The winter season is not just the time to shop for thick clothes or cook hot soups. For truck owners, it is time to prepare their trucks for the cold weather by winterizing the vehicle, particularly for those in Alberta.
This procedure is necessary for equipping trucks with the right equipment to prevent accidents or unexpected problems during the winter. Besides, roads become slippery during this season, and heavy snow can barricade the streets.
If you own a commercial truck, here are some ways to winterize it in preparation for the winter season.
Pack Winter Emergency Kits
You should remember always to carry an emergency kit. It would be best to prepare for unexpected circumstances that might come as you travel the roads, especially during winter. Below are some of the must-have winter car emergency kits you should keep in handy:
- First Aid Kit – This is a must-have kit to carry in case you experience minor medical troubles on your travel. It should contain necessities like alcohol, band-aids, medicines, cotton, and other supplemental things for cold and wounds.
- Gloves – If you are driving in the cold, especially with a semi-truck, you have to make your hands warm every time. Using gloves is one way to sustain that warmth for a safer trip.
- Food and Water – These are necessary if you get stranded on your way. Having something to eat and drink could help you retain your energy.
- Lights and Batteries – These are of at most important during the night. Flashlights will help you see better at night if you encounter problems with your cars and need to conduct a truck repair.
- Shovel for Snow – Tons of snow can impede the roads. Even big semi-trucks have difficulty passing through it. So, a snow shovel could come in handy in getting rid of the lumps of snow in the street for easier driving.
Inspect the Truck’s Battery and Fuel
Before driving your truck through the snow and cold, make sure that you have inspected the battery. Knowing the battery’s condition can prevent accidents and problems. We highly recommend checking the battery before the winter comes.
Identify the length of the battery life to ensure it lasts long enough while travelling. Also, choose a battery that lasts longer because lower temperatures can quickly drain a battery’s life. Additionally, check the wires for damage to assure safety. You can test the battery before using it to ensure you won’t encounter issues later on.
Another thing to consider is the fuel of the truck. Proper maintenance is required so that it won’t also affect the engine. You have to employ appropriate diesel care to prevent problems. For instance, avoid the intervention of water in the fuel because it can reduce the quality of the engine.
Inspect the Engine
If you are using a diesel engine in your truck, you need to check its condition carefully. This part of the truck serves as the power source, so it needs attention. Unlike engines fueled by other types of fuel, a diesel engine uses high cylinder temperatures.
Starting a diesel-powered truck can be difficult in the winter. To help make cold starts easier, an electric block heater should be installed and plugged in during cold weather. Just ensure that it is correctly installed!
Visit a Diesel Repair Shop in Calgary
If you are not familiar with the technical aspect of checking your semi-truck, you can always go look for shops that offer diesel engine repair in Calgary.
Diesel repair shops are the best place to have your truck checked as the winter comes in. They have expertise on what to do and can give you valuable information to prepare your commercial vehicle for the cold climate.
Be it on the tires, windshields, breaks, and even diesel engine repair. Just make sure to seek the services of professionals so you can give the best care to your vehicle. In addition, you can rely on the quality of service that your truck can get.
Engine diesel repair experts in Calgary can help to repair your truck’s diesel engine if it’s experiencing issues. These experts can also identify any potential damage that needs to be addressed to avoid future problems.
Conclusion
Driving trucks through the winter season is difficult. Hence, preparing the necessary tools and conditioning your vehicle should help with avoiding accidents and breakdowns. When in doubt, always seek the services of a professional diesel mechanic.