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Nothing tests a truck’s readiness for climate change like a hard, frigid blast of arctic air. That’s why winter preparation is an annual event for owner-operators, whether based in Minot, N.D., or Shreveport, La. Basic preparation can pay big dividends by avoiding unnecessary downtime. 

Whether you use conventional or extended-drain coolant, your coolant system should get the lion’s share of attention as sub-freezing temperatures approach. Here are tips to ensure your system is ready to endure the winter.

Cold temperatures cause a battery to resist charge, often leaving it at a lower state of charge. This can increase the battery’s sulfation level and tax the battery’s cycle life, reducing overall life.

Here are tips from Gale Kimbrough of Interstate Batteries, Maria Orlando-Krick of EnerSys and Brad Bisaillon of Trojan Battery.

Tires do not demand a lot of extra attention in cold weather, but there are some important things to consider. Here are tips from Guy Walenga, director of commercial products and technology for Bridgestone Americas, and Paul Crehan, director of product marketing for Michelin Truck Tires.

• Maintain proper tire pressure. Since tire pressure drops in cold weather, set the pressure prior to driving when the tires are at ambient temperature. The ideal time to check pressure is during the pre-trip inspection.

• If you routinely drive in areas with severe winter weather, consider tires with a specific tread pattern suited to those conditions. When tire inspections during winter show circumferential cutting, chunking, spin damage or tearing, it could point to weather-related low-traction conditions.

• Use tire chains where needed, especially when required by local law. Follow instructions from chain manufacturers and tire makers for proper mounting.