Winter brings with it a slew of issues for automobiles of all shapes and sizes, but especially for those operating heavy-duty vehicles. Aside from skillfully maneuvering these behemoths down sleet-covered highways and maintaining control of the rig during adverse weather, truck operators must also be concerned about parts breaking down due to cold weather. This calls for an overall evaluation of the truck’s damaged body parts as well as winterizing the vehicle for convenient and safe use.

Let’s find out what are some of the most common truck part issues in winter and how they can affect the vehicle.

Under-inflated Tires

A heavy-duty vehicle such as a truck needs strong tire support to offer outstanding traction and handling, especially in the winter. Tires typically have a pound per square inch (PSI) rating that must be met. Failure to attain these levels may result in reduced tire air pressure. During the winter months, the air pressure in the tire drops dramatically; assume a 1-2 pound per square inch loss for every 10-degree dip in temperature. Under-inflated tires pose a significant risk of accidents, so it is vital to address this issue as soon as possible. You may also need to properly winterize your tires by installing tire chains for optimal traction while driving on snowy roads.

Frozen Wiper Blades

Amid the scramble to maintain or repair other critical truck parts, the upkeep of windshield wipers is often overlooked. However, these wipers are crucial in keeping mud, rain, and ice off your windshield and therefore improving visibility.  They’re also the parts that are directly exposed to the freezing weather outside and therefore at risk of being damaged.

Driving without properly functioning wipers can be a winter hazard. Before embarking on a long journey, truck owners must double-check the wiper blades and replace or install new ones if the old ones fail. Invest in a de-icing spray to keep the wipers frost-free and extend their life. It is also advisable to clear any accumulated snow from the windshield before hitting the road.

Faulty Batteries

The battery is the truck’s heart and soul. It is not only in charge of powering the engine but also of other systems such as heating and lighting. Cold weather puts strain on batteries, making them overworked and more prone to breaking down or dying. When temperatures fall below freezing, batteries use an exceptional amount of energy to operate the engine, more than they do during non-winter seasons. If your battery dies unexpectedly while driving, keep jumper cables on hand to provide emergency power.

Frozen/Blocked Fuel Filter

Clogged fuel filters are a common yet frustrating truck issue in winter. Cold temperatures cause diesel fuel to solidify and turn into sludge, as a result, blocking the filter. One solution is to treat the diesel fuel with a winter additive, which prevents it from hardening. ‘Idling’ is another simple approach to avoid this problem. It refers to the practice of leaving the truck’s engine running for an extended amount of time to prevent it from freezing.

Despite planned measures, things can still go wrong due to unforeseen circumstances. In addition to being prepared for vehicle part troubles, truck owners should have a truck accident attorney on whom they can rely in the event of an accident.