Preparing Your Truck for Winter

When winter hits the northeast of the US, it comes in full force. Be sure your truck is ready to keep moving in cold temperatures with these tips.

Batteries can drain faster in cold temperatures, and they can also be more difficult to change. Before heading out on the road in the cold be confident your battery is fully charged and discharging. You can check it with a handheld battery and electrical system tester. If your battery is passed its expiration date, consider giving us a call for a replacement. 

An air dryer keeps water out of the brake lines. Be sure to check your air dryer and filter to prevent braking issues on the road. 

Check your belts, boots, and hoses. It’s always a good idea to check your engine components but checking before the cold sets in could save you a chilly afternoon of waiting for roadside assistance. Rubber becomes brittle and can crack easily in the cold. Keep an eye out for cracking rubber, belts with torn edges or other wear and tear. If you’re not sure, ask our service department to take a look. 

Diesel fuel can “gel” in cold weather, causing it to turn into a hard, paste-like wax. This can have negative effects on both your fuels lines and engine. To keep this from happening, use diesel fuel with a high cetane rating and anti-gel additives like Diesel 911. It’s good to keep some on hand while you’re on the road too. 

If you spend a lot of time driving a diesel-powered truck in cold conditions, consider an electric engine block heater. Diesel engines require a higher cylinder temperature than gas engines. This is why they can be difficult to start in cold weather.

Be sure to maintain your truck’s tire pressure in cold weather. Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure impacting fuel economy, tire tread and safety. 

If you have any questions about your truck’s readiness for winter, contact a Kenworth Northeast service location and we’ll look it over.