Winter truck and trailer maintenance: preventive or reactive? Avoid costly surprises!

When winter hits, trucks and trailers are subjected to harsh conditions that can lead to costly repairs or breakdowns. While reactive maintenance—fixing issues when they occur—might seem convenient, it can lead to unplanned costs, downtime, and safety risks, especially in winter. Relying on reactive fixes can cause a snowball effect that impacts your fleet’s reliability.

Instead, adopting a preventive maintenance approach helps you stay ahead of potential problems. This proactive strategy not only saves time and money but also ensures your fleet remains safe, compliant, and fully operational throughout the season.

Preventive maintenance: what to focus on to protect your fleet

Preventive maintenance tackles issues before they escalate. Focusing on these key areas will keep your fleet safe and operational throughout the winter months:

1. Tyres condition

Worn tyres can reduce traction by 30% to 50%, making it essential to maintain at least 3mm of tread depth. Worn tyres are also prone to bursting, particularly at high speeds. Regularly inspect for wear signs like center wear (indicating over-inflation) and outer wear (indicating under-inflation). Additionally, comply with local snow chain regulations, as these enhance traction and safety on snowy roads.

2. Tyres pressure

Proper tyre pressure ensures safety, reliability, and reduces fuel consumption. Check tyre pressure a few hours after parking and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. In snowy regions, check local regulations on mud and snow tyres. Installing a TPMS system can help detect slow punctures early and maximize tyre lifespan.

3. Brakes and Air Systems

Cold weather can severely affect brake systems by freezing or splitting brake connections and air pipes due to condensed water. This can lead to brake failure or excessive wear on linings, drums, and discs. To avoid these issues, regularly check the sealing rubbers on coupling hands and keep spare yellow and red air coils onboard. Also, ensure the air tank is drained frequently to remove condensation and prevent freezing, ensuring safe and reliable brake performance throughout winter.

4. Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for safe winter driving, particularly during longer nights. Regularly inspect all lights—including headlights, brake lights, and indicators—to ensure they function correctly and are free from ice or snow obstruction. In addition, misaligned headlights, especially after maintenance or load changes, can create hazards, so always adjust according to manufacturer specifications. Well-maintained lights significantly improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

5. Trailer/Truck body and structure

Snow buildup can add dangerous weight to trucks and trailers. Check the trailer/truck body for signs of wear or damage, as winter weather can exacerbate existing issues. Snow buildup can add dangerous weight to trucks and trailers, impacting their performance and safety. Ensure seals and roofs are intact to prevent moisture buildup, which could compromise your cargo and overall trailer integrity. Regular inspections will help maintain the longevity of your trucks and trailers during harsh conditions.

6. Battery and Heating system

Cold weather can reduce battery capacity, so regularly check the battery's condition, terminals, and charge level, particularly for batteries over 3-5 years old. Inspect the truck's heating system for irregularities, such as unusual noises or poor heat output, and ensure parking heaters work properly to reduce engine wear and improve cold starts.

7. Coolant and Windshield maintenance

Keep coolant at optimal levels with a 50/50 antifreeze mix, checking hoses for leaks. Regularly inspect and replace windshield wipers to maintain clear visibility, and use washer fluid with a high antifreeze content to avoid ice buildup in the lines.

Long-Term Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

Taking a preventive approach doesn’t just minimise breakdowns—it offers significant long-term advantages:

• Cost savings: Early detection of minor issues is cheaper than emergency repairs.
• Maximised uptime: Your trucks and trailers stay operational, reducing downtime and delays.
• Extended fleet life: Routine checks prolong the lifespan of critical components.
• Improved safety: Ensuring your truck and trailers are in top condition minimises accidents and compliance risks.

Conclusion

Winter presents unique challenges to truck and trailer fleets, but relying on reactive maintenance puts your operation, safety, and budget at risk. Adopting a preventive maintenance approach helps minimise downtime, reduce costs, and keep your trucks and trailers in top condition all season long.