2026 Winterization Guide
Start With Your Batteries and Charging System
Cold weather is especially tough on batteries. A battery that performed fine during the summer may struggle when temperatures fall below freezing.
Before winter arrives, have your batteries load-tested and inspect the terminals, cables and connections for corrosion or damage. Your alternator and charging system should also be checked to make sure the batteries are receiving the proper charge.
Slow cranking, dim lights and electrical problems are all signs that your truck's batteries or charging system may need attention.
The technicians at Geis Peterbilt can inspect the complete electrical and starting system before cold weather creates a roadside problem.
Check Your Cooling System
Your engine's cooling system is just as important during winter as it is during the summer.
Coolant needs to be at the correct strength to protect the engine from freezing while also preventing corrosion inside the cooling system. Hoses, clamps, the radiator, water pump and coolant reservoir should all be inspected for leaks or signs of wear.
A small coolant leak in September can become a much bigger problem when temperatures drop.
Make sure you are using the correct coolant for your engine and that the freeze protection level is appropriate for the temperatures your truck will experience.
Inspect Fuel and Fuel Filters
Diesel fuel can create problems in extreme cold, especially when moisture or contaminants are present inthe fuel system.
Fuel filters should be inspected and replaced when needed. Water separators should also be checked anddrained according to manufacturer recommendations.
Winter-grade diesel fuel and proper anti-gel products can help reduce cold-weather fuel problems whenused correctly. Drivers should also pay attention to where they are fueling when traveling between warmerand colder climates.
Keeping fuel tanks from getting extremely low can also help reduce condensation inside the tank.
Inspect Air Systems and Brakes
Moisture inside an air brake system can freeze and create serious problems.
Drain air tanks regularly and make sure the air dryer is operating correctly. Air dryer cartridges should bereplaced according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Brake components should also be inspected before winter, including brake shoes or pads, drums or rotors,chambers, slack adjusters and air lines.
Winter roads can dramatically increase stopping distances, making a properly maintained braking systemeven more important.
If your truck or trailer needs brake work before winter, Geis Peterbilt and Geis Utility can help inspect your equipment and recommend the proper repairs.
Pay Attention to Tires
Good tires are critical during winter.
Inspect tread depth across the entire tire and look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts or other damage. Tire pressure also changes as temperatures fall, so pressures should be checked frequently throughout the winter.
Underinflated tires create additional heat and rolling resistance and can lead to premature tire failure.
Trailer tires sometimes receive less attention than tractor tires, but they are just as important. A tire problem on a trailer can still put the entire load on the side of the road.
Inspect Your Trailer Before Winter
Winterizing the tractor is only half the job.
Trailers need seasonal inspections too.
At Geis Utility, we recommend checking trailer brakes, wheel ends, tires, lighting, electrical connections, airlines, suspension components and doors before winter begins.
For refrigerated trailers, inspect door seals and insulation areas for damage that could allow cold air to escape. Reefer units should also receive the proper seasonal maintenance so they are ready to operateduring extreme temperatures.
Dry vans should have roof panels, doors and seals inspected for potential water intrusion.
Road salt and moisture can also accelerate corrosion, so cleaning the trailer regularly throughout winter can help protect wiring, suspension and structural components.
Lights and Visibility Matter
Winter means shorter days, snow, fog, freezing rain and dirty roads.
Make sure headlights, marker lights, brake lights, turn signals and trailer lights are all working properly.
Replace worn windshield wipers before winter and keep plenty of winter-rated washer fluid in the reservoir. Drivers should also inspect mirrors, heated mirrors and defrosters.
Good visibility is not something you want to discover you are missing during the first snowstorm.
Check Belts and Hoses
Cold temperatures can make rubber components harder and more brittle.
Inspect engine belts and hoses for cracks, soft spots, swelling or signs of deterioration. Replacing a questionable belt or hose during scheduled maintenance is much easier than replacing one on the side of the highway in freezing temperatures.
Prepare Emergency Supplies
Even well-maintained trucks can encounter bad weather, traffic closures or unexpected breakdowns.
Drivers should carry winter emergency supplies including warm clothing, gloves, blankets, water, food, a flashlight, reflective safety equipment, jumper cables or a jump pack, basic tools and ice scrapers.
Depending on where the truck operates, carrying tire chains may also be required.
Every fleet should review winter emergency procedures with drivers before severe weather begins.
Do Not Wait Until the First Freeze
One of the biggest mistakes fleets make is waiting until winter weather arrives before scheduling seasonal maintenance.
Once the first major cold snap hits, repair shops can quickly become busy with batteries, air system problems, cooling system failures and no-start conditions.
Scheduling preventative maintenance early gives your fleet time to identify problems and make repairs before equipment is needed in severe weather.
At Geis Peterbilt, our service and parts teams can help prepare your Class 8 truck for the winter season.From batteries and filters to brakes, coolant systems and preventative maintenance, we can help keep yourtrucks working.
At Geis Utility, our trailer parts, sales and service teams can help make sure your trailers are ready for winter as well.
Keep Your Equipment Moving This Winter
Winter trucking is difficult enough without preventable breakdowns.
A thorough winter inspection can help reduce downtime, protect your equipment and keep drivers safer on the road.
Before temperatures start falling across Missouri and Kansas, schedule your truck and trailer winterization inspections with Geis Peterbilt and Geis Utility.
Our team is here to help keep your trucks, trailers and business moving through the entire 2026 winter season.
Learn More or Schedule Service
Geis Peterbilt
Visit the Geis Peterbilt website for truck sales, parts, service and location information.
Geis Utility Trailer
Visit the Geis Utility Trailer website for trailer sales, parts, service and location information.
