Winter is here and it’s time to break out those shovels and ice scrapers. While some may find joy in the first snowfall, truck drivers know it’s time to buckle up and prepare for what lies ahead. Don’t let cold weather slow you down – stay safe and keep on rolling.
Bendix Tech Tips recently released several tips to ensure fleets and drivers are well-equipped for the challenges of winter, keep reading to see what they have to say on staying safe when winter weather strikes.
Brake Checks
“In winter road conditions, it’s even more crucial that your brakes perform at their best – and the time to get them ready is before they’re put to the test on snow and ice,” said Mark Holley, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, wheel-end. “Fortunately, the most effective preventive maintenance practices for your brakes are pretty straightforward: regular inspections and lubrication.”
As winter approaches, it’s crucial for drivers and technicians to be aware of potential damage and corrosion to key components of their trucks. Moisture and harsh road chemicals can wreak havoc on air brake chamber housings, so it’s important to inspect them during routine walk-arounds. In the garage, technicians should also ensure that chamber dust plugs are properly seated to prevent corrosive materials from entering and causing internal damage.
For added protection, consider using a sealed chamber, which features a dust plug with an integrated check valve. This design allows air to escape without allowing moisture and contaminants to enter.
When inspecting air-disc-braked vehicles, technicians should pay attention to the boots for any punctures or tears, as these can lead to corrosion. It’s also essential to check the integrity of the guide pins and replace any damaged parts. Ensure that the shear adapter cover is in place and properly seated. If necessary, remove the pads and clean the carrier surface with a wire brush. Additionally, confirm that the brake moves freely on its guidance system.
Don’t forget about lubrication. It plays a crucial role in preventing moisture buildup and corrosion. Prior to winter, be sure to grease all automatic slack adjusters, clevis pin connections, cam tubes, shafts, and bushings.
Clearing the Air
“Your truck’s air system is significantly more vulnerable to trouble in the winter, especially if you’re driving through temperature changes and dealing with freeze-and-thaw cycles,” explained Jason Kolecki, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, air supply and drivetrain. “That means every system it’s connected to is also more susceptible to damage, from brakes to automated transmissions, advanced safety systems, and emissions controls.”
Bendix suggests some essential steps to prepare your vehicle for the winter season. First, manually drain the air tanks to eliminate any remaining moisture from the previous months. While draining the tanks every three months is a good practice for most trucks, those that use a significant amount of air may require more frequent draining.
Next, check if your air dryer cartridge needs to be replaced. If it hasn’t been replaced recently or if you notice moisture during the tank drainage, replacing the cartridge is an easy and crucial step. The air dryer cartridge is vital for your vehicle’s air system, especially during winter when condensation and freezing can lead to valve and brake issues.
Most truck manufacturers now equip vehicles with oil-coalescing dryer cartridges, to prevent oil aerosols from entering the system. If you have one of these cartridges, ensure that you replace it with a similar one to maintain the system’s functionality. Standard cartridges can cause malfunctions and shorten the lifespan of components if oil aerosols pass through them.
Lastly, consider replacing the purge valve as part of winter maintenance. Corrosion and debris buildup can rapidly occur during the winter months, so it is advisable to start with a new purge valve, especially if the existing one shows signs of damage.
“The last big thing that comes up every year is to remind people about the hazards of using de-icing solutions on a frozen air system,” Kolecki said. “And we know that sometimes they’re unavoidable for getting trucks back on the road quickly and safely. But keep in mind that once they’re in the system, these chemicals can damage O-rings and valves, so you really should try to affect as small an area as you can and keep an eye on those parts later on in the garage.”
Supporting Your Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies
“Cold weather, wind, snow, ice, and sleet often make for rapidly changing and unpredictable road conditions, and there are several straightforward ways to keep driver-supporting systems like stability control and collision mitigation working at their best,” noted TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, controls. “In addition to making sure there are no active DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes), drivers can double-check their wheel-ends for adequate tire tread depth and unusual wear like cracking, along with making sure all bolts are tightened. And pre-trip inspections should include clearing obstructions like snow and ice from any external cameras and radars that are part of forward- or side-mounted collision mitigation technology or lane-departure warning systems.”
Don’t overlook the importance of properly functioning tire pressure monitoring systems in your vehicle. Winter temperature swings can impact tire inflation, so it’s crucial to have technicians check that everything is running smoothly in the shop. In addition, it’s essential to ensure electrical connections are secure and watertight, protecting against moisture, salt, and road chemicals.
By following the right maintenance and inspection practices, you can significantly increase your safety on the road during the winter months. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Source: Trucking Info
