Knowing “How to Winterize” your pump truck is the best thing you can do for yourself and business to ensure your routes go as smooth as possible. As winter can offer unexpected conditions of ice, water, and cold, it is important to be prepared so you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your fleet in top conditions.
How to Winterize Your Trucks Exterior
First, we’re going to go over a few of the basics for the exterior pain-points you need to check off your list when winterizing your pumper truck.
- Wiper blades- In the winter this is important when your trucks are about and about in all conditions. The blades need to be able to swiftly clear ices and snow buildup.
- Tires – As winter hits the pressure in your tires will often drop. generally, expect that you’ll lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to tire pressure be sure to evaluate the tread depth for slippery and icy conditions.
- Survival Kit – 1. Heavy Blanket 2. Ice Scraper 3. Waterproof matches 4. First Aid Kit 5. Food and Water 6. Jumper Cables 7. Flashlight 8. Extra Gallon of coolant.9. gloves, hat, jacket
Winterizing Tips for Internal Parts and Engine
- Coolant flush/test –Coolant, just like fuel ha both summer and winter formulations. For example, most engines take a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze during warmer months. Your owner’s manual will have recommended coolant levels and makeup information.
- Windshield Washer Fluid- Be sure to check that your wiper fluid is full as it may be very useful when conditions offer limited visibly. Also, be careful not to allow water and condensation into the wiper fluid, so the wiper fluid does not freeze when used.
- Battery- Check the battery. Especially if the battery is more than 3 years old… Run a check on the vehicle’s batteries and check other parts of the electrical system, including alternator and starter.
- Gas- Condensation build-up can cause damage to your fuel system and it can also freeze in the cold months! You want to make sure not to let your gas levels get low and ensure you are avoiding water from entering your gas tank whenever possible.
- Block Heater- Since diesel engines work at higher temperatures it is important to consider your block heater. Make sure it is always well secured, it will not be jostled loose by engine vibrations or rough road conditions. Routinely check the intake pre-heaters for proper operation.
- Oil – Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.
PROs Have the Know-How
Of course, these are only a few tips for winterizing your trucks. Our customers in the field, who work day and night through every type of weather, have great ideas on winterizing as well!
For more information on Satellite TruckXpress, click the link below. If you have even greater, in-the-field knowledge on wintering your truck, leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you, and get this discussion going.
