8 tips to prepare your truck for winter

The frosty winter season is upon us as your vehicles continue to hit the roads of the country and abroad.  But winter won't stop your trucks and buses from running smoothly. There are a few simple things you can do yourself that are crucial to staying safe during the cold months with your truck.

1. Always follow the original vehicle manufacturer's manual, maintenance and repair instructions for your truck .

2. Outside the vehicle you can check the wipers.  If they are more than 1 year old you can replace them. If you can, replace them with special ones designed to clean accumulated ice and snow.

3. Check the washer fluid. Top off the tanks with special windshield washer and headlight washer fluid suitable for freezing temperatures.  Also check brake fluid, power steering fluid, and of course coolant.

4.  Also check all exterior lights. Make sure they work and are not broken and clean them on the outside.

5. Change oil and filters. If the oil hasn't been changed recently, this is a good time to do it. Change all air, fuel and oil filters.

6. Emergency kits. Every truck should be equipped with an emergency kit. Don't forget a fire extinguisher, triangle and reflective vest.

7. Make sure of the condition of the tires you are driving. They should be for the winter season.  Make a good assessment of the routes your vehicles are travelling.  You can use tyres with deeper treads and chains for trailers and semi-trailers. You can also review the spare tire to see what condition it is in and if it is serviceable.

8. If your vehicles are fitted with self-contained heaters (heaters), whether 'dry' or water heaters, it is advisable to test their condition.

Some of these details and checks may seem small or pointless, but any road safety precaution is of great importance.

Donau Trucks GmbH - Your truck partner