As falls gives way to winter, many states will start experiencing snow, or already have. However, that doesn’t mean that the truck traffic can stop. This vital lifeline of our country needs to stay open year-round to deliver all the goods to people who need them.

This year, in particular, the delivery of goods is vita as most states have experienced a level of lockdown and limited movement. In order to ensure that the truckers and their vehicles are in top form when the snows arrive, we reached out to truck manufacturers at Curry Supply to share some tips.

Inspecting the Vehicle

One of the most important things to do before any trip is to check your vehicle and ensure it is in good condition. That’s true for regular drivers as it is for truckers driving eighteen-wheelers.

Starting with the tire pressure, make sure that all of your tires have roughly the same pressure, as it can affect the balance and handling of your vehicle.

Making sure that the proper type and amount of antifreeze solution is in your vehicle is also key for handling and longevity of your vehicle. If you’re unsure about any of it, consult your mechanic or your company headquarters for more information.

How to Tell If the Road Is Freezing Over

A handy tip known to many experienced drivers could tell you whether the road is frozen over, or is close to it. This should signal you to be more careful and turn and brake more gently.

Pay attention to the spray that your tires or the tires of vehicles around you. If the snow and sleet are being displaced by the tires, the road is not freezing over, but if you notice that the spray is significantly reduced, that means that the water is solidifying and that the road is freezing over – extra caution is advised.

Evade or Brake Hard?

Another useful skill to learn is determining how to best react to sudden trouble ahead of you. Even if you would normally brake hard if the road was clear, winter conditions are special and you should reconsider every aspect of your driving.

Depending on the state of the road, and your speed, you may need to gradually reduce your speed instead of braking in order to avoid skidding on the road.

If, however, there is no time or space to slow down gradually, changing lanes in order to avoid the obstacle is preferable to braking.

Lights All-Around

One thing that most people dislike about winter is just how quickly it gets dark. Depending on the part of the country you’re in, you may see the sun set as early as 4 PM. Even though it is a bit annoying for most people, for professional drivers, this can be a real hazard.

If you’re not sure when it gets dark, it is best to turn on the lights as soon as you start driving – that way you won’t be surprised even in the cases when a sudden blizzard of fog descents quickly –you’ll already be illuminated.

Keep Your Windows and Mirrors Free of Freezing

There are a few ways people remove the frost from their windows and mirrors. However, rubbing alcohol solution seems to be the quickest and longest-lasting.

If you don’t have a store-bought product, you can make it yourself – 50:50 solution of water and rubbing alcohol should remove all the frost and keep it off of your windows and mirrors for the full day.

Happy driving.

Elbert Price