Maintaining a vehicle is not an easy task by itself, but when combined with extreme winter conditions, it gets even harder. As an owner-operator of a truck you probably have drove through some heavy snows, but if you are just starting your trucking business or you still cringe when someone says “winter driving”- we are here to give you some easy tips on how to keep your truck in working order during the winter and, of course, protect yourself while driving in cold weather conditions. The trucking insurance is a good thing, but staying safe is your best friend.

Stay safe

Remember to keep your grab bars and cab steps clean – remove all snow and ice from them to prevent any slipping, otherwise you risk to fall down and hurt yourself. Always use the 3-Point method when entering or exiting your vehicle – this is no non-sense method and will keep you safe, so don’t underestimate it.

Be studious

Don’t rush when going on a trip – start it off right. Make a pre-trip inspection, unplug the block heater, start the engine and keep it running until the temperature in the vehicle increases enough to become operating. Being on time and meeting your deadlines is vital for your job, but as we’ve mentioned – winter temperatures can be tricky, so you need to take care of your truck.

Don’t be irresponsible

Protect your truck. Extreme weather conditions can cause all sorts of trouble to your vehicle if you don’t address all the necessary precautions. If you won’t be using your truck in the next few days or more – remember to start it and let it run for a while at least once every day. Purge the air tanks daily, if you truck has air brakes.
Also, remember to take care of your truck insurance. Occupational Accident insurance is a must – it is a type of policy which offers benefits to individual contractors who are injured in a trucking-related accident, so take care of your trucking insurance as soon as possible. Winter can be tricky – we can’t stress this enough.

Be cautious

Driving through snow? Ice? Winter rain? Hit the brakes lightly before parking your vehicle, so you can dry off the brake shoes, rotors, drums and pads. This will keep your brakes from freezing, while you are not driving. Also, do not park by a building overhang – the snow falling from the building can get heavy on your trailer and cause your roof to collapse.

Stay warm

Your truck may be safe and you may took a good care for it, but you should also take care for yourself – remember to get some warm clothes and change every time you clothes get wet. You might think it’s no big deal, but hypothermia and frostbite are potential dangers. Stay warm at all times.

So there you have it, friends – keeping your truck safe during the winter becomes a lot easier and doable if you follow these simple safety rules and take care of your vehicle. Remember – take care of your truck and your truck will take care of you. Stay sharp and stay safe.

For more winter driving tips and tricks, check out our last year's article.