Snow
- Thread starter cpboy_1
- Start date
First thing is slow down! Do not follow to close as you need more room to stop and to turn. Keep your dash cleared off to let your vents work to keep the windshield clean. Keep good windshield wipers on the vehicle. We keep the reservoir full of windshield washer as you go through lots of this stuff through winter. We keep lots of water in the truck and food just in case the road is closed. Keep lots of warm clothes and blankets also. As a treat we like to keep hot chocolate hand!
When in very cold conditions and the roads look wet watch the vehicles that pass you to see if spray is coming off their tires. If no spray you are probably on ice and when safe to do so lightly touch the brakes to feel how the vehicle reacts. If the road is slippery or icy let the truck slow down slowly with you in control.
When in very cold conditions and the roads look wet watch the vehicles that pass you to see if spray is coming off their tires. If no spray you are probably on ice and when safe to do so lightly touch the brakes to feel how the vehicle reacts. If the road is slippery or icy let the truck slow down slowly with you in control.
Get yourself a good sleeping bag. I bought a large rectangular one rated to -30 at Cabelas for $80. I also have a down mummy bag which fits inside the rectangular one.
When driving in snow I keep my cab as cool as possible and have the heat coming out of the floor vent. Most dry snow will blow off a cold windshield instead of melting and freezing on the wipers.
First trip up north buy some -30 or -40 rated windshield washer fluid. Keep your fuel tanks full, but try not to top off in southern states. Buy winter blended fuel. Also use a fuel additive like Power Service. Carry an extra set of fuel filters and know how to change them. Drain your air tanks daily.
If you will be running out west have tire chains.
Or go with Rich's philosophy. Too bad I live in Minnesota. Ya you betcha.
When driving in snow I keep my cab as cool as possible and have the heat coming out of the floor vent. Most dry snow will blow off a cold windshield instead of melting and freezing on the wipers.
First trip up north buy some -30 or -40 rated windshield washer fluid. Keep your fuel tanks full, but try not to top off in southern states. Buy winter blended fuel. Also use a fuel additive like Power Service. Carry an extra set of fuel filters and know how to change them. Drain your air tanks daily.
If you will be running out west have tire chains.
Or go with Rich's philosophy. Too bad I live in Minnesota. Ya you betcha.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
they make some stuff you can pour in your tanks if you think they are gelling up but I can't remeber what it's called. Also get some rubbing alcohol and mix it in with your windshield washer fluid.
NoProblem
Expert Expediter
I always had the best results keeping the windshield as cold as possible, i.e. avoid using the defrosters, especially in sleeting conditions.
Go to Walmart and add 2 or 3 BIG bottles of rubbing alcohol to your washer fluid. You may need more - don’t be afraid to add more..........sometimes you may need 4 or 5 BIG bottles!
A major point to consider on this subject is going down hill in winter.
Slow down BEFORE you get to the grade and don't be afraid to use your flashers before the grade as well as on the way down.
Use the CB to warn super truckers behind you in plain English your direction, location, and intentions and let them pass if they choose.
Stabbing the brakes must be done with extra caution in winter, especially around curves - stab BEFORE the curve, not IN the curve. Bridges in a curve are flat out dangerous in winter and warrant additional caution.
Let those super truckers who wish to pass do so - just hope ya don't see them on their side a mile or two up the road - as I have on 6 separate occasions after I was passed on slick mountain roads.....I guarantee they were no longer in a big rush after that experience.
REMEMBER - you are the captain of your ship! If YOU say that it is too dangerous to roll, inform dispatch, then, get to safety and SHUT DOWN! There is no freight in the world that is so hot, that it won’t immediately cool off in a ditch!
#1 Rule to always live by is: "If you don't know, GO SLOW....or don't even go."
BE SAFE!!
Go to Walmart and add 2 or 3 BIG bottles of rubbing alcohol to your washer fluid. You may need more - don’t be afraid to add more..........sometimes you may need 4 or 5 BIG bottles!
A major point to consider on this subject is going down hill in winter.
Slow down BEFORE you get to the grade and don't be afraid to use your flashers before the grade as well as on the way down.
Use the CB to warn super truckers behind you in plain English your direction, location, and intentions and let them pass if they choose.
Stabbing the brakes must be done with extra caution in winter, especially around curves - stab BEFORE the curve, not IN the curve. Bridges in a curve are flat out dangerous in winter and warrant additional caution.
Let those super truckers who wish to pass do so - just hope ya don't see them on their side a mile or two up the road - as I have on 6 separate occasions after I was passed on slick mountain roads.....I guarantee they were no longer in a big rush after that experience.
