Every season comes with its own set of challenges that fleets face on the open road. With longer nights and shorter days ahead, drivers need to focus their attention on how they can stay safe while driving during the cold winter months when temperatures drop and roads are slick with ice and snow.

Engines & Fuel
Properly maintain your engine and fuel by keeping your fuel tank at least half full at all times and adding an anti-gel additive every time you fill up. It’s also a good idea to change your fuel filter and water separator regularly.

Block Heaters & Batteries
Batteries drain quicker in cold weather, so inspect your truck’s battery to ensure it’s securely mounted, has no corrosion and doesn’t need to be replaced. Make sure all connections are tightened and cleaned. Look over the electrical wiring for damage and the alternator and starter for corrosion and frays. If you spend a lot of time in cold temperature regions, consider installing an electric block heater to keep your engine warm while your truck is off.

Cooling Systems
Trucks tend to overheat in the winter because their engines are working extra hard.Check your radiator for leaks, inspect the hoses for bulges and look over the hose clamps for damage. Secure any loose components. This is also a good time to flush out your cooling system and replace your antifreeze. Make sure you replace your antifreeze with the proper amount.

Heaters & Defrosters
Perform regular checks of your heating system to ensure it is in working order. Preventing ice and fog from accumulating on your windshield is imperative when driving. Don’t forget to inspect and replace windshield wipers when needed, as well as the levels of your washer solvent, de-icer, and other fluids.

Tires
Avoid blowouts and flats by frequently checking the tread and pressure of all tires. Replace any tires that are showing signs of wear and consider switching to tires made especially for traction in snow during the winter months.

At McMahon Truck Centers, we offer a Preventative Maintenance program that can keep your costs low and your trucks ready to work. We also have a Mobile Service Truck ready for appointment to come to your location. Convenient.