The Top Things Drivers Forget to Check Before Winter Hauls

Winter breakdowns rarely happen, not because drivers don’t care but because something small gets overlooked. When cold weather hits, it exposes the weak points that drivers often overlook before a winter haul even begins. A loose connection, thin fluid, or worn component can turn a routine run into hours stranded on the shoulder.

The truth is, winter reveals them. And the most expensive issues usually come from the simplest things drivers assume are “good enough.” Before you roll out in freezing temps, snow, or high elevations, there are a few critical checks that get missed every year.

Here are the top things drivers forget to check before winter hauls — and why skipping them can cost you uptime, money, and safety when it matters most.

Diesel Fuel Additives

Diesel fuel starts to gel when temperatures dip below 15°F, and once it does, your engine is starving for fuel. Drivers running long hauls from Austin to colder regions often forget to prep their fuel for the climate change ahead.

Why It’s Forgotten: It’s warm at pickup, but freezing at delivery.

• Add a cold-weather fuel additive before entering cold zones
• Top off with winter-blend diesel whenever available
• Always keep an extra bottle of anti-gel in the cab

Pro Tip: A gelled fuel system can strand you for hours and requires heating to fix. Don’t risk it.

Battery Condition and Cold Cranking Amps

Cold weather zaps battery strength, especially on diesel engines that already require more cranking power. If your batteries are weak or untested, a cold start in Colorado or the Midwest can leave you dead in the water.

Common Oversight: Batteries work fine in Texas's warmth, so drivers assume they’ll be fine anywhere.

• Request a battery load test before leaving the shop
• Inspect and clean terminals
• Replace batteries older than 3 years or showing low CCA

Tip from the road: Always test dual-battery systems as a pair. One weak battery can drag the whole system down.

Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Tire pressure drops 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature. If you're hauling north from Austin, you can lose up to 10 PSI in one day, enough to impact traction, fuel economy, and safety.

Often Forgotten: Tires may look fine in the yard, but low pressure or worn tread becomes a liability on icy roads.

Fix It:

• Check tire pressure at every fuel stop in cold zones
• Ensure steer tires have at least 4/32" tread
• Inspect for uneven wear that could worsen in slippery conditions

Fleet Manager’s Tip: Underinflated tires run hotter and may blow out when the temps swing again on your way back south.

Air Brake Moisture and Air Dryer Health

Moisture in your air brake system can freeze in the lines, causing valve blockages or stuck brakes. Drivers often forget to drain air tanks regularly or assume the air dryer is doing its job.

• Drain all air tanks before your haul and daily in freezing climates
• Check the air dryer filter, replace it if it hasn’t been serviced this year
• Listen for air leaks or slow build-up times

Tip: Don’t ignore laggy brakes in cold weather, as it could be frozen lines or failing valves.

Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers

Drivers remember to clean the windshield… but forget to check the fluid. Summer washer fluid freezes in the lines and nozzle, leaving you blind in salt spray or slush.

Common Mistake: Grabbing the cheapest washer fluid off the shelf, without checking if it’s rated for freezing temps. You can’t fix visibility problems on the road, and a blind truck is a dangerous truck.

• Use winter-grade fluid rated for -20°F or lower
• Test washer nozzles and replace clogged ones
• Install winter wiper blades if heading into snow zones

Coolant Freeze Protection

Coolant isn’t just for overheating. In cold climates, it prevents your engine block and radiator from freezing and cracking. If your mix is off or your coolant is degraded, you’re risking thousands in damage.

Why It’s Missed: It’s warm at departure, so nobody thinks about freeze protection.

• Test your coolant’s freeze point before winter hauls
• Top off with the proper coolant mix, usually 50/50
• Replace old coolant that’s lost its antifreeze properties

DEF System Heater Check

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) freezes at 12°F. If your DEF heater or sensors aren’t working, you could trigger fault codes or engine derate, often hundreds of miles from the nearest shop.

Why It’s Forgotten: Drivers don’t realize DEF freezes, until it already has.

• Test the DEF tank and line heaters
• Check for fault codes before departure
• Don’t let the DEF level get too low before a cold-weather shutdown

Pro Tip: Frozen DEF = Limp mode. Not ideal 500 miles from home.

Heater, Defroster, and Cab Comfort Checks

While it’s not a mechanical issue, failing to check your cab heater or defroster can turn into a major distraction on the road. Icy windows and freezing fingers don’t help anyone drive safely.

Why It’s Ignored: It’s easy to assume it’ll work when you need it.

• Test heater, blower motor, and defrost function before the trip
• Replace worn cabin filters
• Make sure HVAC switches and knobs are fully operational

Pro Tip: Foggy, frozen windows are more dangerous than you think, especially when merging or backing.

Don’t Overlook Winter Haul Musts

Just because you’re based in Austin, TX doesn’t mean winter can’t derail your haul. Most cold-weather failures come from skipped checks and overlooked systems. Whether you're rolling into Denver, Detroit, or the Dakotas, prepping for cold weather is essential.

Before your next long haul into colder territory, stop by Atlas Truck Repair in Austin, TX for a full winter-readiness inspection. Let’s keep your truck rolling, no matter how far north the road takes you. For more information, read our article on why drivers stick to one repair shop for years.