Seasonal Maintenance: Preparing Your Semi Truck for Fall & Early Winter

As the last of the leaves shake off the trees, it’s time to start thinking about how the changing seasons can affect your heavy-duty truck. For operators in Michigan, where weather shifts can be swift and dramatic, keeping your heavy-duty truck ready for the weather with seasonal maintenance is more than a good idea. It’s critical. Prepping for that sudden early snow or sharp temperature drop, well, it can leave you on the shoulder if you're not ready.

So here’s what you need to get done before the weather turns. 

Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters in the Midwest

When you are working out of Jenison and passing through Grand Rapids, you’re no stranger to fluctuating temps, icy roads, and lake-effect snow. And the thing is, these conditions can put a damper on your semi-truck’s systems. Whether it’s your coolant system or air brakes, or maybe it’s temperamental electrical components, you need to be ready for what the seasons bring. If you don’t prepare now, you’re increasing the risk of breakdowns, decreased fuel efficiency, and expensive repairs that could have been avoided.

1. Check and Replace Engine Coolant

Your coolant system is your first line of defense against cold-related breakdowns. As temps drop, the antifreeze mix in your coolant needs to be spot-on. If it's too diluted, it could freeze. Too concentrated, and it won't dissipate heat effectively.

• Test coolant concentration
• Check for leaks in coolant lines, reservoir, and radiator
• Inspect the water pump and thermostat for proper operation

If your coolant hasn’t been changed since last winter, it’s probably time. Old coolant can degrade, becoming less effective at absorbing and releasing heat.

2. Battery & Electrical System Check

Cold weather is brutal on batteries, especially if they’re already weak. When the mercury drops, your starter motor, glow plugs, and fuel injectors need more juice to get things going.

• Load test the battery
• Clean battery terminals
• Inspect your alternator and serpentine belt for signs of wear

The last thing you want is to be stuck in the cold with a dead battery and no way to power the cab or start the engine.

3. Inspect and Dry Your Air Brake System

Your air brake system is at major risk during the fall-to-winter transition. Moisture in the airlines can freeze, block pressure, and compromise braking, an obvious safety hazard.

• Drain your air tanks
• Replace the air dryer filter if it hasn’t been swapped in the last year
• Check for cracks or leaks in air lines

Frozen moisture in your brake lines isn’t just annoying —it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous. Which is why it’s important for both driver and vehicle safety that you stay ahead of it before that Michigan frost sets in.

4. Tire Health & Traction

With ice and snow, the roads get slick. And your tires become your lifeline. Though replacing tires is a big-ticket item, keeping your vehicle in top shape is not. And fall is the best time to inspect tread depth, sidewall integrity, and air pressure.

• Rotate and balance tires
• Replace any that are worn or uneven
• Double-check wheel bearings and races for heat or damage

Need better grip? Consider switching to winter-specific tires if your routes will take you into snow-heavy areas.

5. Fuel System Protection

Did you know that water in your diesel fuel system can cause injector damage or gelling in freezing temps? And we don’t want that. 

• Use anti-gel additives
• Keep the fuel tank full to reduce condensation
• Inspect the fuel filter and fuel water separator

Don’t discount the power of a simple additive. It could be the difference between a smooth cold start and a no-go morning in the middle of nowhere.

6. Heating, DEF, and Aftertreatment Systems

Don’t overlook your DEF tank. If it freezes, you're not going anywhere. Modern systems are built to warm the DEF, but only if they’re working properly.

• Ensure your DEF heater is functioning
• Top off Diesel Exhaust Fluid
• Run a diagnostic on your EGR, DPF, and SCR systems

Remember that cold DEF crystallizes. Left unchecked, this can damage the after-treatment system and trigger fault codes that force limp mode.

7. Lights, Wipers, and Visibility

With long hours on the road in variable weather, seeing clearly is more than an idea. It’s important. Shorter days and messy roads mean you'll be driving in low light and heavy spray. Visibility is a must.

• Replace old wiper blades
• Top off windshield washer fluid with a freeze-resistant formula
• Check all exterior lights and bulbs

Foggy lenses? Give them a polish. A dim headlight can cost you visibility—and safety.

8. Suspension & Chassis Components

With roads getting rougher as temperatures drop, it’s time to give your suspension system a good once-over.

• Check leaf springs and air bags for wear or cracks
• Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
• Confirm your ride height is even

Too many trucks bounce down the road in winter because their shocks are toast. That bounce means less control, more wear, and a bumpy ride.

9. Lubricants & Fluids

Cold temps thicken engine oil, gear oil, and transmission fluid. So before the cold really sets in, make sure everything is season-appropriate.

• Use winter-rated oil viscosity
• Inspect and top off differential gear oil
• Replace old or contaminated power steering fluid

Stay ahead of viscosity changes so your systems keep flowing smoothly. When the fluids are right for the season, your truck will run right, even on the coldest Michigan morning.

10. Emergency Kit Essentials

Prepare for the worst so it never happens.

• Carry a working flashlight, batteries, flares, and jumper cables
• Include tire chains, extra DEF, gloves, a blanket, and high-calorie snacks
• Keep a backup phone charger and first aid kit

Michigan weather doesn’t mess around. Neither should your roadside readiness.

Get your Truck Winter Ready 

When it comes to keeping your heavy-duty truck haulin', a proper preventive maintenance program is just what you need. A properly maintained truck is a reliable truck, and fall is the perfect time to catch up on all those little tasks before winter kicks your rig in the teeth. From air brakes to batteries, you’ve got a lot of systems that need attention.

Tackling seasonal maintenance now means fewer surprises, less downtime, and smoother hauls all the way into spring. If you need a crew to get your rig winter-ready, hop over to Kleyn Mobile Repair or schedule your mobile service.