- Bendix Tech Tips outlines preventive steps for winter readiness.
- Focus areas: air systems, braking systems, ADAS, and tires.
- Early maintenance minimizes downtime and improves safety performance.
- Proper preparation protects against corrosion, freezing, and system faults.
As temperatures begin to drop, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is urging fleets and drivers to take proactive steps in preparing their vehicles for winter. The company’s latest Bendix Tech Tips advisory outlines essential maintenance actions to protect braking and air systems, optimize advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and maintain operational efficiency throughout the harsh months ahead.
Air Systems: Preventing Freeze and Moisture Damage
Modern trucks depend on clean, dry compressed air for systems ranging from braking and emissions control to transmissions and stability management. Moisture accumulation can freeze, disrupting multiple subsystems.
Key recommendations include:
- Manually drain air tanks before freezing temperatures set in — every three months for line-haul trucks, and more frequently for high air-use vehicles.
- Replace the air dryer cartridge and purge valve before winter to prevent ice buildup and corrosion.
- Use oil-coalescing cartridges like the Bendix® PuraGuard® for superior protection against oil aerosols.
- Limit de-icing chemical use, as these can damage seals and O-rings.
“Moisture in the system can condense and freeze, increasing the risk of valve and brake malfunctions,” said Brian Screeton, Bendix manager – technical training and service. “The dryer is your first line of defense.”
Brake System: Inspection and Lubrication Are Critical
Cold weather and road chemicals accelerate corrosion, making regular brake inspections essential.
Bendix recommends:
- Inspecting brake chambers for corrosion or damage, ensuring slack adjusters are aligned evenly across axles.
- Checking dust plugs and seals, particularly in chambers like the Bendix® EnduraSure®-Pro, which uses an integrated check valve to block contaminants.
- Inspecting air disc brake components, including caliper boots, pads, and rotors, for wear and proper movement.
- Lubricating slack adjusters, clevis pins, cam tubes, and bushings to prevent moisture intrusion and freezing.
“Drivers should look for corrosion early before it leads to functional failures,” said Keith McComsey, Bendix technical sales lead, Wheel-End.
ADAS and Tires: Maintaining System Reliability
Winter conditions can impair the accuracy of collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and stability control systems. To maintain ADAS effectiveness:
- Clean all cameras and radar units before trips and monitor for obstructions such as ice or salt film.
- Check for active diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and confirm sensor alignment, especially after windshield or bumper work.
- Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and tightness.
Tires also play a critical role in braking and ADAS performance. Technicians should verify tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), inspect tread depth, and confirm proper bolt torque.
“Even minor buildup or sensor misalignment can impact the accuracy of these systems,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions.
Bendix reiterates that while advanced safety technologies enhance vehicle operation, they do not replace a skilled, attentive driver.
Access to Additional Resources
Fleets can find more winter preparation materials and technical training through the Bendix multimedia center at knowledge-dock.com and the Bendix Online Brake School at brake-school.com. Technical documents, service data sheets, and bulletins are available at bendix.com and B2Bendix.com.
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