Prepare Your Fleet for Winter Conditions

As colder weather approaches, it’s crucial for fleets and truck drivers to proactively prepare their vehicles for the winter months. This article, part of the Bendix Tech Tips Series, offers practical guidance on maintaining essential systems such as air brakes, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and air management technologies. Following these preventive measures can help reduce downtime, improve safety, and keep commercial vehicles operating efficiently throughout the winter season.

Key Highlights:

Air System Maintenance: Regularly drain air tanks to prevent moisture buildup, which can freeze and cause system malfunctions. Replace air dryer cartridges and purge valves if needed.
Brake Inspections: Conduct thorough brake system checks, focusing on air brake chamber integrity, proper lubrication, and caliper inspection for vehicles equipped with air disc brakes.
ADAS System Checkups: Ensure stability control and collision mitigation systems are in optimal working condition. Clear external sensors of snow and ice and check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Tire and Wheel-End Care: Monitor tire tread depth, inspect for unusual wear, and lubricate critical components to prevent corrosion.

Protecting the Air Supply

Commercial vehicle air systems are increasingly integrated with essential technologies like brakes, automated manual transmissions (AMTs), and emissions controls. To ensure these systems function reliably, it’s important to prevent water accumulation in air tanks, which can freeze in winter and lead to valve malfunctions. Bendix recommends manually draining the tanks every three months for line-haul trucks and more frequently for trucks with higher air use. Replacing air dryer cartridges and purge valves before winter can further safeguard the air system from moisture.

Brake System Preventive Maintenance

Brake systems, including wheel-end components, require careful inspection ahead of winter. Technicians should look for corrosion and damage to air brake chambers, especially after exposure to harsh road chemicals. For vehicles with air disc brakes, it’s important to check for damage to caliper boots and ensure pads move freely. Lubricating automatic slack adjusters and other components will prevent moisture buildup and corrosion.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced safety technologies such as collision mitigation and stability control offer critical support during winter’s unpredictable road conditions. Before heading out, drivers should verify that ADAS components like external cameras and radars are clear of obstructions. Tire pressure monitoring systems should also be checked, as rapid temperature swings can affect tire performance.

With winter just around the corner, taking these proactive maintenance steps can help commercial vehicles stay operational and safe in challenging conditions. For more detailed information and technical resources, visit Bendix’s online platforms. Bendix experts at brake-school.com.

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