Tips for Operating Freight Trucks in Fall Weather
Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, you can still follow these tips when it comes to driving freight trucks.
With Labor Day behind us, it really does feel as though the summer is over. Even though the official beginning of autumn isn’t for a few more weeks, it’s time to adjust to new conditions on the road. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, you can still follow these tips when it comes to driving freight trucks.
Make Sure You Have Enough Coolant
Don’t ignore the next round of diagnostics checks. These inspections are essential for ensuring that your truck will continue to run smoothly even in the face of bad weather. One way to pass the diagnostic check is to make sure you have enough coolant. By doing this, you can also verify that the antifreeze delivery system is still intact. If something is wrong with it, then it’s past time to get it fixed. No matter what time of year it is, Mother Nature can be unpredictable and vindictive. Don’t let anything unfortunate happen to you as you operate freight trucks in uncertain fall weather!
Leave Plenty of Time
Time is an invaluable asset, especially in the trucking industry. Do whatever you can to make your job easier and your life less stressful. A relatively painless way to do this is to leave plenty of extra time on your routes. That way, you aren’t pushing your luck in potentially falling behind your next deadline. Rain, snow, sleet, ice, and hail can all be problems. Now, this depends on where you are going, how long you will be gone, and how close to the onset of winter you are. Keep an eye on the forecast for every part of the trip, and make sure you have places to stop and rest – yes, even freight trucks need to stop from time to time.
Stock Up on Antifreeze
As we noted above, antifreeze is incredibly important. Antifreeze gel protects your diesel engine from freezing. That way, your fuel won’t turn into sludge and you won’t have to take the time to stop your freight truck and refuel.
Collect Winter Survival Gear
Always keep a small kit of necessary items, such as winter survival gear, in the cabin with you. Freight trucks are large and heavy, and you never know when you might get stuck somewhere.
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