By Dana Dagen
Regional Service Manager
Allstate Peterbilt Group
Being in the trucking industry, we are all more than aware of the headaches cold weather can create for drivers and maintenance managers alike. Most industry veterans are very familiar with the havoc that winter can cause for a truck’s fundamental components. However, many of us are not as comfortable with the newer technology of the engine and aftertreatment systems that are ever evolving.
With the complexity of today’s emission components, extreme cold temperatures present unique challenges. These conditions may affect the aftertreatment system heat management and thus the efficiency, if proper maintenance is not completed. In addition to the maintenance schedule in the Operator’s Manual, use the following tips to help insure that your engine and aftertreatment systems are at peak performance this winter:
OVERALL
• Complete all applicable OEM factory and engine campaigns on the vehicle.
• Resolve and clear all fault codes.
• Check all electrical connections and routing specific to the engine, after treatment and power of the vehicle—do not disconnect sensors during this inspection.
ENGINE
• Inspect engine belts.
• Inspect integrity of exhaust pipes and joints—replace any questionable clamps.
• Perform EGR cooler flush if the vehicle requires more than 30% idle time. (EPA10 only)
• Inspect air filters and replace if necessary. Also check the integrity of air intake hoses and pipes (includes air intake and EGR).
• Make sure engine block heater is working and cords are in good condition.Keep engine idle time to a minimum.
AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM
• Remove and clean the DOC and DPF filter.
• Replace the DEF dosing screen filter and in-line filter. Vehicles with 150,000 miles or more should have the DEF tank inspected for debris build-up. If debris is present, steam clean to remove debris at the bottom of the tank.
• Clean the Hydrocarbon Fuel Doser—complete every 125,000 miles. If you are getting close to the maintenance interval, perform this again before winter. (EPA10 only)
• Never shut off the truck when it is in the middle of the regeneration process.
• Top off DEF fluid prior to starting the truck so there is warm DEF in the tank. Remember that DEF fluid will freeze so it should be stored in a warm place above 40 degrees.
• If not currently running with an approved winter front or insulated DEF tank blanket, we highly recommend doing so.
Some may find the following points repetitive, but it never hurts to remind our service technicians and drivers to be vigilant in checking all truck components. These fundamental tips are essential for anyone in our industry:
FUEL SYSTEM
When the temperatures fall, fuel can become the first victim. If fuel’s not flowing the rest of the truck isn’t operating. Below are tips on how to prevent potential cold-weather fuel issues:
• Replace fuel filters. If you consistently see signs of black in the fuel/water separator, put Killem in the fuel tanks to prevent algae build up.
• Ensure that all trucks have spare fuel filters, fuel tank conditioner/treatment and anti-gel products with them while traveling.
• In extreme cold, make sure you use additional fuel additives.
• Top off fuel prior to having the truck sit for prolonged periods of time. Low fuel levels may lead to fuel freezing issues.
• Confirm all fuel heaters are turned on – some heaters are manual.
• Service and perform any preventative maintenance on auxiliary heaters before the weather turns cold.
COOLING SYSTEM
While the cooling system is important all year long, it requires additional inspection during the cold-weather months. In the winter hoses can shrink and there is more potential for leaks. Make sure you are continuously preforming the following items:
• Inspect and test coolant for proper temperature protection levels and determine if additives are needed.
• Inspect the integrity of all belts and hoses.
• Check the cooling system for leaks.
• Make sure all coolant is filled to proper levels.
• Replace the coolant filter.
• Service and perform any preventative maintenance on auxiliary power units before the weather turns cold.
BRAKES/AIR SYSTEM
The air brake system requires specific preparation for cold-weather. Any excess water or oil in the air system can gel or freeze causing valves to stick. Ultimately, this could lead to failure of brake actuation or release. It is important to inspect and prepare all components of the air brake system before cold weather hits:
• Check for cracked or worn brake shoes.
• Check for leaking wheel seals and contamination.
• Inspect air compressor– be sure to change filters on air dryer and drain water from air tanks on truck and trailer.
• Add airbrake antifreeze to the system during pre-winter months to help clear any water. Be sure not to use too much as it may dry out O-rings on certain valves.
• Keep wrenches and airline antifreeze readily available in case you need to unfreeze the air system.
• Stock the truck with a small propane torch for warming valves and a large hammer for freeing up frozen brakes.
• Keep extra glad-hand seals in trucks to ensure quick trailer hook-up.
• At the end of the cold-weather season, be sure to check all of the brake components again and determine if they need to be replaced in the spring.
BATTERIES
Cold-weather can affect even the newest batteries, but older batteries are much more likely to fail in the harsh conditions of winter. General rule of thumb is to replace all batteries every three to five years. For newer batteries, be sure to follow these tips:
• Check battery charge status.
• Tighten the battery connections and check for corrosion at each PM maintenance interval.
• If fuses are located in the battery box, inspect to ensure no corrosion build-up exists.
• Plug trucks in when not in use rather than letting the truck idle.
WINTER SURVIVAL KIT
As a final reminder; be sure to share the list below with your drivers to safeguard against any unexpected winter conditions. The following items are essential to have in the truck during the cold-weather months:
• Spare fuel filters
• Small container of fuel
• Tire chains
• Tarp to lay on for installing chains
• Emergency flares
• Windshield De-Icer/Scraper
• Tool Kit: Screwdrivers, Pliers, Box Knife, Wrenches, Duct tape, Spare bulbs and extra fuses
• Jumper Cables
• Multi-Purpose Tool
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlights and Batteries
• Shovel
• Bottled Water
• Waterproof Gloves
Operating your truck and your fleet in the winter can be a challenge. These are some suggested tips to follow to help keep you on the road.
Winter months can and will drain a truck battery faster than many managers realize. Moreover, battery connections corrode and get dirty in winter. Clean the connections and test the batteries regularly, so you can fix a potential problem before it costs you business. You should consider replacing batteries approaching 4 years old.
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