Boise, Idaho – The National Weather Service says the Treasure Valley region is in for a cold winter this year, and it's already started. For Gage Burlingame, master diesel maintenance and repair technician at Gem State Diesel that means getting trucks ready for the season. “People think about protecting their pipes and winterizing their homes, but they don't always realize that trucks need extra care too,” says Burlingame. “From preventing fuel gelling to topping off fluids to changing out windshield wipers, spending a day getting your truck ready for the season is crucial not just to your truck's longevity but to your safety.”
Burlingame's winterizing maintenance starts with a thorough inspection. “If you have a pinhole leak in a fuel line or a minor issue with your common rail injectors, it may not show up when the weather's warmer, but as temperatures drop, those little problems become big ones. Metal shrinks in winter, so joins and seals that were tight in the summer may not be winter-ready.”
Part of Burlingame's inspection includes monitoring fluid levels and checking fuel. “Your local filling station has probably switched to its winter blend, but even a winterized fuel mix may not be enough to prevent gelling,” he says. “If you have a garage, use it. Your truck will thank you by starting quickly and cleanly even on cold mornings.” Windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid and coolants also need checking and may need draining. “Using pure water in the windshield washer fluid tank is a recipe for burst lines when hard freezes happen,” he notes.
“Salt is great for clearing ice from roads and terrible for your truck's undercarriage,” says Burlingame. “Regular inspections and being generous with lubricants and protectants can help stop corrosion before it starts.” He recommends setting aside extra time for the first diesel maintenance visit of the season for an undercarriage inspection. “If we see it sooner, we can repair it sooner.”
For more information visit: www.gemstatediesel.com or call 208.288.5555.