7 Tips To Keep Your Trucks Clean & Clear On Winter Roads

It cannot always be spring-like and whether we like it or not, we have to face the wrath of winters. Winters are brutal for everyone, especially for truckers, as the falling temperatures, snow-clad roads, and issue of black ice hit large swaths of Canada. These chilly harsh winter conditions present enormous challenges for trucks and fleets.

Commercial trucks or long-haul trucks are incredibly susceptible to dangerous winters. There is no doubt that truckers are highly experienced and skilled when it comes to their driving on the road but driving in winters comes with its challenges. Wet or roads with a coating of black ice make it immensely cumbersome for trucks to handle a load and make it difficult for you as a big rig driver to slow your rig down enough to stop. About 90% of roads in Canada are in snowy areas, thus significantly increasing the threat of an accident. Don’t let the harsh winters wear your truck down. Follow these truck driving tips for winter by emergency truck repair at Road Dogs Mobile. 

Maintain a Good Distance from Other Vehicles

A heavy-duty truck at a high speed when it meets slick, wet, icy roads, there is a considerable probability of a rear-end collision. To combat this, make sure you are not driving at high speed and are ensuring a safe distance between your truck and other vehicles. You need to provide three things, i.e. perception distance, braking distance & reaction distance, which are in sync, and you have ample time to stop your truck in a safe space to avoid any collision.

When In Doubt, Pull Over

Before starting your trucking trip, check the weather forecast, and if you find the weather getting way too bad while driving, then pull over. Nothing is more important than your safety so find a safe exit to get off the roadway. Start trucking again only when the weather improves and it’s safe to go. Ensure before trucking that your truck has road flares and emergency triangles when you decide to pull over.

Avoid Sudden Actions 

Driving on wet, slippery roads wants caution: being calm and avoiding making sudden actions. Do the following:

• Drive Slow
• Maintain a constant speed
• Avoid cornering or sudden braking 
• Pay Attention to Vehicle Tire Spray

The worst of winter driving conditions can be managed by keeping in mind these tips by gauging the spray on the tires of the vehicles you are following. If you find many sprays, you can assume the roadways are wet but not too icy. The same goes vice-versa; when you note significantly fewer sprays. This observation can help you prepare yourself for the road conditions coming ahead.

Stock The Basics

Long-haul truckers should make it a point that before they hit the road on chilly, snowy days, that they have sufficient basic supplies, like extra food, water, warm clothing and a heat source (if possible) in case you get stranded. Weather conditions are unpredictable but not your daily necessities, so no second thoughts when stocking up for your basics.

Try to Leave the Pack

Do not blindly follow the pack and use your judgment and instincts when on the road. In rough weather conditions, it is best to travel/truck away from the pack. The unpredictability of road conditions requires the drivers to maintain enough space between their rig and any other vehicles.

Slow Down

We are mentioning it again as this one requires your attention way more and at all the time. Be watchful on wet, icy or snow-covered roads by being vigilant on your speed. Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions, unlike the conditions that one gets to witness in the months of winter. Driving at a reasonable pace, using a lower gear, and applying gentle brakes gives more time to react if anything goes wrong. Nothing is above ones safety so follow these tips to keep yourself safe on the road.

Check All Systems Before Trucking 

• Exercise extra caution to the following points in winters for Icey weather conditions. 
• Make sure your mirrors and windows are clean and clear.
• The tires are in good condition, along with a full fuel tank.
• Brakes function well.
• No moisture in air tanks.
• Batteries are fully charged
• Check oil and antifreeze levels and proper oil viscosities.

Winters are here to stay, but the above mentioned tips followed can enhance the truck’s productivity even in the most challenging conditions. Give your truck the boost of mobile truck repair services by Road Dogs Mobile and you will see its efficiency mounting.

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