What to Consider When Buying a Truck for Harsh Winters
Winter can be hard on trucks and drivers with the effects of extreme cold, snow, slippery roads, and road salt that leads to vehicle corrosion. When you’re shopping for your next new or used truck, we have some tips to help you find the vehicle that will have to perform its best in less-than-ideal conditions.
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Common Vehicle Problems Caused by Cold Weather
Cold weather can make it harder to start the engine, and cranking it puts a load on the battery. Make sure the battery has sufficient cold cranking amps (CCA) for the engine size. Using a block heater can warm the engine fluids, which in turn makes it easier to start. Diesel can gel in cold weather, which can prevent the engine from starting; and a truck equipped with a fuel heater can help avoid this issue. Inspect vehicles you’re looking to buy and perform preventative maintenance as you prepare for winter road hazards.
Common Problems for Drivers in Cold Weather
Large truck cabs can take a while to warm up, especially those on medium-duty and semi trucks, and an auxiliary heater can speed up the process for the driver’s comfort. If it’s a sleeper cab, be sure you can keep the truck sufficiently and safely warm throughout the night. On any truck, heated seats definitely improve comfort on cold days, and a heated steering wheel is appreciated after the driver’s been working outside of the truck or attending to the load.
Driving Trucks in Snow
If you’re in an area that frequently gets deep snow, higher ground clearance can help you get through it. Winter tires are a must, as they not only dig into snow but they also channel away slush and water to help prevent dangerous hydroplaning. On a semi, it’s always a good idea to carry chains in any winter weather; and in some states they will be mandatory.
How Snow Damages Inside the Truck
Bring snow into the truck on your boots, and it will melt onto the floor. If you’re buying a used truck, check the floors carefully, including lifting any carpet to see what’s under it. That melted snow, especially if it’s mixed with salt, can rust the floor and the mounting points for the seats, as well as corrode any wiring that may run along the floor, such as to a power seat motor. Liners to protect the floor are a must, whether included with the truck or purchased separately. They should be rubber or plastic and have a deep lip to trap water, rather than a carpeted mat that simply soaks it up. You should be able to easily lift them out when they’re full so the water can be dumped.
Problems Created by Road Salt
Trucks generally have a shorter lifespan in areas that use road salt, due to the rust and corrosion the salt can cause. Keep this in mind when you’re buying a pre-owned truck that’s been used in regions with heavy snowfall. It needs to be thoroughly inspected, including its frame, suspension components, and areas where salt can get into crevices, such as bumper mounts, inner fenders, and the engine bay. Look for a truck that has received rust prevention sprays or treatments on a regular basis. If you’re buying a new truck, get this done and then repeat it annually. It’s a lot cheaper than fixing rust, or replacing corroded components.
4×4 Systems for Cold Weather Conditions
A 4×4 pickup truck will obviously be better able to handle snow than one with two-wheel drive, but be sure you know what you’re getting. A system with just 4High and 4Lo will work in deep snow, but shouldn’t be driven on hard surfaces, as it can cause binding and excessive wear to the components. A truck with an “Auto” 4×4 setting can be used on all surfaces, and can be very useful on roads that have alternating patches of snow and dry asphalt, or in slush or rain. Auto settings are often found only in higher-trim trucks, but can be worth it if you’re often driving in areas that can be treacherous even if the snow isn’t consistently deep.
Why Winter Tires Are Important
Winter tires aren’t just about handling snow, although their aggressive tread patterns do a better job on that surface than an all-season tire. Winter-specific tires use special compounds that stay pliable at lower temperatures, so they’re better able to grip the pavement. Compared to all-season tires, winter tires have shorter stopping distances and more accurate handling, which can be very important in emergency situations.
They should be swapped for all-season tires in spring, as their “stickier” capability means they’ll wear faster in warmer weather, and they can feel “squirmy” compared to tires with a firmer compound. All-weather tires are better for winter use than all-seasons and can be left on year-round, although they still are a bit of a compromise and not as adequate as dedicated winter tires in cold or snow.
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No matter what the weather is like, buying a truck with winter requirements in mind will go a long way towards improved performance, comfort, and safety. When you’re ready to shop, check the listings on the marketplace for the right winter-ready truck for you.
Jil McIntosh
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