Winter is the worst time of the year for truck drivers (and most people in general). It has nothing to do with whether you like or dislike the cold weather, but rather how your vehicle deals with the weather. It’s fair to say that winter is the enemy of anything with a combustible engine. It causes parts to crack (and eventually leak vital fluids) and overall performance to go down. This is especially true for long-distance drivers who constantly are in locations with different weather, not allowing the truck to get used to any condition for a long period of time. Follow these five tips in order to keep repair costs down! If you still need help from an expert, bring your vehicle to J&M Truck and Trailer Repair where professional technicians will diagnose and repair any problems you’re having.
- Replace Your Tires
Winter can be devastating on your tires. Not only does it decrease tire pressure, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency and increases repair costs, but it can also be dangerous as most blowouts happen in cold weather. Put on a set of winter tires that have great thread, allowing you to still get a grip in the most brutal conditions.
- Get Your Hoses and Belts Inspected
They love to crack in the winter, causing fluids to leak and damage to spread. Get them inspected before it gets too cold.
- Be Alert
Often times, it will be the most unexpected circumstances that cause you to lose traction or control. Always stay alert as to what’s in front you, allowing you to break slowly rather than abruptly.
- Avoid Cruise Control If Icy
While this won’t be popular with long-distance drivers, cruise control means you have less control of your truck. The less control you have, the more susceptible you are to actually losing control.
- Slow Down
Just because the speed limit says 65 miles per hour, it doesn’t mean that’s how fast you should be going. That’s the maximum speed in ideal conditions – it should be slower the worse the road conditions are.