IS YOUR COMMERCIAL TRUCK FLEET PREPARED FOR WINTER?
IS YOUR COMMERCIAL TRUCK FLEET PREPARED FOR WINTER?
Posted on December 11, 2021
Keeping your Truck and trailers in Edmonton in top operating condition is essential, and it's especially challenging when winter hits. By getting a head start on your winter truck fleet maintenance in Edmonton, you can be sure that things will run smoothly all year long.
Whether it's topping off fluids or checking important systems, these tips will help you stay on top of the winter.
Lubricants
At the top of your list is an important element -- the fluids. Keeping everything lubricated will ensure that all goes smooth while driving. You can check all the fluids to make sure they are not leaking and to simply top them off.
As the winter progresses, you should keep checking on the lubricants. The reason why is because the colder temperatures can affect the viscosity of some of the lubricants. The fluid may get thick and not flow as effectively. When that happens it can stress the entire engine and you may lead to the engine having problems.
When you start your engine, let it warm up, then drive it for the day. That way, it an warm up a bit and become more fluid.
Air system
In addition to checking the liquids for the winter, you also need to watch the air intake. The colder the air outside, the more at risk of cold air getting inside. This can affect the air system, which include the following:
• Automated Manual Transmissions
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
• Emissions Controls
What happens when air comes into the compressor? It brings with it the moisture that's in the air. That's not helpful to your truck. If the air dryer doesn't adequately work, the moisture will get into the air tanks or go deeper in the system. If the temperature gets colder, you may have a freezing issue, as frozen condensation can affect valves and even the brakes.
If the air system is too dry, you have a completely different problem, which is issues with the pneumatic system.
However, there is a solution for this. You can avoid this by making sure to service the air dryer cartridge as soon as the weather begins to get cold. Other things to take a look at before the season is in full swing are the purge valve and heater, wiring harness, and corrosion on the dryer.
Next Steps
Stop by Edmonton Trailer Sales & Leasing Ltd. for more details and information about preparing your truck for the winter.