Commercial truck driving is still a thriving industry that is constantly hiring, but there is a lot you’ll need to know before getting into it. Thanks to the time of year you’re deciding to join the profession, there are many weather concerns you’ll need to account for as well. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to prepare your semi-truck for winter weather. We don’t want you making a crucial mistake before your career even takes off.
Get the Equipment You’ll Need
Let’s begin with the most crucial step: ensuring that you have everything you’ll need for the trip. Usually, this includes items such as tire chains, grille protectors, and new windshield wiper blades. Really anything that will help your truck trudge through the snow, you should have in storage, just in case.
However, this also includes items for yourself. Extra clothes to bundle up in, a first aid kit, and some extra food and water are a great place to start. You have to be prepared to get stranded. It’s unlikely to happen, but you never know. Also, if you know anything about how trucks work, be sure to pack some tools in case you can fix this issue yourself.
Treat Your Diesel
This tip could be included with the previous one, but it’s a vital one, so we wanted to make a specific note of it. In cold enough weather, diesel gas has the chance to freeze over. In order to avoid this, you’ll need to put some anti-gel additive into your tank before refilling it, which will keep your fuel from freezing. Make sure you pack some extras for longer trips because it doesn’t last forever.
Winterize Your Cabin
Even if your trip goes smoothly, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your truck’s cabin, especially if you plan on sleeping in there, so you’ll want to make sure it’s warm. Not all semis have the option to run the heat without idling, which will cost you a lot more in gas, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s well insulated to keep out the cold. Another thing you can do is buy bunk warmers or portable car heaters that will keep you warm throughout the night without having to leave your engine on.
Find Additional Training
The final thing you can do to prepare your semi-truck for winter weather is to better prepare yourself. Obviously, when you’re new to the profession, your employer will send you through a lot of training to prepare you for what lies ahead, but they might not tell you everything you need to know about driving in the cold. That’s why you should personally look for advice or tips on how to drive more safely in the winter.
If you are really worried about it, you can either talk to your boss about it or seek out a professional trainer. They will be able to help you figure out what you must do to start this job on the right foot.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
