Five Winter Preventive Maintenance Tips Every Truck Driver Should Follow
Post Date - Feb 26, 2026
Winter doesn’t just make driving harder — it makes everything on your truck work overtime.
Cold temperatures, road salt, moisture, and long stretches of winter weather put extra stress on your equipment. That’s why preventive maintenance matters more in the winter months than any other time of year. Staying ahead of small issues can mean the difference between a smooth run and sitting on the shoulder waiting for help.
We want our drivers rolling safely, confidently, and comfortably all winter long. Here’s why winter preventative maintenance matters — and how you can protect your truck when it matters most.
Why Winter Is Tougher on Your Truck
Cold weather doesn’t just affect the roads — it affects how your truck performs. During the winter months:
- Fluids thicken and don’t flow as easily
- Batteries lose power faster
- Tires lose air pressure in cold temps
- Salt, slush, and moisture speed up corrosion
- Rubber components become brittle and wear faster
Small problems that might be manageable in warmer weather can turn into major breakdowns when temperatures drop. Preventive maintenance helps catch those issues early — before they cost you time, money, or safety.
Nobody plans for a breakdown — but winter makes them more likely if maintenance slips.
Staying proactive helps:
- Reduce unexpected roadside issues
- Improve handling and stopping ability on slick roads
- Protect critical systems like brakes, batteries, and air lines
- Keep you on schedule and out of the shop
And if something does happen, Ascend offers $150 Breakdown Pay, because we know downtime isn’t on you. Still, the goal is always to prevent those situations whenever possible. Here are five tips every truck driver should be following this winter.
1. Check Tires More Often
Cold air causes tire pressure to drop quickly, which can increase your chance of a blowout.
- Check PSI regularly, not just at pre-trip
- Inspect tread depth for winter traction
- Look for uneven wear, cuts, or bulges
Proper tire maintenance improves traction, fuel efficiency, and braking — all critical in winter conditions.
2. Pay Close Attention to Brakes
Winter roads demand more from your braking system. Snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain make road conditions slick and unstable.
- Listen for new noises or grinding
- Watch for reduced stopping response
- Check for air leaks or moisture in air systems
Salt and moisture can cause faster wear, so catching brake issues early is key.
3. Monitor Fluids Closely
Cold temperatures affect how fluids perform and can reduce their overall effectiveness.
- Check oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid daily
- Make sure coolant is rated for freezing temperatures
- Keep washer fluid topped off to fight road grime and salt
Running low or using the wrong fluid in winter can lead to serious damage.
4. Don’t Ignore Battery Health
Batteries take a big hit in cold weather.
- Watch for slow starts
- Report dim lights or electrical issues
- Keep terminals clean and corrosion-free
If your battery is already weak, winter will expose it fast.
5. Inspect Lights and Visibility
Shorter days and bad weather mean visibility matters more than ever.
- Check all lights daily
- Clean lenses and mirrors regularly
- Replace wiper blades as soon as they streak
Seeing and being seen keeps you safer on winter roads where visibility may be limited.
Stay Ahead of Winter — Not Behind It
Winter isn’t the time to be reactive. It’s the time to stay ahead. Just a few extra minutes checking your truck and trailer can:
- Prevent breakdowns
- Keep you safer on icy roads
- Protect your time and your truck
Preventive maintenance is easier — and more effective — when you’re working with quality equipment.
Ascend drivers operate well-maintained trucks, with new tractors and trailers on the way in 2026, so you can take pride in what you’re driving. That doesn’t replace daily checks, but it does give you a strong starting point for a safer winter season.
The professionalism our drivers bring every day is not lost on us — especially in the toughest conditions of the year. Preventive maintenance is one more way to keep rolling strong until spring finally shows up.