The weather has grown warmer, and the sun is shining more frequently. Spring has arrived here in Ontario and will hopefully be here to stay. For many of us who are still working remotely, we have not had the misfortune of dealing with treacherous road conditions over the past year.
Although, not all of us are able to work from home due to the nature of our jobs.
Truck drivers have been out on the roads to make sure our grocery shelves are still stocked with food, we can still get our medications, and health care workers get the supplies we need.
We’ve assembled a list of spring driving tips to help truck drivers before they’re out on the roads and during their trip.
General Maintenance
Winter can be tough on your vehicle. The snow, ice and salt combined with the cold temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle. As the weather shifts, it’s important to check on the overall state of your truck.
Some spring maintenance tips:
Replace any worn wiper blades: check the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Your wipers are your best defense against poor weather conditions.
Check your lights: rain can cause visibility concerns, so be sure to check your headlights and turn signals work well before heading out on the road.
Check tire pressure: your tires could be slightly deflated after all the winter driving. Check the tire pressure to make sure your vehicle works to the best of its ability.
Check your fuel: while this may seem obvious, it is important to ensure you have a sufficient amount of fuel, especially if you are driving in areas that are more remote where a gas station would be harder to come across. Fleet refuelling services are an effective way to make sure your fleet is ready at all times.
Always Check The Forecast
This goes for any time of the year, but it also goes for springtime. Given how quickly the weather can change from one hour to the next when you’re driving a long distance, checking the weather forecast ahead of time is essential. The spring can bring high winds, rain and–depending on where you’re driving to–even tornados.
Be mindful of high winds, especially if you’re travelling at a higher speed, as this could cause the truck to tip over or veer off the road. Attentive driving is your best bet during these times.
Understand Temperature Changes
The onset of spring usually means warmer days ahead, but overnight, temperatures could drop. This could mean that melted snow and ice have the potential to freeze again, which could cause icy road conditions.
Monitor Road Conditions
This may come as common sense but always drive according to road conditions. Pouring rain can cause poor visibility. After the rain stops, it’s important to exercise caution, as standing water can lead to puddles. Hitting water puddles at high speed can lead to an accident, so it’s best to try to avoid them at all costs.
Potholes are an additional concern. Winter weather can be tough on our vehicles and our roads. Snowplows, ice and snow, can contribute to potholes on the roads. Be careful of potholes and uneven pavement, as this could damage your shocks and suspension.
Watch For Wildlife
Warmer temperatures bring more plant growth and food sources. Animals begin to venture out more frequently, leading to more animals on the highway.
Deer are often seen at dusk and dawn, so it’s important to be alert.
Here at Roma Fuels, we’d like to thank all of the truckers who are out there on the roads, working hard to make sure our shelves are stocked with the food and supplies we need. We have been providing fleet refuelling services for over 50 years.
If you have any questions about our services, feel free to contact us for more information.