Snow and ice season is officially upon us - T&A Truck Specialist, Inc in Tampa, FL has some tips for you, in the likely event you encounter snow or ice on the road this winter.
Commercial trucks, particularly tractor-trailers, have a lot to worry about in slippery conditions. Sliding off the road is an ordeal in a large truck; in the best-case scenario it’ll take a lot more than a good Samaritan in a 4X4 to get you back on the road. While many techniques for driving on snow and ice remain the same for passenger vehicles and large trucks alike, some specifics for hauling a heavy trailer will help you navigate hazardous roads.
Firstly, turn off your Jake Brake. Letting off the throttle with the system engaged can cause an unexpected change in wheel power, causing your truck to lose traction. The name of the game on snow and ice is traction, and slow, steady, even power is the way to maintain it. Jake Brakes add unpredictability to an already unpredictable situation.
Try not to hit the brakes at all, by providing as much room as possible between you and other vehicles and looking ahead as far as possible while driving. Braking too hard can cause the truck or the trailer to break traction, and either the truck or the trailer will begin to slide. Regaining control once it’s lost is typically difficult, so avoid any sudden movements or changes in the action of your wheels.
Most importantly, slow down. Almost all accidents that occur in winter driving conditions are the result of a vehicle going too fast for the environment. If you can’t see far enough ahead and the road is too slick to effectively stop, it’s a recipe for disaster. Other drivers can cause an accident or lose control without warning, or you may see an accident after it’s too late. Slow and steady is the only way to approach travel in such conditions.
Know when it’s time to stop altogether and get off the road. It’s a lot easier to explain a late delivery than deal with the repercussions of a wreck or a truck in a ditch. Nobody can fault you for pulling over, but if you get in an accident you will almost certainly catch the blame.
Finally, keep your truck maintained. Good tires, windshield wipers, defrosters, wiper fluid, and clean mirrors are the difference between success and a catastrophe. Make sure your truck is well prepared for in climate conditions.
If you need an inspection, repair, or maintenance, come see our expert technicians at T&A Truck Specialist, Inc before attempting to tackle hazardous roads. We’ll help you prepare your truck for the in-climate weather ahead and do what we can to make sure you make it to your destination safely and without issue.
