I have had some laughs this last few weeks as we've had several snowstorms in a row (4). I can't beleive the stupidity or the lack of thought of some drivers in this weather. I've seen running shoes in foot deep snow (not a snowbank), pouring in dregs of windshield washer fluid that no where near half fills the reservoir, small none extendable snow brushes or scrapers trying to clear the windshield off a tractor and so on.
So really people it pays to be prepared for this inclement weather as you never know when you're going to be stuck somewhere in the great white north.
Carry a couple of jugs of washer fluid and at least -40 rated. I like the green stuff as it seems to not freeze until below -35 + windchill where as some of the cheaper blue -35 stuff freezes much sooner in the washer lines.
Carrry a pair of boots (like rubber ones) for not only deep snow but those bad mud yards we get sent to during a storm. Snowbrush preferably an extendable to reach the middle of the windshield, extra wiper blades as everyone damages at least one a winter season, snow scraper with a reasonable length (or built in with snow brush), flashlight and any other emergency goodies you like.
Have a winter jacket with a hood and good lined gloves. You'll need them at some point.
Dress for the weather outside epecially in an unfamiliar yard as you can not see ice under the snow. A fall is easier to take in a thick coat than in shirt sleeves. The jacket will help keep you and your driving shirt dry. Also note in -40 exposed skin starts to freeze in less than 3 minutes. In -60 exposed skin freezes in less than one minute.
Keep an eye on the fuel tanks and keep them above a quarter tank if you can or unless you know you're going to make the fuel station. One other point here is if coming up from the southern states, make sure you fill or top off at first opportunity with winterized diesel so as to help with not having frozen fuel lines.
Carry a shovel or something you can use to clear snow from around your wheels or some jerk stuck ahead of you blocking the way.
Listen to local radio stations to get a heads up on weather and road conditions in the area.
One thing about Ontario for road clearing and safety is they have changed their ice clearing to spraying the road with a saline solution prior to the storm or freezing temps to reduce icing on the road surfaces. You can see this on the road as they leave trails in lines along a lane on the highway and ramps. This stuff is worse for your truck than road salt. Over the last couple of years the trucking companies have complained about the increased corrosion on trailers, connections, landing gears, dollies, pads, frames, etc. It is very important that you wash your truck after driving through this stuff. Be very diligent in washing all the frame, tailgate lift parts, landing gear, engine bay etc. This stuff seems to get into more places than the road salt or rather it hangs around better so it causes corrosion on a larger scale.
For me I don't turn off the motor in -40 or colder as at this temp everything begins to freeze up. Fuel will gel even winterized but running will keep warmer fuel returning to the tank. Batteries also suffer in these extreme temps so think before turning off (imho).
Otherwise enjoy the winter weather. BTW the bumper that tore off the 4 wheeler that hit the other 4 wheeler does not make a good snow sled (well, too narrow for my fat ***).
Rob
So really people it pays to be prepared for this inclement weather as you never know when you're going to be stuck somewhere in the great white north.
Carry a couple of jugs of washer fluid and at least -40 rated. I like the green stuff as it seems to not freeze until below -35 + windchill where as some of the cheaper blue -35 stuff freezes much sooner in the washer lines.
Carrry a pair of boots (like rubber ones) for not only deep snow but those bad mud yards we get sent to during a storm. Snowbrush preferably an extendable to reach the middle of the windshield, extra wiper blades as everyone damages at least one a winter season, snow scraper with a reasonable length (or built in with snow brush), flashlight and any other emergency goodies you like.
Have a winter jacket with a hood and good lined gloves. You'll need them at some point.
Dress for the weather outside epecially in an unfamiliar yard as you can not see ice under the snow. A fall is easier to take in a thick coat than in shirt sleeves. The jacket will help keep you and your driving shirt dry. Also note in -40 exposed skin starts to freeze in less than 3 minutes. In -60 exposed skin freezes in less than one minute.
Keep an eye on the fuel tanks and keep them above a quarter tank if you can or unless you know you're going to make the fuel station. One other point here is if coming up from the southern states, make sure you fill or top off at first opportunity with winterized diesel so as to help with not having frozen fuel lines.
Carry a shovel or something you can use to clear snow from around your wheels or some jerk stuck ahead of you blocking the way.
Listen to local radio stations to get a heads up on weather and road conditions in the area.
One thing about Ontario for road clearing and safety is they have changed their ice clearing to spraying the road with a saline solution prior to the storm or freezing temps to reduce icing on the road surfaces. You can see this on the road as they leave trails in lines along a lane on the highway and ramps. This stuff is worse for your truck than road salt. Over the last couple of years the trucking companies have complained about the increased corrosion on trailers, connections, landing gears, dollies, pads, frames, etc. It is very important that you wash your truck after driving through this stuff. Be very diligent in washing all the frame, tailgate lift parts, landing gear, engine bay etc. This stuff seems to get into more places than the road salt or rather it hangs around better so it causes corrosion on a larger scale.
For me I don't turn off the motor in -40 or colder as at this temp everything begins to freeze up. Fuel will gel even winterized but running will keep warmer fuel returning to the tank. Batteries also suffer in these extreme temps so think before turning off (imho).
Otherwise enjoy the winter weather. BTW the bumper that tore off the 4 wheeler that hit the other 4 wheeler does not make a good snow sled (well, too narrow for my fat ***).
Rob
