Winter Driving is Serious
What's in This Guide
Pre-Trip Winter Preparation
Winter demands extra attention during your pre-trip inspection. Cold weather affects every system on your truck and trailer differently, and what works fine in summer can fail in freezing temperatures.
Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F temperature drop. A tire that was properly inflated at 70°F can be 4-5 PSI low when it's 20°F outside. Check pressure when tires are cold.
Antifreeze Levels
Verify your antifreeze is rated for the temperatures you'll encounter. A 50/50 mix protects to -34°F. If you're heading into extreme cold, consider a 60/40 antifreeze-to-water ratio.
Lights & Visibility
Clean all lights and mirrors before every trip. Snow and salt buildup can reduce visibility and make your trailer harder to see. Carry extra washer fluid rated for -20°F or colder.
Fuel Treatment
Add diesel anti-gel treatment before temperatures drop below 20°F. Once fuel starts gelling, treatment won't reverse it. Prevention is the only solution.
Winter Pre-Trip Checklist Additions:
- Brake pads/drums — ensure no ice buildup overnight
- Air tanks — drain moisture to prevent freeze-ups
- Windshield wipers — check for cracks or stiffness from cold
- Fuel filters — water in fuel can freeze and block lines
- DEF tank — ensure adequate level (DEF freezes at 12°F)
- Tire chains — verify you have the right size and they're intact
Identifying & Handling Black Ice
The Invisible Danger
Where Black Ice Forms
Bridges & Overpasses
These freeze first because cold air circulates above and below. Treat every bridge as potentially icy when temps are near freezing.
Shaded Areas
Sections of road shaded by trees, buildings, or hills stay frozen long after sunny areas have thawed. Mornings are especially dangerous.
Intersection Approaches
Vehicle exhaust and packed snow can create ice patches at intersections. Approach slowly and brake early.
Early Morning Hours
Between 4-8 AM is peak black ice time. Roads that were wet from melting during the day refreeze overnight.
How to Spot Black Ice
Watch other vehicles: If spray stops coming off tires on what looks like a wet road, it's probably ice.
Look for a gloss: Black ice often has a slightly darker, glossier appearance than surrounding pavement.
Check your outside temp: If it's 28-36°F and the road looks wet, assume it could be ice.
Feel your steering: If your steering suddenly feels light or loose, you may be on ice.
If You Hit Black Ice
- Don't panic. Sudden movements make things worse.
- Don't brake. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast.
- Don't overcorrect. Keep your steering wheel pointed straight ahead.
- Wait it out. Black ice patches are usually short. You'll regain traction.
Safe Winter Driving Techniques
Speed Management
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions. Winter roads are not ideal.
- Light snow: Reduce speed by at least 1/3
- Heavy snow: Reduce speed by half or more
- Icy roads: Maximum 25-35 mph regardless of posted limits
Remember: You can be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions even if you're under the speed limit.
Following Distance
Your stopping distance increases dramatically on winter roads:
Dry pavement: 4-5 seconds following distance
Wet or packed snow: 8-10 seconds minimum
Ice: 15+ seconds — stopping can take 10x longer
Don't tailgate. If the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, you need room to stop gradually without jackknifing.
Engine Brakes on Ice — DON'T
Disable your Jake brake on ice and snow.
Engine braking can cause drive wheels to lock up, leading to jackknifing. Use gentle, steady pressure on service brakes instead. Downshift slowly and let the truck slow itself naturally.
Handling Slides
If the trailer starts to slide:
- Stay off the brakes — braking makes it worse
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go
- Accelerating slightly can help straighten the trailer
- Once straightened, gradually reduce speed
If the tractor starts to slide:
- Take your foot off the accelerator
- Steer in the direction of the skid (if the rear slides right, steer right)
- Don't overcorrect — small, smooth adjustments
Emergency Preparedness
Getting stranded in winter can be life-threatening. Always carry emergency supplies and know what to do if you're stuck.
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials
If You Get Stranded
- Stay with your truck. It's easier to find and provides shelter.
- Call for help. Contact roadside assistance, dispatch, and 911 if needed.
- Make yourself visible. Turn on hazards, set out triangles, tie something bright to your antenna.
- Conserve fuel. Run the engine 10-15 minutes per hour for heat. Crack a window to prevent CO buildup.
- Keep moving. Move your arms and legs periodically to maintain circulation.
Preventing Diesel Fuel Gel
Diesel fuel begins to gel (cloud) when paraffin wax in the fuel crystallizes at low temperatures. This can clog filters and fuel lines, leaving you stranded.
Cloud Point vs. Pour Point
Cloud Point (~15-20°F): Wax crystals start forming. Fuel looks cloudy.
Pour Point (~0°F): Fuel thickens and won't flow through lines.
Winter blend diesel is formulated for colder temps, but don't rely on it alone.
Prevention Steps
- Add anti-gel treatment BEFORE cold hits
- Keep fuel tank at least half full
- Buy fuel in the region where you'll be driving
- Carry extra fuel filter if heading into extreme cold
Pro Tip
How CRUMS Leasing Supports You in Winter
At CRUMS Leasing, we understand that well-maintained equipment is your first line of defense against winter breakdowns. Here's how we help keep you moving:
Pre-Winter Inspections
DOT-Ready Fleet
GPS-Equipped Trailers
Responsive Support
Ready to Lease with Confidence?
Whether it's winter or summer, CRUMS Leasing provides reliable equipment and support so you can focus on driving.