FINKS INC

Winter Preparation

 

Winter weather and harsh driving conditions that come with it can be hard on trucks, but Finks Inc has you covered. Costs associated with unexpected roadside truck breakdowns can range from requiring jump starts to needing tow services; potentially resulting in expensive repairs.

Following is a list of winter preparations that should be part of every owner's truck maintenance program. Some are routine and apply to every vehicle in the fleet and some are more specific to medium-duty trucks. All will help keep trucks safely on the road during the winter season.

1. Check Battery
Test the battery and clean the connections. While battery degradation occurs much more rapidly in hot weather, it is during cold weather that batteries typically fail. Batteries tend to lose 35 to 60 percent of their power during colder weather temps.

2. Engine Heaters
While medium-duty trucks typically use block heaters to keep engine oil warm, some newer models use oil-pan heaters. These units are mounted to the pan which heats the engine pan and oil directly. These types can be smaller and more efficient than block heaters.

Block heaters, on the other hand, are typically mounted 12 inches or so above the oil pan, and generally heat the engine coolant, which in turn conducts heat to the block to aid in cold-weather starting.

3. DEF System
One of the newest items in the maintenance checklist appears courtesy of the EPA 2010 emissions regulations - specifically for diesel engine models using urea-based diesel exhaust fluid in their emissions control systems.

The freezing point of DEF is 12F (-11C), so it is likely to freeze in many northern locales, but should thaw under normal operation within 45 minutes, as virtually all medium-duty & heavy duty trucks' emissions systems are designed to accommodate this.

4. Proper Coolant Levels
Coolant life is typically specified by the coolant manufacturers at 24 months. If coolant is older than that, than the system should be flushed and the coolant replaced.

While the antifreeze properties of the coolant may not dissipate with time, additives that provide corrosion protection, anti-gumming and other ancillary protection functions do break down with time. This can compromise the overall performance of the truck.

5. Clear View
Check windshields for minor chips and cracks. As temperatures decrease and sheet metal contracts, stress on windshields can increase.  Have your small chips repaired to help avoid crack propagation and the need for a full windshield replacement.

Check your windshield wiper blade condition and replace if necessary. Check and fill windshield washer reservoirs regularly. Be sure to use proper winter dilution levels.

6. Tire Maintenance
Check tire condition and make sure tread thickness is a minimum of 5/32-inches for winter driving. Ensure all tires are properly inflated.

Always check your ABS operation at the start of the winter season. Monitor stroke adjustment on drum brakes, fluid levels and parking brake operation.

7. Exhaust Systems
Check exhaust systems to assure they are free of leaks. Sitting in slow-moving traffic because of heavy weather or parked with the engine running to maintain cab temperature can increase the risk of carbon monoxide entry into the cabin.

8. Engine Maintenance
Check the glow plug operation on diesel-engine models. Check all belts and hoses.  Replace as necessary.

9. Keep It Clean
Clean the cab, body and undercarriage weekly. Remove road salts in heavy snowy areas. Keep radiator frontal surface clean and free from buildup of dirt and debris.

Things To Remember…
-Check your heater/defroster operations.  This includes the function and position of the directional vanes in the system to assure effective defrosting.

-Safety extends beyond your own fleet to people you share the road with. Check your mudflaps regularly and replace as necessary.

-Vehicle Emergency Kits should be stocked with road flares, a fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, first aid kit, water and jumper cables.

 

Finks Inc is here to assist and to make sure you and your truck operates safely and efficiently throughout the winter season.  Give us a call at 757-487-777!!!