Checklist for Winter Truck Maintenance

With the coldest months of winter upon us, it’s important to prepare your trucks for extreme cold temperatures. Extreme cold may impact the aftertreatment system heat management, which could impact the efficiency of your truck if not maintained properly.

Follow these winter tips to ensure your trucks operate at peak performance all winter long:

• Complete all applicable OEM factory and engine campaigns on the vehicle
• Clean the hydrocarbon fuel doser every 125,000 miles; if you are close to needing this maintenance, get it done for winter
• Remove and clean the DOC and DPF filter
• Replace the DEF dosing screen filter and in-line filter. If your truck has 150,000 miles or more, you should also have the DEF tank steam cleaned to remove debris build-up at the bottom of the tank
• Perform EGR cooler flush if the vehicle requires more than 30% idle time
• Replace fuel filters. If you consistently see signs of black in the fuel/water separator, put Killem in the fuel tanks to prevent algae buildup.
• Replace the coolant filter
• Check all electrical connections and routing specific to the engine, aftertreatment, and power of the vehicle; do not disconnect sensors during this inspection
• Inspect air filters and replace them if necessary; check the integrity of air intake hoses and pipes (including all air intake and EGR)
• Check battery charge status
• Inspect engine belts
• Inspect integrity of exhaust pipes and joints; replace any questionable clamps
• Inspect and test coolant for proper temperature protection levels
• Resolve and clear all fault codes
• If you are not currently running with an approved winter front or insulated DEF tank blanket, we highly recommend doing so
• Ensure that all drivers have spare fuel filters, fuel tank conditioner or treatment, and anti-gel products with them while traveling
• Regularly clean the cab, body, and undercarriage of your truck to get rid of road salts

Not only is it important to keep your trucks properly maintained, but to also ensure your drivers are prepared for any emergency situation. Make sure emergency kits are stocked with important items like road flares, a fire extinguisher, reflector triangles, first aid, water, blankets, and jumper cables.

Should any of your trucks need unexpected assistance, take advantage of Allstate Peterbilt’s Mobile Truck Service offering. Our OEM-certified technicians will meet you at your location to diagnose issues quickly and perform repairs on the spot, or you can schedule a regular service appointment at any of our locations.