10 winter driving essentials for truck drivers

10 winter driving essentials for truck drivers

Winter is coming and so are all the extreme conditions that can complicate your trucking experience on the road. Here we compiled some winter driving essentials for truckers that will be cruising the country in the cold.

Index

1. 1. 1. Improve your daily routine
   1. 1. Prepare your road kit
   1. 1. Stay alert
   1. 1. Keep your distance
   1. Know when to stop

Improve your daily routine

• • • Plan your route in advance. That way you will know if there are any truck stops or parking you can rely on in case you need to stop OTR.
  • • Check weather conditions constantly. If there is anything sure about the weather, is its unpredictability. Checking frequently will let you know beforehand about any changes that could interrupt your trip.
  • • Don’t turn off the truck below 32ºF. When the temperatures drop, the engine can be affected by the cold and not turn on again.
  • • Don’t sleep or park with your trailer emergency brake. Using the trailer emergency brake for too long is advised against, and doing it during winter is even worse as you can get stuck. Use only your truck brake when parking or sleeping.
  • Drain the air tank. Moisture on the air tanks can become liquid and freeze if left too long. Draining it daily will prevent this type of damage to your tanks.

Prepare your road kit

• • Anti-gel fuel additive

• • Air Brake Anti-Freeze

• • -20ºF Windshield Washer Fluid

• • Reflecting vest

• • Extra pair of winter clothes

• • Tire chains/grips

• • Blankets

Stay alert

With limited visibility, you can encounter many elements that can put at risk your safety on the road: black ice, unexpected cars, and bumps on the road. Driving carefully and fully concentrated could give you an insight into what’s in front.

Keep your distance

If another vehicle stops suddenly on the road, it can be dangerous. Even more so in the winter when the road is slippery and tires don’t have the same traction. The distance needed to properly stop is larger than usual.

Know when to stop

No load is worth your life. If you are faced with life-threatening weather conditions, don’t keep driving. Knowing when to stop may delay your trip but it will prevent any greater misfortune from happening.

It’s important that you take into account these winter driving essentials, especially if you’re a truck driver. Our team is available 24/7/365 to assist each one of our drivers, also, we are currently hiring OTR drivers so you can keep growing in the industry. Give us a call if you want to apply to our Company Driver or Owner Operator openings!