REMEMBER - you are the captain of your ship! If YOU say that it is too dangerous to roll, inform dispatch, then, get to safety and SHUT DOWN! There is no freight in the world that is so hot, that it won’t immediately cool off in a ditch!
#1 Rule to always live by is: "If you don't know, GO SLOW....or don't even go."
BE SAFE!!
Knowing that traction is best when accelerating, fair when cruising, and poor when braking, I always slow down before a curve, and gently accelerate through it & this is especially important on wet/snowy roads. Another thing to beware of: fallen leaves, if wet, can be quite slick, and a fair sized patch of them can send you into a ditch, too.
The first thing I can tell you is you are following too close. Drop back twice as far as you think you should. The second thing I can tell you is you are following too close. After you dropped back twice as far in step one above, do it again. I can't count the number of times I've seen super truckers following WAY too close to the next vehicle. On a clear, dry, summer day you should be able to count at least 6 seconds of open space to the vehicle in front of you. In winter at least 12 seconds. It doesn't matter what speed you are going, as long as you have the time interval in between. You might be the one in a thousand who doesn't follow too close but you'll see hundreds who do for any one you see who isn't.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
Something else don't use the jake brake in snow and ice. I always carried a propane torch with me just in case my brakes freeze up over night and need thawing out. Most times on tractor brakes they will break themslves lose when you start rolling. Tractor trailers usually don't set the trailer brakes in extremely cold weather because they will freeze up and have to be thawed. If you have been running awahile and pull in a truck stop parking lot circle around a few times before parking to let your tires cool off. Then when you get in a parking spot you can go back and forth a couple of times to get them cool. If you don't cool them off they melt in the snow/ice and make a little trough and you will be stuck. Belive it or not even when you are running on snow pack your tires get warm.
Pappy
Expert Expediter
All of the above advise that has been given is good advise! If you heed to it, you will perhaps survive this winter---And each year you survive on the road in my opinion greatly increases your chances of surviving another year out there!
I live in SC and have been on the road for the better part of 37 years. If I can do it---you can too!
Be Careful!
Pappy
I live in SC and have been on the road for the better part of 37 years. If I can do it---you can too!
Be Careful!
Pappy
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Snow is not what you worry about, it is the slush and the ice that matter.
#1 - Always be prepared. make sure you have some sort of emergency kit, candle, flashlights(plural)with extra batteries, a couple blankets and some food. The blankets may not be for you by the way.
#2 - Make sure that you dump your air often.
#3 - Don't assume that people can see you, even if you weigh in at 30,000 lbs and four times bigger than they are - always assume that they will hit you before you hit them.
#4 - Make sure that your tires are properly inflated or just a little under inflated.
#5 - make sure that your coolant level is up to the proper level with the correct type and mixture of coolant.
#6 - Change your wiper blades going into winter and again in the spring. Make sure you use the proper washer fluid and remember if you do go add the alcohol to the mix, it will shorten the life of the blades and hoses if there is too much in the mix.
#7 - If it is sleeting, crank up the heat and find a place to safely park and wait it out. Sleet is freezing rain and freezing rain is just that Freezing so it means that ice will form everywhere, the mirrors, the antennas, the grill, the traffic lights and the road. A lot of mixtures used for snow will not work on pure ice.
8 - Wash your truck often.
#1 - Always be prepared. make sure you have some sort of emergency kit, candle, flashlights(plural)with extra batteries, a couple blankets and some food. The blankets may not be for you by the way.
#2 - Make sure that you dump your air often.
#3 - Don't assume that people can see you, even if you weigh in at 30,000 lbs and four times bigger than they are - always assume that they will hit you before you hit them.
#4 - Make sure that your tires are properly inflated or just a little under inflated.
#5 - make sure that your coolant level is up to the proper level with the correct type and mixture of coolant.
#6 - Change your wiper blades going into winter and again in the spring. Make sure you use the proper washer fluid and remember if you do go add the alcohol to the mix, it will shorten the life of the blades and hoses if there is too much in the mix.
#7 - If it is sleeting, crank up the heat and find a place to safely park and wait it out. Sleet is freezing rain and freezing rain is just that Freezing so it means that ice will form everywhere, the mirrors, the antennas, the grill, the traffic lights and the road. A lot of mixtures used for snow will not work on pure ice.
8 - Wash your truck often.
>I am new to the expediting industry. Well actually I have
>been driving for about 7 months. I'm from the south, and we
>don't see alot of snow in Georgia. Does anybody have any
>tips from driving in the snow, or cold temps.Thanks.
What everyone else said and...
Don't try to be the "highway or freight hero" and keep rolling to get to your destination despite conditions.
Keep yourself well informed about upcoming weather conditions in areas you are heading into.
