How Cold Weather Impacts Truck Fluids & Brake Components: How to Protect Your Fleet This Winter – Maintenance Monthly

As temperatures drop, commercial trucks and drivers face an entirely new set of maintenance challenges. Two areas that can take the biggest hit when winter arrives are truck fluids and brake components. It is crucial that these components are in good standing for safe and reliable truck operation. Understanding how cold weather affects these systems, and knowing when to act, can prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and overall, keep your fleet running smoothly and safely all season long.

Cold Weather & Truck Fluids: What Changes and When to Change Them

Freezing temperatures can drastically affect the performance and viscosity of the fluids your trucks rely on every day. Check out the list of items you should watch below:

• Engine Oil

Cold weather tends to thicken oil, making it harder for the engine to crank and lubricate properly.

• • The Risk: Hard starts, increased wear, and reduced fuel efficiency.
  • The Solution: Use manufacturer approved oil and match viscosity to climate. Adding a block heater can improve cold start ups and speed of engine warm up.

• Diesel Fuel

Diesel can begin to gel as temperatures fall below freezing.

• • The Risk: Plugged filters, poor engine performance, and no-start situations.
  • The Solution: Use winterized diesel blends, keep your tanks full, and use anti-gel additives as appropriate.

• Coolant

Coolant must maintain the correct freezing point to protect the engine.

• • The Risk: Frozen coolant, cracked engine block, and engine overheating.
  • The Solution: Test the coolant condition before winter kicks in and replace or top off as needed. Adding a block heater would improve cold start ups and speed of engine warm up.

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

DEF begins to crystallize at 12°F.

• • The Risk: Loss of aftertreatment functionality, clogging of components, and engine derates.
  • The Solution: Ensure the DEF tank heater and lines are functioning properly and keep DEF tanks filled with proper concentration of DEF.

• Hydraulic Fluid & Transmission Fluid

Cold temperatures increase fluid thickness, slowing system responsiveness.

• • The Risk: Delayed shifting, sluggish PTOs, and pump strain.
  • The Solution: Switch to OEM recommended low-temp fluids and perform regular Preventative Maintenance checks.

How Salt & Road Chemicals Affect Brake Components

Winter roads are treated with salt, brine, and chemical deicers that can dramatically increase corrosion, especially on brake systems.

• Why Brake Components Are Vulnerable

Brake parts like calipers, rotors, pads, air valves, springs, and ABS sensors sit low to the ground, right in the path of:

• • Salt spray
  • Slush
  • Road brine
  • Moisture that accelerates rust

This combination of factors speeds up corrosion and can weaken brake parts faster than normal winter wear.

• Common Winter Brake Issues

  • Corroded air brake valves
  • Frozen or contaminated air lines
  • Rusted rotors and drums
  • Seized caliper slides
  • Premature pad wear
  • ABS sensor failures

• How to Protect Your Brake Parts

1. 1. Wash Your Truck Undercarriages Frequently

Regular washouts help to remove salt and brine before they can cause lasting damage, especially important after winter storms.

1. 2. Incorporate Full Brake Inspections in Your Winter Preventative Maintenance Plan

Check the status of the following components:

• • • • Air dryer function
      • Valve operation
      • Slack adjuster movement
      • Pad thickness
      • Rotor/drum condition
      • ABS sensor integrity

1. 3. Keep Air Systems Dry

Moisture in air lines expands when frozen, causing blockages and ultimately brake malfunctions. Make sure your truck air dryers are serviced and function properly. Treat system with alcohol if needed.

1. 4. Use Corrosion-Resistant Coatings

Spraying protective coatings on brake components and undercarriages can significantly extend part life.

1. 5. Replace Worn Parts Early

Winter weather only amplifies problems further. Small issues become roadside breakdowns in freezing temperatures. Be sure to identify any potential issues or needed replacements prior to hitting the road this winter season.

Winter Maintenance Is Not Optional

Cold weather does not just make driving conditions more dangerous; it places extra stress on the essential systems your trucks rely on day-to-day. By taking steps to protect both your fluids and brake components now, you will reduce downtime, improve safety, and keep your fleet performing optimally all winter long.

Have any questions or need to schedule your preventative maintenance for winter? Trust your local Kenworth of Pennsylvania branch to get the job done. Schedule a service with us today!