Top Winter Challenges Faced by New Drivers
Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 04:25 am
It’s not simple to drive in the winter. Truckers must be highly aware of all the driving problems and risky scenarios brought on by snow and ice weather in general when coping with the cold.
According to the Department of Transportation United States, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle accidents occur on snowy or icy roads each year, and 15% occur during snowfall or sleet. Vehicle incidents on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement result in about 1,300 fatalities and over 116,800 injuries each year.
To avoid ending up for vehicle engine repair during the winter, you must equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and abilities to face the obstacles that the snowy season brings.
Also Check: 10 Best Sedans For Snow And Ice Driving
First and foremost, there is safety.
Nothing is more crucial to a professional truck driver than their safety. Consider checking some of these items before getting on the road.
- Wiper Blades: Ice may build up on your windshield, ruining even a brand-new set of blades. Carry an extra set with you.
- Kitty Litter: If you have to stop in the middle of a snowfall, the warmth of your tires may melt the snow on which they are resting. Later, that liquid will most certainly freeze. To aid tire traction, carry a bag of ecologically friendly kitty litter.
- Check your lights: Snow accumulation might obscure your lights to other cars. Keep them free of clutter.
- Fuel Treatment: Diesel fuel can be harmed by freezing conditions. In icy conditions, consider applying an anti-gel.
- Emergency supplies: Bring additional blankets, gloves, food, and drink in case of a breakdown. You can also visit muffler installation shops to avoid inconvenience.
Here are some of the circumstances for which you must prepare:
Icy roads
Icy roads are one of the most challenging difficulties that truckers must deal with throughout the winter. These include navigating over slick inclines and slopes and executing precise turns. While winter tires and routine maintenance along with clutch mechanics can help your large rig, operate better on icy roads, your driving habits can also make a significant impact. Always drive slowly in the winter and be prepared for what is ahead. Assume that there will be ice-covered bridges, and you will not be alarmed if you come across one.
Keep an eye out for black ice, one of the most severe concerns truckers face in the winter. This is extremely thin, slippery, and nearly invisible on the road. Many automobile and truck drivers have been involved in road accidents due to entering into junctions covered in black ice that went unnoticed. Black ice forces trucks to jack-knife and spins out of control. This occurs when a trucker abruptly stops while turning. Drive gently and only apply the brakes when you are on a straight stretch of road.
Poor visibility
Another thing truckers should consider throughout the winter is visibility in places with heavy snowfall. Several trucks have recorded close calls while driving off the road amid lousy visibility. High-speed winds that carry snow often create this, obstructing the trucker’s vision of the road ahead. When low visibility causes the engine to get disoriented, some drivers choose to pull over to the side of the road or call it a day. This is also something you should do. Keep in mind that no delivery is more important than your life.
Passing snowplows
The Department advises truck drivers not to pass snow plows because it is unsafe. When a snowplow passes by, it pushes up snow, reducing visibility. It’s also a good idea to stay clear of snow plows. Maintain a safe distance between your rig and them. They’re sanding the icy road and applying de-icing or anti-icing chemicals to improve traction and make it safer for you to use the brakes. As a result, the safest driving surface is behind the plow in the winter. If you must pass quickly to make a deadline, avoid giving on the right, where you will be sprayed with snow from plows.
Dead battery
The average automobile battery lasts 4-5 years. Before the temperature lowers, have your local technician do a load test on your battery. Reduce battery drain while driving by decreasing the heating fan speed and turning off the window defrosters when not in use.
Clusters of traffic
While it’s best to avoid driving in a crowd of trucks and other cars, some drivers say it’s impossible to avoid since traffic tends to clump around organically. In this instance, you should drive carefully and attempt to leave as much space between your truck and the vehicle you’re following as possible.
Getting stuck due to deep snow
It’s challenging to find a spot to relax and wait for the storm to pass. Another is getting out of a snowy parking place. It gives your wheels the extra traction they need to go ahead and become unstuck. Otherwise, remain in your truck and wait for assistance.
Frozen fuel filters
During the winter, truckers frequently contend with blocked or frozen gasoline filters. Diesel gasoline may quickly gel and turn into sludge when the ambient temperature decreases. When faced with this issue, many drivers idle their trucks for many hours and then use the cabin heaters to maintain the gasoline flowing and clear the filter.
Cold Engine
Before leaving, let your engine idle for 30 seconds. Anything more wastes gasoline, wears down the machine, and shortens the life of the oil. Consider a block heater, a plug-in electric engine warmer that keeps your coolant and oil warm at night. This will save money on gas and allow the cabin to heat up more quickly.
Before you go
A snow brush, lightweight shovel, booster cables, gloves, windshield wiper fluid, and a flashlight should all be in your car. Keep an emergency kit along with muffler installation in your vehicle with non-perishable food and water bottles. Maintain a minimum of half-full gas tanks and go for vehicle engine repair and maintenance. It can aid in reducing moisture and freezing in the gasoline system and allow you to drive your car for warmth if you become trapped.
