6 Winter Safety Tips for Truckers

The cold months are here, which means you need to start taking precautions as you drive your commercial truck. Whether it’s checking over the parts in your engine to ensure you don’t need to replace the Caterpillar C15 injectors to make sure your diesel doesn’t gel inside the engine, here are some tips to keep your big rig running smoothly as the weather drops and snow falls. 

Caterpillar C15 ACERT Inframe Kit

Check Parts for Pre-Maintenance

First, give your engine a once-over. Do you need to replace any parts? You will want max fuel efficiency, so if your Cummins ISX injector or turbocharger needs replacing or repairing, now is the time. You might also want to check the wear and tear on your camshafts, as well as all of the engine seals and valves.

Don’t Idle

Idling in winter is bad for diesel engines. Instead, you want to stop as little as possible. This keeps the engine warm, which decreases the chance that the fuel will gel. You can also use an engine block heater, but this will only keep the engine at its temperature. It will not heat an engine from the ambient temperature.

Get an Additive

You can also get an additive for your fuel that will help stop it from gelling up and harming your engine. While kerosene was used in the past, it has become fairly expensive, especially for maintaining a fleet. There are other additives that work, as well, that can keep your truck going.

Get Winterized Fuel

The best idea, however, is to use winterized fuel. This usually comes with multiple additives, often making sure your diesel fuel will work in temperatures well below zero. It can also give you some power back, as the cold decreases efficiency. Make sure your equipment is rated to use the winterized fuel, however, as not all engines are. While you are at it, if your antifreeze and coolant are more than two years old, replace the fluids.

Check Your Ignition System

Your ignition system is also very important in the cold weather. Diesel engines don’t use spark plugs as normal gasoline engines do. Glow plugs may not work in cold weather, which is why you need to make sure yours is still working and does not need to be replaced.

Is the Battery Charged?

Finally, you should check to see if the battery is strong and charged. If it is weak and charged, consider replacing it before it stops working, and your big rig fails to start up. If it has a low charge, it is definitely time to get a new battery, especially if you are going to be heading north.

About Internet Diesel

If you are looking for the best place to buy diesel engine parts, Internet Diesel will fit the bill as the only shop you need. No matter what part you need for a diesel make and model, Internet Diesel offers the highest quality parts and the longest part warranties of any online site selling diesel engine parts. If you find a part cheaper at a competitor, they will match or beat the lowest advertised price. No matter if you need Caterpillar C15 ACERT inframe kit or a Cummins turbocharger, the Internet Diesel team will help you get your big rig out of the mechanic’s shop and back onto the open road as fast as possible. The team takes pride in the fact that Internet Diesel was one of the first online sites to sell diesel parts. The expert staff can help you find the right part for your big fig and give you the advice you need. Internet Diesel is your partner on the road.

Find all the parts you need to keep your truck running in the winter with Internet Diesel at Internetdiesel.com

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