WINTERIZING YOUR TRUCK and/or FLEET FOR SAFE DRIVING

Old Man Winter will be here before you know it! So, now is the time to prepare your truck or fleet for safe driving through sleet, snow and ice.
First on your list should be winterization service including fuel and air-brake prep to remove any condensation that may have built up during hot weather; and a check of your cooling system for any cracks or leaks in connective hoses and belts. Coolant and windshield wiper fluids should be topped off, oil swapped out for a winter-grade variety with tires checked for air pressure and tread depth or changed over to snow tires. The lights, battery, windshield wipers, defroster and cab heater should be inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary. Since chips often turn into cracks during cold weather, a close look at the windshield for damage (and necessary repairs) could help prevent a larger issue down the road.

Extra steps to combat extreme weather conditions include the addition of a heater to the truck’s engine block to help warm the engine, oil and battery and to promote better starting. It can also reduce fuel consumption and help to extend the life of the engine. Tire chains can prove useful when navigating through snow, ice and in high elevations. Just make sure, if you store them on-board, that they are the right style and size, in excellent condition, and that you or your drivers are trained to properly install them.
Now that your truck is ready to roll, let’s talk about what to put into your emergency road kit. Most professional truckers usually need to tap into their back-up supplies during a breakdown, or when they’ve pulled over for safety during snow and ice storms. That’s why flares and hazard triangles are on the top of our list. We also suggest emergency kits include a flashlight and spare batteries; heavy duty jumper cables; a bag of sand or kitty litter and a shovel; basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and a wrench; a compass, rope; blankets & warm clothing including extra socks, gloves, scarf and hat; as well as a fully-stocked first aid kit. You may also want to invest in a portable battery charger for your smartphone.
Armed with a freshly-serviced truck and a stock of winter-worthy supplies, we hope you enjoy a safe winter season on the road. We know you have deadlines to meet, but please remember that safe winter driving usually means traveling at a slower pace. Please don’t speed or follow vehicles too closely. Getting into an accident or sliding into a ditch are simply not worth the couple of minutes that you might have saved.

Locally owned & operated for many years, A & M Truck and Trailer Repair provides certified truck and trailer repair in Greenwich, Ohio as well as 24-hour roadside assistance. Located at the intersection of two major truck routes – State Route 224 and U.S. Highway 250 – we hope you stop by to see us soon. Click on “contact” on our homepage at www.amtrucktrailerrepairinc.com to set an appointment, or call us at (419)-929-4127.

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