Four Essential Winter Trucking Tips
There are countless reasons why people from across the globe admire Canada in the Winter. The snowcapped hills, towns concealed under a blanket of snow and the winter spirit, to name a few.
Although these factors make Canada a scenic setting, they create issues for truckers.
Whether it’s icy roads or poor visibility, driving here in winter can be dangerous. So, it is essential to prepare your truck to ensure you and your fellow commuters are safe.
Fortunately, you came to the right place.
Below are winter trucking tips to help you prepare for winter travel.
1. Bring an Emergency Winter Kit
The saying goes, “It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” This is especially true when safety is a priority in a possibly dangerous situation.
Here are some items you should consider including in your emergency pack:
- Extra warm clothing
- Blankets
- Non-perishable foods & water
- First aid kit
- Communication device
- Road flares
- Tools such as foldable shovels, flashlights, and ice scrapers
Examine your emergency pack regularly and replace expired or damaged items. Being prepared can make all the difference in unforeseen circumstances.
2. Adapt Your Driving Style
Some regions of Canada receive 335 cm of snow annually, so adapting your driving style is vital.
Drive slower than usual to allow for a longer stopping distance. Snow and ice make it difficult to stop quickly. So, leave plenty of space between your truck and other vehicles on the road.
It is also essential to avoid sudden acceleration or braking. This can cause your truck to skid. Slow and steady is the key.
To make your life easier, check the weather forecast and road conditions before you hit the road.
3. Truck Bed Weight for Winter
Adding weight to the truck bed is helpful in improving traction and stability in icy conditions. Too much weight can affect the truck’s performance, especially the braking distance. So, while adding weight can be helpful, it’s crucial to do so safely and within your vehicle’s limits.
4. Inspect Your Truck Before You Hit the Road
When you have deadlines to meet, it is understandable if you want to get on the road as soon as possible. However, don’t overlook one of the simplest yet most effective winter truck safety tips: make sure your truck is in good condition before setting off. Inspect the brakes, tires, lights, and windshield wipers.
Concerns? Arrange a maintenance visit at any one of our Elite Support Certified locations.
It is also a good idea to keep your fuel tank full. In cold weather, condensation can form in your fuel tank, which leads to fuel line freeze-ups. Refer to these fuel consumption tips to keep your tank topped up to cut the amount of air in the tank.
Be Winter Truck Ready This Season
Driving a heavy truck in the winter can be challenging due to the snow, ice, and changing weather conditions. By following our winter truck tips, you can have a safe and successful haul during the winter months. Here at RJames Management Group, we are here to help with service & commercial truck parts, and have a great selection of top-quality heavy trucks to ensure you always have a successful journey.