Winter may seem like it’s still a long ways off, but cold weather will be upon us soon enough. Of course, we don’t see the cold and snow like other parts of the country do, but that doesn’t let you off the hook for winterizing your commercial truck. Besides, you may find that you have a delivery in Colorado, where there’s 5 feet of snow on the ground! Regardless of whether you’ll encounter the cold stuff or not this winter, you still need to take a few steps to prepare for the changing seasons.
Supplies
You should already be keeping some supplies in your vehicle for those “just in case” moments. Things like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit are always a good idea to have on hand year-round. In the winter, however, it’s wise to keep other backup items in your truck, such as a blanket, an extra set of gloves and a hat, and a coat.
Vehicle Check
The other major part of winterizing your truck for winter involves giving your vehicle a good once-over to ensure that major parts are working as they should, as well as taking care of a few other small tasks. Here’s a quick rundown of what your vehicle check should include:
- Check the truck thoroughly from end to end. Look for loose or damaged wiring, bulging hoses, unsecure hose clamps, and radiator leaks, and be sure to examine the belts for defects or flaws.
- Add winter blend antifreeze and wiper fluid to your vehicle, and give the wiper blades a visual inspection too.
- Check the air compressor and drain water that has accumulated in any air tanks, and make sure there are no leaks or water traps in the air lines.
- Make sure your heating system is up to par – you definitely don’t want to be driving without heat during cold winter months.