook for suggested types.
Another item than must be looked at is your fuel system. Have the filters changed before cold weather hits. Also, carry at least one extra set of fuel filters. Preventative fuel conditioning is necessary in the cold weather. Although truck stops carry blended fuel, additional precautions are necessary. Once the fuel system is gelled, it is hard to get the engine started and running. Products such as Red Alert seem to work faster to “thaw” fuel lines and assist in keeping the lines free flowing.
Extra windshield antifreeze is also recommended. There is a variety of windshield wash products on the market that do not freeze, however Home Depot and Checker Auto stores carry a product called Winter Warrior that is good to -30ºF. Always replace the wiper blades in the fall to prevent undue streaking or inefficient wiping.
Remember that old saying, "An ounce of preventions is worth a pound of cure." If you have ever spent time on the side of the road, you will know what I mean! Winterize your truck and trailer before the cold weather gets here!
