Seasonal Truck Maintenance

Trucks and trailers are susceptible to damage from changes in temperature, humidity, and driving conditions. Preventive Maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your trailer, especially during a change in seasons.

Fastfrate is committed to providing the resources and training to maintain a safe working environment for our drivers. Our health and safety team prepares for the cold weather by actively reminding our drivers to triple-check all equipment.

Fastfrate reminds drivers to regularly check:

Tire Pressure 

Pressure will rise in hotter temperatures and fall in colder weather. To ensure safe and effective operation, both situations demand attention and, if necessary, adjusting. Truck efficiency can be greatly improved by having properly inflated tires.

Tire Tread

The tread depth of trailer’s tires becomes even more important as the weather becomes colder and snow starts to fall. Ensure that every tire complies with federal requirements, which call for steer tires to be at least 4/32 inches and all other tires to be at least 2/32 inches.

Braking System 

As roads become slick with ice and snow, trailer brakes must be capable of stopping the vehicle. When driving in challenging winter circumstances, a comprehensive inspection of the brake hardware and ABS system can provide a piece of mind.

Exterior

Although road salt can increase traction on pavement, it is highly corrosive. To avoid reducing the lifespan of both the vehicle and trailer during the winter, it’s crucial to frequently use a truck wash.

Trailer Lubrication 

In addition to routine cleanings, rigorous lubrication of trailer parts, particularly during the winter, can help prevent corrosion. The kingpin, 5th wheel pivot and plates, main rail, and drag link are a few of the parts that need to be inspected every 12,000 to 24,000 miles.

Moisture 

Moisture can cause the breakdown of insulating materials within the walls, which could have a detrimental effect on thermal efficiency. It is critical to look for any exterior or interior wall damage, such as rips and punctures. Numerous problems might arise from any holes that permit moisture to enter the walls, ceiling, or floor.

Climate Controlled Efficiency 

When a refrigerated trailer’s walls are damaged, the refrigeration system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperatures, which uses more fuel and puts more strain on the machinery. Regularly checking the trailer’s weight can assist in identifying any moisture buildup, water pickup from condensation, or leaking into the walls, floor, or ceiling.

Check the panels, frame, or hinges of the rear doors for damage or warpage to ensure a proper seal.

Additional Support

Fastfrate employees are recommended to have an emergency road kit in their vehicle’s trunk or cargo space. It is important to pack or replenish these supplies:

1. First Aid Kit
2. Fire Extinguisher
3. Blanket
4. Road Map and Compass
5. Extra Clothing and Footwear
6. Paper Towels or Rags
7. Sand, Road Salt or non-clumping Kitty Litter
8. Flashlight with Extra Batteries
9. Emergency Food – anything that won’t spoil like granola bars, nuts or chocolate
10. Ice Scraper and Snowbrush
11. Cell Phone
12. Candle in a deep tin
13. Waterproof Matches
14. Shovel
15. Booster Cables

For more maintenance tips, visit here.