Palmerston ON, winters are pretty unforgiving. Between the heavy snowfall, icy roads and frigid temperatures, your gas and diesel trucks take a beating. You can minimize the effects of the cold, snow and ice with winter truck care in Palmerston. CDP Diesel & Auto provides preventative maintenance in Palmerston ON, throughout the year, and can do an extra inspection and winter truck care before it gets too cold.
Items to take care of or check before winter sets in include:
Battery Care
Batteries hate the cold. They do better if you keep them warmer. In the fall, inspect the battery for corrosion and loose terminals. Have the charging system tested by CDP Diesel & Auto in Palmerston ON. We’ll make sure it’s operating at full capacity. Finally, use a battery blanket or engine heater to keep the battery warm.
Check the Antifreeze
Part of preventative maintenance in Palmerston ON, is flushing the coolant. It contains chemicals to regulate the engine temperature and keep the coolant from freezing. Frequently check the coolant level. If you have ever added plain water to the radiator, have an auto tech at CDP Diesel & Auto check it to make sure the antifreeze is still viable.
Tire Maintenance
Tires are a significant safety factor any time of year, but especially in the winter. You might consider choosing winter tires over all-season tires. Depending on where you travel, you may also want to carry tire chains. Always check the tire pressure and the tread depth. Rotate the tires every other oil change so they wear evenly. Also, check the tire tread for uneven wear that shows suspension or alignment problems.
Oil Change
Your truck’s engine requires high-quality oil of the right viscosity for the winters in Palmerston ON. Winter oil has a lower viscosity, which flows better. Keeping up with regular oil changes ensures the engine runs smoothly.
Fuel System Maintenance
Whether you have a gas-powered truck or a diesel-powered truck, it needs extra attention during the frigid winters. Fuel additives can prevent diesel fuel from gelling when it gets below freezing. Always keep the tank as full as possible, especially if you have a diesel truck – this minimizes the amount of moisture buildup in the fuel tank.
Heating and Defrost
Each fall, have CDP Diesel & Auto in Palmerston ON, check the heating and defrost system in your trucks. The heater is important because it keeps you warm, but the defrost is imperative as it allows for visibility.
Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Another crucial check is the wiper blades. Most people don’t think about them until they don’t do a good job of clearing the windshield. Check the blades for dry rot, cracks and other problems. Make sure they are not stiff. Check the washer fluid reservoir and make sure it’s full with washer fluid. Water freezes where washer fluid doesn’t.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Truck
For safety reasons, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Should you break down and a tow truck can’t get to you immediately, you can be warm and dry. If you’re stuck, you don’t want to let your truck run until it’s out of fuel. At the minimum, it should have:
- First-aid kit
- Portable shovel
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- A warm blanket for each passenger
- A change of warm, dry clothes for each passenger
- Non-perishable food, such as granola bars, energy bars and chocolate
- At least 2 liters of water for each person
- A tarp for protection from the wind and weather
- Fire-starting materials, such as dryer fluff, small, dry twigs, and some kindling
- Kitty litter to help get yourself unstuck
- Waterproof matches
- Rain gear or a waterproof jacket with a hood
Contact CDP Diesel & Auto in Palmerston ON, for Repair and Maintenance
Whether you need preventative maintenance on a diesel vehicle or gas vehicle, contact CDP Diesel & Auto at (519) 418-3344 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment. We are conveniently located at 114 Noble Family Road, Palmerston ON NOG 2PO, Canada.
