Winter Maintenance Tips for Truck Drivers

There are so many things that can go wrong when a truck driver doesn’t winterize their truck before the cold weather hits. No need to worry about that! TRP Pottstown has the ultimate winter truck maintenance tips to prepare you for snow, sleet, hail, and ice.

Semi Truck Winter Maintenance Tips

Heavy-Duty Batteries

Semi truck batteries can lose up to 35% of their power in freezing temperatures. Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion, leakage, or damage. Make sure to clean the terminals and check the voltage, especially before hitting the road.

Block Heaters

In cold climates, diesel cannot be frozen solid, but also will not stay in a fully liquid form. A block heater keeps your engine warm overnight, thus keeping your diesel fuel in a liquid state. Additionally, it helps with cold starts after a long break, particularly when parking in extremely frigid weather.

Insulated Tote Blankets

Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) begins crystalizing at 12°F (−11°C). To help prevent freezing, consider using an insulated tote blanket. For more information about tips on DEF Fuel covers and storage, read our blog: DEF Tank Covers.

Tire Chains

Using tire chains help give you better traction and control in inclement weather. If you’ve used them for a few seasons, make sure to inspect them before putting them on or consider replacing them.

Winter Semi Truck Grille Covers

Add a winter grille cover to manage your engine’s temperature by reducing the cold airflow that enters the engine bay. They make start-ups easy, keeps the engine warm, and help prevents diesel fuel from gelling. When adding a grille cover for winter, remember that there still needs to be proper airflow to your engine. When you’re parked, make sure the front of your vehicle is facing away from the wind and the cover is secure so it doesn’t blow around.

Windshield Wipers and Wiper Fluid

Seasonally replace your regular wipers with winter windshield wipers. These are specially designed to resist freezing while properly clearing snow and ice buildup. Top off your windshield wiper fluid and keep extra on-hand.

Fuel Filters

Contaminated filters can clog and trap fuel which can lead to maintenance issues. Regularly inspect and replace your fuel filters, which are essential to prevent fuel gelling as well as keeping water out of the system. This is especially critical in freezing conditions.

Extra Bulbs

Make sure all of your vehicle’s electrical systems are fully operational. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals as well as hazard flashers, clearance and marker lights. Keep a few extra bulbs on hand in case of faulty operation while you’re on the road.

Fuel Caps

A secure fuel cap prevents contamination, evaporation, and spills while still maintaining the tank’s internal pressure. Make sure the seal is clear of any fuel, dirt, or other contaminants and tightly closed. Replace the fuel cap immediately if it is damaged or missing.

Provided by TRP Parts.

Best Winter Truck Product Recommendations: Staff Picks

Our Parts team has 3 must-have winter product recommendations to keep your truck in peak performance all season long.

Air Brake Air Line Antifreeze & Conditioner

Berkebile Antifreeze is specially blended with a rust inhibitor and lubricant to prevent your truck’s air brakes and lines from freezing. It stops moisture from accumulating and creating ice, which can damage your brake system. Save your components from seasonal damage by keeping your brakes frost-free.

Diesel Additives

Diesel Additives from Power Service help keep your truck’s engine in running strong throughout the winter months. Products like their Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost save your fuel from gelling and keep your fuel filters from clogging with ice. Their winter emergency product, Diesel 911, reliquefies your fuel when its gelled and de-ices frozen fuel filters to restore diesel flow to your engine.

Fuel Conditioner, Stabilizer, and De-Geller

Howes Diesel Additives and Lubricants stand the test against winter. Their Diesel Treat Anti-Gel & Fuel Conditioner prevents gelling in the coldest temperatures. The Meaner Power Kleaner Fuel Stabilizer removes deposits like water, debris, and other contaminants. Their Diesel Lifeline is a winter-specific emergency rescue product that safely reliquefies gelled fuel.

Visit any of our Parts Stores to purchase your winterized truck parts, products, and accessories.

Make sure your most crucial truck systems are ready for the winter months by servicing you Cooling System, Heating System, Air Systems with TRP’s Winterization Checklist.

Check out more Winter Truck Maintenance and Cold Weather Maintenance tips.