Cold weather comes in quick every year – one moment you’re enjoying a sunny 65 degree day, and suddenly there are freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions.
Winter weather brings cracked pipes, frozen brakes, and costly repairs if not properly prepared for. We all know winterizing your vehicle is a must to maintain safety on the road, but what about your trailer and cargo?
Winterizing your trailer and cargo can help prevent breakdowns and save on lost time this snowy season. Follow this guide to help you prepare for winter driving.
1. Inspect & Clean Trailers Thoroughly
Salt coats roads to give vehicles more grip in icy conditions, but it’ll also coat your tractor and trailer with salt and road grime – effectively reducing your visibility to others. Salt can also eat into metal parts and damage trailers when left on for too long.
Clean the outer body of trailers regularly to remove salt, dirt, and grime to prevent corrosion. Check for rust, leaks, or cracks before winter sets in, it’s far harder to do preventative maintenance or quick fixes in freezing, salty conditions than in typical road conditions. Consider applying a protective wax or anti-rust spray for protection. It’s not about sparkle, it’s about preventing corrosion.
2. Drain Water Systems
Even the smallest amount of trapped water can freeze and expand in any system, causing cracks. Drain all water lines, tanks, and pumps to prevent freezing. A non-toxic antifreeze is a must for winter safety as well.
3. Protect Tires
Air condenses when exposed to cold temperatures, and the air in your tires follows this rule too. Check tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended PSI.
Tire protection goes further than making sure they’re fully inflated – get a grip on the road this winter with Mytee Product’s snow tire chains that prevent ice damage and work hassle-free in heavy snow.
4. Grease & Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving parts need love too, built-up moisture can lead to rust and stiffness. Apply grease to hinges, jacks, and locks to keep them from freezing.
5. Check Brakes & Lights
Winter grime gets everywhere and wants nothing but to break down the surface it’s on, including electrical components. Inspect brake pads, wiring, and connectors, as well as all trailer lights. Lights may not be visible through built-up snow and dirt, so check their visibility often.
Also Read: 11 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
6. Cover & Protect Trailers
High-quality tarps or trailer covers are perfect for protecting your trailer from corrosive winter grime. Mytee Products stocks a wide variety of protective, waterproof, breathable flatbed tarps for your trailer this winter.
7. Check Battery Health
Cold weather drains batteries – and fast. If your trailer has a battery to charge, disconnect the battery, store it somewhere warm and dry, and connect it to a trickle charger to ensure proper battery life when you need it next.
Trickle chargers are a fantastic way to maintain your battery’s charge levels without overcharging. They provide a constant, low-level voltage to negate the loss of battery life over time.
8. Undercarriage Protection
Road salt and slush corrode metal frames incredibly quickly. If you are a driver in southern states and have taken a trip up to colder northern states, then I’m sure you have noticed the difference in your truck before and after being exposed to salt and road slush.
Clean your trailer and coat it with a rust inhibitor for optimal undercarriage protection. Periodic inspections during the winter months are also a great idea for preventative maintenance.
9. Emergency Supplies
Being prepared can save you in any emergency situation, but wintertime warrants being prepared for a lot more than just a breakdown. Keep jackets, blankets, de-icer, shovels, cables, flashlights, and tire chains in your breakdown supply kit. Even keeping recovery supplies like recovery straps or towing equipment can help you get out of a bind.
Stay One Step Ahead This Winter
Proactive maintenance and care are essential for safety during the winter months. Nobody wants to have unexpected emergencies that could have been easily prevented, so stay one step ahead of harsh weather by following the tips in this article. Haul safely and reliably this winter with Mytee Products.
