When winter hits, trucks feel it. Each year, trucking companies across the country must battle winter weather, and some may be gambling with their level of preparedness.

To maintain high standards of reliability and performance year round, a sound winterization inspection before the mercury starts falling is critical for fleets in all parts of the country.
International Truck and Engine Corp. has developed a 20-point, winterization checklist. Good practice for any truck owner, these preventive steps are especially useful for business owners operating over-the-road, heavy-truck fleets. Available at any of the nearly 1,000 authorized International parts and services locations across the country, this inspection delivers more uptime during the winter, and also saves time and money in unforeseen roadside assistance costs.
"Often, trucks from the warmer climates incur the most detrimental weather related damages," said Brian Mulshine, manager of service development and marketing for International. "Many northern fleets are accustomed to living in the cold and take proactive measures to protect their trucks. But statistics tell us that many of the vehicles requiring roadside assistance during the winter months are those that are maintained in states with warmer climates. So customers operating in warmer climates have to remember that even though they may not go everywhere, their trucks do."

International’s Winterization Checklist:

Under-Hood Inspection:
-- Check anti-freeze levels for freeze point and additive concentration
-- Inspect fuel-water separator and drain water from fuel tanks
-- Check thermostat operation
-- Test starter system
-- Check block heater and fuel heater operation
-- Inspect condition of all belts and hoses; replace as needed
-- Pressure test cooling system and ensure all hose clamps are secured to prevent cold leaks

Heater System Inspection:
-- Make sure heater shut-offs are on (if equipped)
-- Check heater performance and door operations
-- Replace cab air filter
-- Blow out debris from heater core fins

Air Dryer Inspection:
-- Drain water from all air tanks and inspect valves for function and leakage
-- Check air dryer operation and heater per manufacturer specs

Electrical System Inspection:
-- Test alternator output and starter draw, and apply protection
-- Load test batteries, check condition, and apply protection

Chassis Inspection:
-- Check exhaust system for leaks
-- Check tire condition and pressure
-- Inspect wiper blades, check windshield washer operation and fill washer bottle

Additional information is available at www.internationaldelivers.com .