4 Quick Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

Winter is upon us and NOW is the time to think about your truck maintenance needs. Taking care of critical maintenance and repairs before the Winter weather hits can be a lifesaver. Not just from a cost perspective, but from a safety standpoint as well.

Some simple preventative maintenance that is a part of every Dickinson Fleet service plan includes making sure all coolant levels are adequate, batteries are in good condition with time left in a typical lifecycle, and of course inspecting the tires to ensure they’re ready for mother nature.

In addition to making sure maintenance is performed and all equipment is in good working order, there are some things each and every driver can do to make it through the Winter season. Take a look at these helpful reminders…

#1 – Clean Snow Off Your Truck

Make it a point to clean off all windows, mirrors, and lights before driving in the snow. Do this every time before you begin your route for the day. As you go along, snow will no doubt begin to build up again. Often times, people just continue to drive but it’s absolutely imperative to pull over and take a few minutes to clean everything off again.

Remember, it’s not always about how the truck appears to you, but how it appears to other people. Not being able to fully see the lights of an oncoming semi can be a serious driving hazard.

#2 – Watch Out for Black Ice

Black ice is arguably one of the most dangerous road conditions during Winter driving. When this thin layer of ice forms it can make the road look very deceiving. Often times the sun is out and the road only looks a little wet. Well, that doesn’t meant there’s not some black ice hiding out there.

A key thing to look for is the disappearance of spray from the vehicles in front of you. Another thing you might notice is ice build-up on a trucks mirror arms, antennas, or the top corners of the windshield. This means that even though it may not look like it, things are freezing back up and there are bound to be some slick spots.

#3 – Have an Emergency Kit

Emergencies happen. And it’s always better to be prepared – especially in the Winter. Some “must have” items include a good pair of shoes, heavy duty socks and durable jackets, gloves and hats.

It’s always a good idea to have plenty of non-perishable food on hand, blankets, a power source and a first aid kit. It can also never hurt to have some tire chains, cat litter and/or sidewalk salt with you in case you get stuck.

#4 – Don’t Try to be a Hero

Maintain a safe following distance and don’t try to do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with behind the wheel. When it comes down to it, there may be times when you just need to shut things down. Make it a point to frequently monitor the weather and your route. And, most importantly, rest when you need it.

Mobile Maintenance from Dickinson Fleet

If you are a Fleet Manager reading this list and feeling slightly overwhelmed for your drivers, consider taking a worry off your plate by letting Dickinson Fleet take care of all your maintenance. Dickinson Fleet is the nation’s leader in mobile truck maintenance and repair. We currently have 200 mobile trucks equipped with state of the art technology visiting our customers nightly in nearly every major city in the country.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Contact us online or call 855-DFS-4111