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When winter rolls into New Braunfels, it may not bring blizzards like up north, but don’t be fooled, cold snaps, icy mornings, and sudden temperature shifts can still wreak havoc on your heavy-duty truck. Whether you're hauling cross-country or just running routes through Central Texas, proper winter preventive maintenance is non-negotiable.
Let’s dig into the five essential winter maintenance tasks every truck owner needs to have on their checklist.
1. Inspect and Maintain Your Cooling System
First things first: your cooling system isn’t just for the summer heat. It plays a vital role in winter, too. That coolant in your reservoir? It’s a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, designed to keep your engine from freezing in cold weather while regulating internal temps under load.
If the coolant ratio is off or if it’s old and broken down, it can’t do its job. That leads to overheating, cracked blocks, or worse. Before cold weather strikes:
- Test your coolant’s freeze point.
- Inspect the radiator, hoses, and water pump for leaks.
- Make sure the fan clutch is engaging properly during low-speed operation.
2. Battery and Charging System Check
Ever tried cranking a diesel in cold weather with a weak battery? It's like trying to start a bonfire with a wet match. Diesel engines need extra amps to fire up in the cold, and that puts your battery and starter system under serious stress.
Cold weather slows chemical reactions in the battery, reducing output. Combine that with increased draw from glow plugs and starter motors, and your truck might just leave you stranded.
Here’s what to do:
- Load test your battery.
- Clean corroded terminals and cables.
- Check your alternator’s output to ensure it’s recharging properly while running.
Don’t forget the starter motor either, if it’s drawing too much amperage or spinning slowly, it’s only going to get worse in the cold.
3. Air Dryer & Brake System Service
If there’s one system that hates cold, wet air, it’s your air brake system. Moisture in your air tanks can freeze, blocking airlines and rendering your brakes ineffective, or locking them up entirely.
Enter: your air dryer. Its job is to strip moisture from the system before it becomes a problem.
Before winter:
- Replace the air dryer cartridge (especially if it’s been more than a year).
- Drain your air tanks to remove residual water.
- Inspect for cracked or worn airlines and fittings.
Remember, Texas mornings can dip below freezing fast. One frozen line is all it takes for a full brake failure.
4. Check Engine Oil and Cold-Start Fluids
Cold temps thicken engine oil, slowing flow to vital parts during startup. That delay increases wear, and that’s not something you want on a rig that already logs hundreds of thousands of miles.
Depending on your OEM’s recommendation, winter might call for a lower-viscosity oil. This allows quicker lubrication during cold starts while still protecting under load.
Also:
- Check oil pressure after cold starts.
- Inspect your glow plugs, if they’re weak, starts will be rough or delayed.
- Consider stocking cold-start aids (like ether-based sprays), but only use them according to manufacturer guidelines.
A well-lubricated engine is a happy engine, especially when it’s waking up on a 28°F morning in New Braunfels.
5. Tire Pressure and Tread Inspection
Tires lose pressure when the temperature drops, roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F. That means what was safe in September could be dangerous by January. Improper pressure leads to reduced traction, irregular wear, and an increased risk of blowouts.
Your action list:
- Check and adjust tire pressure weekly.
- Inspect for signs of sidewall damage or tread separation.
- Ensure tread depth is within legal and safe limits, especially for steering and drive tires.
If you’re planning runs into colder northern states or higher elevations, consider carrying chains and knowing when to deploy them. Don’t get caught unprepared.
Protect Your Truck This Winter
Winter in Texas may not be the beast it is elsewhere, but diesel engines, air brake systems, and cold starts don’t care what the calendar says. They only respond to preparation.
By staying ahead of these five preventive maintenance tasks, you're not just protecting your truck, you’re protecting your time, your business, and your bottom line. Take the time now to prep, and you’ll glide through winter like a hot knife through brisket.
Need help with your winter truck maintenance in New Braunfels? Call the trusted experts at Apex Diesel Repair and Parts to schedule a winter preventive maintenance inspection or service today. For more information on truck repair, read our article on how to spot driveline issues.
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