Winterizing Your Commercial Fleet
Whether you love it or hate it, winter is on its way. It’s the harshest season on commercial vehicles, so it’s important to get your fleet prepped against the cold as soon as possible. Doing so will lower your risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
Check the Age and Strength of Your Battery
Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions that allow automotive batteries to produce an electrical current. And an older battery is even more likely to face trouble during winter. (The average commercial battery lasts three to five years.) Test the strength of your battery before you hit the road and replace it before winter sets in if it’s approaching its expiration.
Consider Fuel Additives During Cold Weather
The paraffin in diesel fuel will crystallize in freezing temperatures, which can turn the fuel into a gel-like mess. Swap your diesel for an alternative with a higher cetane rating and include an anti-gel additive each time you fill up. A 46 cetane rating is recommended to aid cold weather start-ups. To protect your engine from unnecessary wear and tear, you should replace old fuel filters if they’re full of contaminants.
Evaluate Your Cooling System
Inspect your belts for cuts and fraying and your radiator hoses for bulges and leaks. You may also need to switch to a coolant with a lower freezing point. Check the look of your coolant as well. It should be clear and free of cloudiness, oil and debris.
A 50/50 prediluted ethylene glycol-to-water ratio can usually withstand freezing temperatures. However, if you frequently drive in locations with subzero temperatures, you may want to consider a coolant with a 60/40 coolant-to-water ratio instead.
Monitor Your Tire Tread and Inflation
Snow, ice and road chemicals can wreak havoc on your commercial tires. An increase or decrease of 10° Fahrenheit can cost you two psi, so you may lose tire pressure while your vehicle sits overnight. Check your tire pressure before and after each haul to monitor for punctures or leaks.
Slippery driving conditions also require your tires to have more than the minimum tread depth. Front steer tires should have no less than 4/32 inches of tread depth. Regularly inspect the tires for sidewall tears and tread punctures. Check the rims, too, for damage that can lead to rim leaks.
Invest in an Engine Block Heater
You’ll have difficulty getting your truck up and running when the engine’s steel and fluid drop to the ambient temperature. Engine block heaters keep diesel engines warm, so the metal walls of the cylinders have enough heat to create pressure and combustion.
There are three types of engine block heaters:
- Internal engine heaters are inserted into the engine block through an opening, such as the dipstick.
- External engine heaters are fastened to the outside of the engine with magnets or permanent attachments.
- Coolant engine heaters are installed in the cooling system’s hoses to increase the temperature of the coolant.
Protect Electrical Systems Against the Cold
The electrical components of your commercial fleet are at particular risk during winter due to the corrosive nature of salt, magnesium chloride and other chemicals used to clear icy roadways. Moisture can also seep into the plugs and sockets of your electrical system, compromising connection points and ruining the wiring in your trailer.
Check your electrical contact points to ensure they’re clear of moisture and contaminants. Apply a dielectric grease regularly to keep the sockets lubricated and free of corrosion.
Bring your commercial fleet to Bauer Built before winter arrives. Our expert technicians offer a full range of mechanical services at various locations around the Midwest. Schedule your commercial service online today.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
