Keep your work truck in great shape all winter long

As a general contractor, you rely on your work truck for everything. It gets you to and from job sites, helps you transport tools, and even provides shelter during storms. Put simply, you couldn’t go without it. Just as the summer sun and warm temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle, so can winter weather like ice and snow. Investing in seasonal maintenance and care now can help you avoid a breakdown later.

Check your tires. Experts recommend changing your tires every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, but if you’re constantly on the road for work, or regularly spend your weekends traveling it may be necessary to take action sooner. Inspect your tires for cracks and bulges. Are the treads still there? Or are the tires completely bald? Check the air pressure — ideally, it should be between 30 and 35 psi. Fill up your tires, and in icy or dangerous conditions, add chains.

Top off all fluid levels. Your work truck depends on liquids like anti-freeze, oil, and radiator fluid to run at full capacity. Freezing temperatures can lead to cracks or leaks in these storage systems. Regularly pop your hood and make sure that everything is topped off. It might require a few extra minutes of your time, but the benefits are worth it.

Invest in an emergency kit and shovel. You never know when your truck will break down. To avoid getting stranded in freezing temperatures, make sure your car has essential tools like a shovel, blankets, a few gallons of water, a first aid kit, batteries, and a flashlight. These simple investments can make all the difference in a dire situation.

Take action now and make sure that your truck is prepared for the season ahead.