TIPS ON MAINTAINING TRUCKS/TRUCK BODIES DURING WINTER

Snow and Ice Section

Pages 78-83

For more information on snow-clearing equipment and spreaders, visit CEG's Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.

Tips On Maintaining Trucks/Truck BodiesDuring Winter

By Ruksana Hussain

CEG CORRESPONDENT

Among the many challenges winter weather brings is preparing equipment to bear the brunt of the brutal temperatures experienced also while maintaining safety. Preserving the quality of truck equipment to function optimally is an important part of that process. From fuel and tires to batteries and windshields, here are some steps to practice in caring for your trucks.

Monroe Truck Equipment photo

Create Master

Checklist

Before winter season hits, but also during cold weather conditions, maintain a master checklist of all the parts and pieces that need to be given a good once over to ensure your truck has no issues when on the road. This includes brakes, hoses, batteries and belts; all the lights — headlights, brake lights, taillights and blinkers; and any oil and filter changes.

An important step in preventive maintenance, applying high-quality grease at regular intervals on steering and suspensions helps keep early wear and tear and any expensive breakdowns at bay. Ideally, all fixtures and fittings that must be lubricated should be addressed before each job.

Wisconsin-based Monroe Truck Equipment’s Scott Hanewell, general manager of the commercial division, said, “Check the overall condition of your equipment. Regular maintenance and daily inspections are vital for maintaining the health of your plow and truck. Keep an eye open for typical damage that occurs during plowing season such as cracks in the framework of your plow, the plow moldboard, trip springs and the vehicle's undercarriage. There are many fasteners on your plow and vehicle undercarriage. A daily inspection of these fasteners is recommended. Refer to your plow manual for the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.”

Monroe Truck Equipment photo

An important step in preventive maintenance, applying high-quality grease at regular intervals on steering and suspensions helps keep early wear and tear and any expensive breakdowns at bay. Before winter season hits, but also during cold weather conditions, maintain a master checklist of all the parts and pieces that need to be given a good once over to ensure your truck has no issues when on the road.

Truck Body Maintenance

Corrosion is a major culprit for trucks deemed out of commission earlier than their time. Chemicals and salt cause rust and the truck is bound to succumb to it at some point. While that cannot be avoided, the rate at which rust takes over certainly can be delayed. Regularly washing trucks will not only keep it clean of contaminants but also make obvious any chips in the paint that need to be addressed. Door locks should be sprayed with a lubricant like WD-40 to protect from moisture, which will help keep away any rust formation on that surface.

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Tips to Keep Trucks On Road During Harsh Winter Weather

TIPS from page 78 All Things Fuel

Add some diesel fuel anti-gel additive to the fuel tank every time temperatures get low. The paraffin in diesel crystallizes in winter and that sluggish fuel doesn’t transfer well through the fuel filters, eventually affecting the engine. Good quality winter blend fuel is important, as is remembering to keep the fuel tank half full.

An almost empty gas tank can end up causing a fuel line freeze in severely cold temperatures and present a troublesome start when you do want to get your truck going. Also change the fuel filter and water separator regularly as contamination can affect the engine. Remember that overused fuel injectors can result in soot build-up in the fuel filter, so repairing and replacing it regularly per manufacturer guidance is key to your truck’s health.

Battery Care to Avoid Breakdowns

Integral to your truck functioning properly and to avoid any breakdowns, check on the health of the battery regularly and if it is securely mounted. Replace if old or worn out and check for any loose or exposed wires, ensuring all connections are tightened and cleaned. Even when in good condition, check for any signs of corrosion. A dead battery in the middle of your winter run means getting those jumper cables out to kick start it, or worse, replace it, losing time on the job.

On testing your electrical system, Hanewall said, “The plowing season can be hard on your vehicle’s charging system. It is always a good idea to do a few pre-season checks. You should always ensure that your battery connections and plow connections are corrosion free and in good condition. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle battery load tested if it has some age to it. It is good practice to coat your electrical connections with a dielectric grease or another type of non-corrosive battery protectant.”

Hydraulic Fluid, Components

“During the summer, with hot weather and high humidity, condensation can quickly build up from moisture in the air. Replacing the fluid will ensure your unit is free of water or debris and help keep your plow operating properly through snow and ice season,” said Hanewell. “A good visual inspection of your hydraulic components can save you time and money down the road. Before each use, you should look at the packing seals on the lift/angle cylinders for leaking or loose packing. Inspect all hoses for leaks and chaffing. An annual pump pressure check is recommended, but not required. It is always a good idea to carry an additional quart or two of hydraulic fluid for your plow.”

Monroe Truck Equipment photo

Scott Hanewell, general manager of Monroe Truck Equipment’s commercial division.

Wiper Blades, Windshields

Worn out wipers must be replaced to avoid snow and ice buildup, and top off the windshield wiper fluid. Check that the defroster is working so visibility isn’t affected. Regularly test wipers and keep spare windshield wipers for emergencies as winter nights are longer so working in the dark is going to be the norm than the exception.

When it comes to visibility, Hanewell also makes a point to inspect all the lights.

“Reduced visibility in a snowstorm is incredibly dangerous,” he said. “Routinely checking all your lights and replacing wherever necessary will prevent any unnecessary accidents or danger. Check your internal lights as well to make sure you’ll be able to easily see and reach any tools you’ll need while on the road.”

Emergency Kit

Finally, always keeping a well-stocked emergency kit is important. Think flashlight, shovel, scraper, water, warm clothing, first aid kit, flares, radio, batteries and food and medicine — all the things you might need should you have an emergency or a breakdown despite taking all the precautions when it comes to maintaining trucks.

Additionally, Hanewell suggested a triangle reflector kit, spare hoses and fuses, tow strap and hydraulic fluid be added to your list.  CEG

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