Keep a very close eye on the road surface as it can turn from wet to icy very quickly... to that end get yourself an outdoor temperature gauge and monitor it. If you are rolling along with the temperatures above freezing and notice the temp starting to drop... you have a heads up to start being a whole lot more cautious.
We run mostly Canada; however, I remember rolling through upper New York state last year heading towards Canada... Just about the time I noticed the outdoor temperature hovered near the freezing part and said to myself "the fun is about to start" the action started on the highway... cars off to the side, trucks jackknifing, one 4-wheeler got sideways on a curve right in front of us, etc.
When the road gets slick you need to operate the truck smoothly... no hard stops, no mashing the fuel, no quick movements on the wheel and definitely no cruise control or jake brake.
But, back to my original point... don't be afraid to stop and hole-up somewhere until conditions improve.
>been driving for about 7 months. I'm from the south, and we
>don't see alot of snow in Georgia. Does anybody have any
>tips from driving in the snow, or cold temps.Thanks.
What everyone else said and...
Don't try to be the "highway or freight hero" and keep rolling to get to your destination despite conditions.
Keep yourself well informed about upcoming weather conditions in areas you are heading into.
Keep a very close eye on the road surface as it can turn from wet to icy very quickly... to that end get yourself an outdoor temperature gauge and monitor it. If you are rolling along with the temperatures above freezing and notice the temp starting to drop... you have a heads up to start being a whole lot more cautious.
We run mostly Canada; however, I remember rolling through upper New York state last year heading towards Canada... Just about the time I noticed the outdoor temperature hovered near the freezing part and said to myself "the fun is about to start" the action started on the highway... cars off to the side, trucks jackknifing, one 4-wheeler got sideways on a curve right in front of us, etc.
When the road gets slick you need to operate the truck smoothly... no hard stops, no mashing the fuel, no quick movements on the wheel and definitely no cruise control or jake brake.
But, back to my original point... don't be afraid to stop and hole-up somewhere until conditions improve.
Practice in fair weather putting your tire chains on. Learning how to do it in a blizzard is the less attractive option.
Avail yourself to impromptu skid pad training if you get the chance. If you find yourself in an area where snow is on the ground and IT IS SAFE TO DO SO (open area, nothing to hit nearby), drive slow and stomp on the brakes a few times to see how the truck behaves. If you can safely do so (again, in an open area with nothing to hit nearby), put the truck into a skid to see how that feels and practice regaining control.
Most important, as mentioned above, slow down in snow and do not hesitate to stop driving if you feel it is unsafe to proceed. Also, if your truck is equipped with a lift axle, learn how lift-axle settings can change the traction characteristics of your rear wheels.
Avail yourself to impromptu skid pad training if you get the chance. If you find yourself in an area where snow is on the ground and IT IS SAFE TO DO SO (open area, nothing to hit nearby), drive slow and stomp on the brakes a few times to see how the truck behaves. If you can safely do so (again, in an open area with nothing to hit nearby), put the truck into a skid to see how that feels and practice regaining control.
Most important, as mentioned above, slow down in snow and do not hesitate to stop driving if you feel it is unsafe to proceed. Also, if your truck is equipped with a lift axle, learn how lift-axle settings can change the traction characteristics of your rear wheels.
Bookmark this URL and refer to it, if possible prior to accepting a load if you have time, if you are unsure of the weather. You can get a pretty good idea of what to expect along your route as far as the interstates. It's usually up to date and a good representation. Below the map you can choose different days to display as well as other views besides the interstate highway forecast.
http://tinyurl.com/32frcf
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
http://tinyurl.com/32frcf
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
Another thing. The fastest way in summer isn't always the quickest way in winter. Sometimes you may have yo go out of route to go around the storm if you are dead set on running and don't want to park. I'd just assume park and wait it out.
You are absolutely right Cheri. Bad weather is one time a CB is invaluable. Especially on interstates, if you listen, you will hear what the weather is 2 or 3 states away. Usually, you will hear exactly what mile marker the bad weather starts and stops.
Dreamer
Forums Administrator
Expeditersonline.com
Truckme.com
"Ability can take you to the top, but it takes Character to keep you there."
- Zig Ziglar
Dreamer
Forums Administrator
Expeditersonline.com
Truckme.com
"Ability can take you to the top, but it takes Character to keep you there."
- Zig Ziglar
and you will hear exactly where the darn interstate is closed!
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
my winter rules are easy,if I am home and it is snowing,dont call, I'm staying warm inside.
If i'm on the road,then usually I'm sent into the heart of the storm,so i go with the flow,but if chains are needed,the sign on the chain bags I have says:"leave in bag,go to motel"
If i'm on the road,then usually I'm sent into the heart of the storm,so i go with the flow,but if chains are needed,the sign on the chain bags I have says:"leave in bag,go to motel"