Winter Truck Maintenance Checklist: Stay Road-Ready All Season Long

Winter brings more than just cold mornings. It brings icy roads, freezing temps, and brutal conditions that test every part of your truck. If you're not ahead of the game, that first cold snap could leave you stranded on the side of the road or worse, with a seized engine, frozen brakes, or a failed battery.

Whether you're a long-haul driver or managing a fleet, this winter truck maintenance checklist will keep your rig safe, reliable, and road-ready all season long.

Inspect and Service the Battery

Cold weather can kill your battery. The lower the temperature, the harder your battery has to work to start the engine.

Checklist:

• Test voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA)
• Check terminals for corrosion
• Tighten cable connections
• Replace any weak or aging batteries

Pro tip: Batteries that are over three years old should be load-tested before winter hits. Avoid that 3 a.m. no-start call in the middle of nowhere.

Drain Moisture from the Air Brake System

Your air brake system is especially vulnerable in winter. Moisture in the air tanks can freeze, blocking airflow and leading to brake failure.

Checklist:

• Drain air tanks daily
• Check air dryer function and replace the desiccant filter if needed
• Inspect air lines for cracks or leaks

Even a little ice in your lines can prevent brake application when you need it most.

Test and Top Off All Fluids

Cold weather affects fluid viscosity, which means every fluid in your truck needs to be winter-ready.

Checklist:

• Use winter-grade engine oil
• Check coolant levels and freeze point (typically -34°F is safe)
• Inspect transmission fluid and differential oil
• Top off power steering and windshield washer fluid (winter blend)

Watch out for: milky, burnt, or sludgy fluids, they signal contamination or breakdown and need to be changed.

Check the Cooling System

Your cooling system keeps your engine from overheating, yes, even in winter. Plus, your heater depends on it.

Checklist:

• Inspect radiator and hoses for leaks or brittleness
• Test the thermostat and pressure cap
• Ensure the heater core is functioning
• Verify water pump operation

Don’t forget to check your fan clutch. It should engage when the engine is hot and disengage when it cools.

Inspect the Fuel System and Add Anti-Gel

Diesel fuel starts to gel in cold temperatures, especially overnight.

Checklist:

• Use a winter diesel blend (No. 1 or mix)
• Add anti-gel treatment to every fill-up
• Replace fuel filters before winter
• Keep an extra fuel filter on board

Bonus tip: Never let your tank run low in cold weather, as condensation can form and freeze in the lines.

Inspect Tires and Adjust Pressure

Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. That can affect traction, handling, and wear.

Checklist:

• Check and adjust tire pressure weekly
• Inspect tread depth, minimum 4/32” steer, 2/32” drive
• Look for sidewall cracks or bulges
• Replace worn or mismatched tires

For Midwest winters, deep tread is your best friend. And if your routes include mountainous or icy areas, consider carrying chains.

Grease and Lubricate All Moving Parts

Cold temps cause standard grease to thicken, making components like slack adjusters, S-cams, and fifth wheel plates stiff and slow to respond.

Checklist:

• Use low-temp synthetic grease
• Lubricate all suspension joints, kingpins, and steering components
• Grease brake components: adjusters, cam tubes, and bushings

If you skip this, don’t be surprised when something binds or fails mid-shift.

Test Lights and Electrical Systems

Shorter days and snowy conditions mean lights matter more than ever.

Checklist:

• Test all exterior lights: headlights, brake, turn, and clearance
• Clean lenses, salt, and grime reduce visibility
• Inspect wiring and connectors for corrosion
• Replace burned-out bulbs ASAP

Don’t forget interior lights and trailer plug connections, especially on multi-trailer setups where poor connections can compromise safety.

Check Windshield Wipers and Washer System

Seeing the road clearly is essential. That means strong wipers and anti-freeze washer fluid.

Checklist:

• Replace wiper blades if streaking or torn
• Fill with -20°F washer fluid or better
• Clear any clogs in nozzles or hoses
• Test the defrost system

Pro tip: Keep spare blades and washer fluid in your cab. You never know when you’ll need them on a snowy stretch of I-80.

Stock Your Winter Emergency Kit

Even with the best prep, stuff happens. A winter emergency kit is non-negotiable.

Checklist:

• Blanket, gloves, and warm clothes
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables or jump pack
• Tire chains (if required by route)
• Ice scraper and shovel
• Extra fuel filter and anti-gel
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Non-perishable snacks and water

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are for it.

Start Your Winter Truck Maintenance Today

Winter doesn't wait, and neither should you. Get ahead of the cold, ice, and road grime with a complete winter maintenance plan for your truck or fleet. This checklist will help you reduce downtime, stay compliant, and, most importantly, stay safe on the road.

Contact B&B Truck & Trailer Repair in Colona for expert inspections, service, and cold-weather prep that'll keep you moving no matter what winter throws your way. Or for more information, read our article on the benefits of choosing a trusted repair shop.