Preventative winter vehicle maintenance is the best defense against breakdowns during the winter season, especially in Toronto and Niagara Falls. At Coral Truck Equipment, we want to help you be proactive and stay safe this winter with these 5 winter vehicle maintenance tips for your work truck.
1. Maintaining Your Engine and Fuel
One of the most common causes of winter breakdowns in Toronto and Niagara Falls is running out of fuel or experiencing frozen fuel lines. To prevent this from happening, it is important that you properly maintain your engine and fuel by keeping your fuel tank at least half full at all times and adding an anti-gel additive every time you fill up. It is also a good idea to change your fuel filter and water separator regularly. You should also avoid letting your truck sit for long period of time. Try starting the engine at least once a day, allowing it to run for 10-15 minutes.
2. Keeping Your Battery Functioning Properly
Keeping your battery functioning properly can also help prevent common winter breakdowns in Niagara Falls and Toronto. Make sure to check the strength of your battery regularly and to replace it if it is old or starting to show signs of wear. If you live in a colder climate, you might want to consider using a block heater to warm up your engine and related fluids prior to starting it.
3. Preventing Cooling System Breakdowns
It is important to check your cooling system regularly in order to prevent winter breakdowns in Toronto and Niagara Falls. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended in the owner’s manual, and the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. You should also make sure to have the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses checked regularly by a professional technician.
4. Perform Regular Checks on Heaters and Defrosters
Performing regular checks on your heating system can help ensure that it stays in working order. You should also make sure to inspect and replace windshield wipers when needed, as well as the levels of your washer solvent, de-icer, and other fluids.
5. Taking Care of Your Tires
Frequently checking the tread and pressure of all tires can help you avoid blowouts and flat tires. Make sure to replace any tires that are showing signs of wear and consider switching to tires made specifically for traction in snow during the winter months.
If you would like to learn more about these 5 winter vehicle maintenance tips for your work truck, or if you are interested in one of our products (truck equipment, truck lift gates, truck bodies, and snow equipment), please contact Coral Truck Equipment at 289-808-9252 or by filling out a contact form on our website. We are proud to serve Ontario customers in Toronto and Niagara Falls.