What can you do to keep your semi out of the trailer repair shop this winter? You can prepare your Fontaine trailer for winter weather challenges with a bit of semi winterization. Fall preventative maintenance ensures safety and reliability, reducing the likelihood of unexpected maintenance issues that could leave you stranded roadside in the cold.
Complete these Tasks to Keep Your Rig Running Smoothly Through the Winter
- Test your battery and charging system
Cold weather is tough on batteries, making them work harder to generate the energy to keep your truck running smoothly. This fall, check yours for signs of weakness, including a deformed case, fluid leakage, and corrosion. Be sure to have your battery voltage tested, replacing it if necessary to prevent late deliveries and the need for mobile trailer repair. Have your alternator tested as well to ensure lasting performance. - Ensure tires are properly inflated
Check the tires on your Mac trailer before each shift throughout the winter. Adjusting tire pressure for cold temperatures should be part of your regular fleet trailer maintenance routine. Remember: for every 10 degrees F the temperature falls, tire pressure drops about 2psi (in a 100psi tire). Lower pressure increases friction, leading to higher fuel costs and eventually tread separation and blowouts. - Make sure your oil and fuel blends are suitable winter weather
Plan an oil change early in the season, making sure you have the right viscosity oil to manage operation in chillier temperatures. To prevent diesel fuel from turning waxy when temperatures drop, choose fuel with a high cetane rating, keeping anti-gel additives on-hand. - Check your air dryer
Your air dryer is essential in winter weather, preventing water from freezing in your brake lines. Be sure to regularly check it, ensuring it is operating properly to avoid unexpected winter brake problems. - Replace wipers with sturdier winter blades
Winter blades are designed to stop ice from freezing onto components, remaining soft and flexible even in freezing conditions so you can rest assured you’ll always have a clear view of the road.
Don’t let the cold weather leave you shivering roadside waiting on semi-trailer repair. Put a freeze on unexpected trailer maintenance issues with preventative maintenance from Ainsworth Trailer Repair. Our trailer repair “fast lanes” deliver quality service in hours, not days, quickly tackling your winter trailer maintenance tasks and getting you back on your way. Contact us to schedule winter preventative maintenance for your Great Dane trailer or any other trailer today.
