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Cold weather is here in most parts of the country and wintry weather is on the way. And so is trouble, with corrosive road treatments, need of oil with viscosity like 10W-30 or 5W-40 to improve cold weather flow, wear protection, improved cold cranking and fuel economy, and the loss of engine power due to low cetane diesel (it's out there, be careful where you fuel).  

First, cold weather means real trouble with the flow of diesel fuel. Diesel's high octane, 45 or higher, ignites easily when mixed with hot air but it can cause problems with water and waxing in the cold of winter. And, if you happen to get low octane fuel, below 40, it will cause white smoke, poor fuel economy and lack of power in cold weather.
 
Water is perhaps an even bigger threat. The problems water can cause are numerous, including corrosion; violent flow that can blow the tip off the nozzle; breeding microbes that will clog filters; and otherwise it can reduce engine performance. The only remedy is complete removal of all the water that comes from several sources: condensation caused by humid air inside a cooling fuel tank; rainwater from a supplierÕs fuel tank if the fill cap wasn't replaced; and even small amounts left over from the refining process.
 
The best prevention is to buy fuel only from reputable truck stops. Also, fill your tanks frequently in winter to minimize the amount of condensation created inside them because when the walls are covered with fuel, condensation can't occur.
 
On the other hand, wax, or paraffin carries a lot of heat energy and helps fuel mileage and also helps lubricate injection system parts, such as pump gears and injector plungers and needles. It is not a contaminant until the temperature drops and it begins to turn solid, forming tiny particles which create the cloudiness that may begin to coat the filter element, reaching the cold filter plug point or pour point. At 15-20 degrees below that, the fuel will gel to where it may become solid. Then the only solution is to get the truck inside and warm it up.  

Safety
The best reason for caring for your truck, and yourself, is safety. Driving safely is vital. There are 20% more truck crashes during the winter than summer in the central U.S., according to The Journal of Transportation and Statistics. And that percentage climbs to 60 % in the northern third of the country.
 
There are drivers and fleet managers out there who claim they don't need any cold weather precautions because they take care of their trucks all year round. On the other hand, most drivers feel that a thorough "get ready" is good protection against breakdowns and delays.
 
More proof of the need for winterizing is the programs offered by the OEM dealers. For example, International issues a Winterization Checklist. It includes: check antifreeze levels for freeze point and additive concentration, the fuel/water separator, thermostat operation, starter system, block heater and fuel heater operation, condition of belts and hoses, pressure test the cooling system to ensure all hoses clamps are secured to prevent cold leaks. Also, check heater performance and door operation, replace cab air filter and blow out debris from heater core fins, inspect air dryer, electrical system, and check tire conditions and pressure.
 
If it seems like too much... consider the alternative.
 
Starting
You'll never have trouble on the road in winter....if you stay parked. So ensuring your vehicle will start should be up there on your list.
 
The batteries must be kept in prime condition. Check on them from time to time. Also a thorough electrical check, including a battery load test, is important. This includes checking the underside of the truck; look for wires, brackets and hoses which are loose or swinging unsupported.  

Be sure the freeze point of your antifreeze is up for the job it will have to do. Also check the additive package. And, as always, check the hoses for loose hose clamps, cracks and any signs of leaks. Check all the belts for tightness.
 
The lower the viscosity of the oil, the easier starts; try 15W-40 for really low temperatures.
 
General Checklist
Think "ounce of protection versus a pound of cure"... on the road.
 
After those specifics, here are some general areas to give an extra check, etc.:

• Check tires for proper tread depths and matching.
• Clean all lights; check operation of all lights; clean all mirrors.
• Check all hoses, wiring, and belts for possible problems.
• Look at windshield wiper blades and washer fluid levels.
• Filters and fluid levels.

Finally, after the truck is done, consider an extra wiper, spare headlights and running lights, a long-neck funnel, lock thaw, heavy-duty electrical wire, extra fluids, and a towing chain.
 
Don't Forget Yourself
After you winterize your truck, or before for that matter, check the supplies you carry to make you comfortable, and add any that apply just for survival if you are stranded.
 
For you, consider insulated coveralls, gloves and boots, long underwear, wool socks and hat, blanket and/or sleeping bag, and a heavy winter coat. Also, a first aid kit and medications, flashlight, plastic bags for sanitation, and of course a cell phone In addition, non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, jugs of water and some one-a-day vitamins.
 
And, to repeat myself, if you think that's too much... consider the alternatives: needing en-route road repairs, a tow job, or being stranded.