As the cold weather approaches, preparing your commercial diesel truck for winter is crucial to ensure its safety, reliability, and efficiency. Proper winterization can prevent costly breakdowns, improve fuel economy, and extend the life of your vehicle.
Common Problems Trucks Experience in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can cause multiple problems for trucks. The 5 biggest challenges are:
- Fuel Gelling: Diesel fuel can thicken and form wax crystals which can clog fuel lines and filters.
- Battery Efficiency: Batteries lose efficiency in cold weather. A battery loses 60-65% of the cranking power when temperatures drop from 70 degrees to 10 degrees.
- Air System Issues: Air dryer and tank systems can freeze, compromising brake functionality.
- Component Brittleness: Hoses, belts, exterior components and virtually every component on a truck or trailer becomes increasingly prone to cracking or breaking when bitterly cold.
- Increased Oil Viscosity: Engine oil will thicken, making it harder for the engine to turn over.
Essential Winterization Steps for Diesel Trucks
It’s critical to properly winterize your diesel truck each year. Performing the following critical steps will maximize the performance and life of your truck.
Fuel System Management
Diesel fuel contains small quantities of paraffins and wax which crystalize at low temperatures. Any water present in the fuel system will become slushy and gel like, leading to clogs in components, filters and separators. We recommend adding a diesel fuel additive such as Diesel 911, STA-BIL, or Hot Shot once in December and again any day before temperatures drop below 0°F.
The following steps are also critical to protect your fuel system from cold conditions:
- Keep the fuel tank as full as possible when very cold to reduce condensation.
- Ensure your fuel filter has been changed in the last 3 to 6 months. Ideally, it should have been changed during last PM service prior to winter.
- Monitor the fuel/water separator weekly to prevent freezing in the fuel line. If water is present, drain the fuel/water separator by turning the value at the bottom of the filter.
Electrical System and Batteries
If your batteries are within 6 months of their life (48 to 72 months), consider replacing them as they will likely fail at temperatures below 0°F.
Additional steps to take include:
- Test batteries using a battery tester to ensure they are cycling properly. Replace weak batteries below 12 volts as they will fail when the weather gets cold.
- Check battery cables to ensure they are tight and free of corrosion.
- Inspect the alternator’s output using the battery tester or diagnostic scan tool. If the load test is below OEM specifications, then replace the alternator.
- Check all batteries, liftgates, and under carriage for corrosion. Clean as needed.
- Verify that the starter is functioning properly by turning on the engine and noting any delays, noises or other odd traits.
Air Brake Systems and Air Dryers
The following steps will help protect your air brake system and air dryer throughout winter:
- Regularly check the air dryer which is located between compressor and wet tank, and drain it using the purge valve.
- Air dryer heaters routinely malfunction and should be checked by removing them and checking it with a voltmeter. Replace if it is non-functioning.
- Inspect brake components for wear and proper adjustment.
- Ensure the air compressor is functioning correctly by ensuring air pressure is building to 120 psi.
Engine and Cooling System
Diesel engines operate at a higher temperature than gasoline engines. Never use ether starting spray to start diesel engines. This can cause the engine to ignite too early, which creates a variety of problems including piston and rod damage.
In addition, make sure to:
- Ensure oil has been changed to a winter-grade engine oil with lower viscosity for easier cold starts.
- Check the antifreeze concentration using a coolant refractometer to ensure it is within spec. Use the correct mixture of antifreeze and water (typically 50/50, or 60/40 for extremely cold areas).
- Make sure your truck’s block heater is plugged in and functional.
- Inspect hoses and belts for signs of wear or cracking. Any compromised hoses or belts will get more brittle as temperatures drop.
Tires and Additional Winterization Tips
- Check tire pressure regularly, as it can fluctuate with temperature changes.
- Check that the defroster and heater are working correctly.
- Inspect the windshield wipers and replace them if worn as they will perform worse in colder weather.
- Lubricate door locks and latches to prevent freezing.
- On cold mornings, idle the truck to allow sufficient to warm-up to ensure proper lubrication.
- DPF Management: Pre-heating the engine can reduce particulate matter emissions, extending the life of diesel particulate filter systems.
Emergency Preparedness
If work requires you to travel in the mountains or remote areas, pack an emergency kit. Include essentials like a small first aid kit, snack foods, a blanket, flashlight, bottled water, gloves, hat, small snow shovel, flairs and warm clothes. These items can prove critical if you find yourself stuck in a heavy snowstorm.
Mobile Wrench Can Help
If you need to winterize your diesel truck fleet before the cold weather sets in, Mobile Wrench can help. We offer comprehensive maintenance services for diesel trucks, including winterization services. Our team of experienced mobile diesel mechanics will come to you, providing the highest levels of convenience and minimizing any downtime for your fleet. When you work with Mobile Wrench, you’ll have peace of mind that your fleet is safe and road ready for the winter conditions that await.
Contact us to schedule an appointment. Mobile Wrench provides diesel truck winterization services in Denver and throughout the Front Range of Colorado.
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