Someone forgot to tell Atlantic Canada it's spring.
More than 27,000 customers were without power in New Brunswick Monday afternoon, after a winter storm continued to pound the eastern provinces, less than a week after a blizzard dumped 30 cm of snow in the region.
after the #peistorm this road was barely a cow path, thanks to the plow operators who worked hard to clear our roads pic.twitter.com/06Nw1Plba4
— Heather Mullen (@mullenpei) March 29, 2014
In Nova Scotia, nearly 7,000 were in the dark because of high winds and freezing rain.
Outages were reported all across Prince Edward Island as well.
In Newfoundland, the RCMP had closed a large section of the Trans-Canada Highway in the southern part of the province due to whiteout conditions, but Newfoundland Power reported no outages.
We are prepping for another winter storm hitting many parts of the province today. You can prep too - learn more at http://t.co/aI8lgiAMAK
— NLHydro (@NLHydro) March 31, 2014
Environment Canada's winter storm warnings remained in place for the region Monday, predicting continued blowing snow, ice pellets and freezing rain. Northern Quebec and northern Ontario were also expected to see heavy snowfall and freezing rain
Ignoring the importance of winter tires is neglecting the safety of the driver. Owners should keep in mind that in colder climates when purchasing a bucket truck, they should prepare their trucks with the proper wheels which will help them control the vehicle safely and provide maximum traction when attempting to stop in slippery conditions. The performance of the bucket truck while on the road during the cold and wintry season rests on the type of treads that have been installed. All-season tires are great in places where there is not a continual build-up of ice and snow; however, in a place where snow is present much of the year and in greater quantity than 'normal,' it is best to consider cold weather versions, as they will be much more useful.
Wintry Condition Design
Winter or snow treads have a different type of rubber composition in contrast to the all-season variety. These wheels have natural rubber (soft rubber) compounds and silica to ensure their flexibility when the temperature drops to zero or below. On the contrary, all-season tires will harden and become too rigid for use in cold weather conditions. Winter tires have small tread patterns which improve traction and maintain a good grip when encountering ice, snow, and wet road surfaces.
When driving during the cold season, it is vital to increase the grip of the wheels to ensure that the bucket truck is able to steer properly and stop safely. Life-saving devices such as traction control, stability control, electronic and anti-lock brakes will not work if gripping capabilities are compromised. Snow tires do not totally prevent hazards such as hydro-planing or skidding; but they do significantly lower the risk of these events occurring.
Risks
Using all-season tires is not good enough for any extensive winter driving. Although they are engineered to adapt to different weather conditions (winter, spring, summer and fall), they are not very functional for the snowy season. These wheels are made from synthetic rubber, which reduces their grip when the temperature drops to 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The tread designs are not effective enough to use during the colder season. Therefore, they perform poorly on icy and snowy road surfaces.
Combining Two Tire Types
There is also the idea that combining winter and all-season tires will deliver a good grip and better traction on the road. This was the accepted practice for many years and studies show that it was the worse combination possible because of many unpleasant surprises and poor traction during increased acceleration. Combining two types of wheels impedes the proper balance and handling of the vehicle while driving on the road.
Important Considerations
When driving on snowy road surfaces, it is important to be cautious about the condition of the wheels; they should have deep treads to enhance traction control. Many times during winter weather, the mercury drops quickly. The drop in temperature affects tire pressure; therefore drivers should always check the inflation levels. Remember that every time there is a decrease in air temperature, the tire pressure also decreases. Neglecting these changes in pressure can put the life of the driver at risk. Always check the pressure of the wheels before that cold weather arrives to avoid skidding and fish-tailing on the road.
One of the most commonly encountered types of road accidents during the winter season are collisions. According to a study done by the Quebec Ministry of Transport, the type of wheels used on the vehicles play a significant role in decreasing these types of accidents.
Using all-season tires only does not provide adequate traction and balance for cold weather driving; this is the reason why the winter version is so beneficial. It is imperative to have the appropriate tires to provide a sense of security and safety while driving on the road!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks for Sale in Canada.
The typical big rig operates on 15W-40 oil, which is good in a wide range of temperatures but excels in moderate to hot climates. This oil is typically rated effective in temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but will cease being effective when the mercury drops below about 14 degree Fahrenheit. For truckers in more moderate winter climates typically those below the Mason-Dixon line, this will certainly suffice. But those who do most of their business in the mid-Atlantic states, New England, and the Upper Midwest will find that 15W-40 graded oil is simply insufficient for the types of frigid temperatures they'll encounter. For this reason, it's recommended that serious cold weather truckers switch out their 15W-40 graded oil for the much more resilient 10W-40 graded oil during the winter months. For most people, this will be necessary between November and March though it's always best to judge based on your local area's typical winters. 10W-40 oil can withstand temperatures up to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, a level that is rarely reached even in the coldest parts of the continental United States.
2. Get an engine heater
It's no secret that starting up a rig during the winter months is a challenge unto itself. Most truckers opt to let their rig idle overnight in order to keep the engine warm and make the morning easier, but this no longer has to be the case. Instead, many truckers are restarting to engine warmers which actually surround the engine in a metal jacket and help to heat the coolant and the oil needed for a smooth start. In addition to making the cranking process easier, these engine warmers allow the engine itself to undergo far less stress on a cold day, and that only bodes well for longevity and reliability on the road.
3. Check your coolant
Using a hydrometer, measure the amount of coolant and water in your rig and ensure that the mix is just the right blend, or else you'll encounter one of two problems: a cracked cylinder block (because water expands when it freezes), or antifreeze coolant that has simply frozen solid and prevents your rig from starting effectively. This tool costs about $100 and will help to ensure that your engine is running with a 50/50 coolant and water concentration, which is the ideal concentration to avoid dangerous freezes of either the coolant or its water concentration.
4. Get a diesel fuel additive
Here's something most people don't consider as a possibility: the weather may get so cold that the diesel fuel which powers your rig may gel and be unusable. And, if you typically drive north to south, from warmer climates in Florida to the colder reaches of Minnesota, you'll find that the diesel fuel is even more prone to freezing and gelling. That's because southern climates promote the use of a different kind of fuel which isn't tested to such low temperatures. To prevent this complication, invest in a fuel additive that will keep the diesel fuel liquid and usable no matter the outside temperature.
Winterize Now, Get Peace of Mind Later
The key is to get all of these items in place before winter actually arrives and because it arrives at different times each year, it doesn't hurt to be prepared early. These four steps will ensure that your rig can start up, stay running, and maximize driving time without dangerous freezing or gelling. And they'll make it easier to crank and start up the rig on those cold January mornings that are legendary among long-distance truckers.
Jim is the managing editor for Trucker To Trucker which offers the best truck deals around. Trucker To Trucker also offers tips for truckers buying insurance and truck financing options.
