It’s no secret that the winter months are notoriously harsh on both truck drivers and trucks. When temperatures drop, so does the efficiency of truck engines. Nonetheless, the trucking industry is the heart and soul of the US economy. Whether you are delivering a work van for sale or delivering essential goods, you need to make sure that you’re taking the proper steps to ensure that your vehicle is running at peak performance. Here are some of the most important safety precautions you can take to ensure that you and your medium-duty truck are safe and sound when it’s cold outside.
Pre-trip Inspections
Before you head out on the roads this winter, be sure to give your truck a thorough pre-trip inspection. If you have just bought a delivery truck for sale and find any issues, be sure to fix them before you get on the road.
- Your vehicle’s safety equipment: Make sure you have all the proper safety equipment on your truck. You should have your fire extinguisher, flares, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
- Fuel: You should fill up with the proper grade of fuel, and make sure you don’t exceed the recommended amount of fuel.
- Tires: Make sure your winter tires are properly inflated. You should also check the tread on the tires, and that there are no bald spots. You should also make sure that the lug nuts are tight, and that the wheel bolts are tight.
- Windshield: Make sure your windshield is clear of ice and snow. You should also check that it’s properly sealed and that it doesn’t have any cracks or holes.
- Wipers: Your wipers should be in good working order, and they do not have any obstructions.
- Lights: You should also check that all your lights are in good working order.
- Engine: You should check that the radiator is full of coolant and that the oil level is at the correct level. You should also make sure that the cooling system is free from leaks.
- Battery: You should make sure that the cables are connected properly, and that the battery is securely mounted.
- Brakes: Your brake pads should be in good condition, and your brakes are in good working order.
- Suspension: You should check that the shocks are adjusted properly and that the tires are properly inflated.
- Steering: The steering wheel should be properly attached, and the steering column is secure.
Driving in Winter Weather
When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, driving becomes more challenging for everyone on the road. But, if you drive a medium-duty truck, there are a few extra things you need to be aware of to stay safe.
- Keep your speed down. It takes longer to stop or slow down on icy roads, so it’s important to give yourself extra time and space when traveling in winter weather.
- Use caution when braking. Sudden stops can cause your truck to skid, so it’s important to brake slowly and gently when driving in winter conditions. If you’re carrying a load, be extra careful when driving on icy or snow-covered roads. If possible, avoid stopping or starting suddenly, as this could cause your load to shift and put unnecessary stress on your truck’s brakes and tires.
- Don’t tailgate. If you follow another car too closely, it could be hard for them to suddenly hit the brakes and stop. Therefore, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
- Stay alert for black ice. This invisible layer of ice can be especially dangerous because it’s hard to see coming. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled for black ice when driving in winter weather. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when driving in winter weather conditions.
- Keep your truck in good condition. Winter weather can take a toll on your truck, so it’s important to keep up with maintenance and repairs throughout the season. Things like making sure your tires are properly inflated and your windshield wipers are in good condition can go a long way in keeping you safe while driving in winter weather conditions.
- Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for travel. This will allow you to account for any traffic or other unforeseen events that may delay you, which can be especially dangerous when driving in winter weather conditions.
- Be updated with the changing conditions. Check the forecast before heading out on a journey in winter weather conditions. Don’t risk driving especially if there is a zero-mile visibility warning.
- Have a list of emergency contact numbers in the event of an accident. It’s also wise to make a habit of updating these numbers on your phone.
What to Do if You Get Stranded
If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road this winter, there are a few things you can do to stay safe. First, call for help right away. If you have a cell phone, call 911 or your roadside assistance service. If you don’t have a phone on hand, try to flag down a passing car or truck.
Stay inside your vehicle. It will provide shelter from the cold and will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to keep warm but be sure to crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you start to feel sleepy, fight the urge to nap. Try to stay awake and move around as much as possible to keep your blood circulating. And finally, remain calm and patient. Help will arrive eventually!
Conclusion
Taking the necessary steps to prepare your delivery truck for sale in winter weather can help ensure safe and reliable operation. Regular maintenance, proper tire selection, and driver preparedness are all essential elements of a successful winter safety plan. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your medium-duty truck is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way!
Truck-N-Trailer has a wide variety of medium-duty trucks available for you to check out.
