Winter Tip Thread

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TheDude1969, Dec 9, 2013.

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  1. Dec 9, 2013 #1
    TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

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    I'm no super trucker, but I did learn a few things over the years and like to share them with everyone. Please continue this thread with your own tips.

    Windows:
    Treat them with RainX, and don't stop there... cover everything, including mirrors, and lights. <--especially LED tail lights, those don't melt off.
    Wipers:
    They make a wiper with rubber boot for snow condition to prevent you from stopping, smacking off the excess snow.
    Rubber/Wipers/Windshield:
    Treat every plastic,painted, and rubber near window. I like Turtle Wax Ice (Ironically its called Ice, but has nothing to due with it), or any synthetic polish you choose; I put it on wipers and rubber around window.
    Defrost:
    There is a time for it, however its overused. If you have clean windshield, and well below freezing, turn off the defrost and set to floor heat. This only makes snow stick and melt when it would've blown away.
    ​

    Low visibility:
    If you have fog lamps, aim them at the lines in road approx 25' ahead of you. This will help with lines on slightly snow cover, but also give you shadows of other tracks at night during full snow cover.
    White out conditions, (Use your best judgment) turn off all fog/headlights. Run only parking lights/ambers to see. <---amazing how well it works.
    ​
     
    TheDude1969, Dec 9, 2013
    TheDude1969, Dec 9, 2013
    #1
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  3. Dec 9, 2013 #2
    bryanrutledge

    bryanrutledge Light Load Member

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    I use the rain x. amazing how well it works in freezing rain.
     
    bryanrutledge, Dec 9, 2013
    bryanrutledge, Dec 9, 2013
    #2
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  4. Dec 9, 2013 #3
    Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    I ran 40 miles in freezing rain after applying a fresh coat of Rain-X. Impressive. Hardly had to use the wipers.
     
    Lepton1, Dec 9, 2013
    Lepton1, Dec 9, 2013
    #3
    TheDude1969 Thanks this.
  5. Dec 10, 2013 #4
    KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    On the subject of Rain-X...

    Rain-X is more easily/widely found, but another similar product called Aquapel has performed even better for me (lasts much longer on windshield).
    Rain-X is silicone based, while Aquapel is uses fluorinated compounds, which create a much better bond to the glass, and the treated surface lasts about 3 times longer.
    I've done side by side "actual conditions" comparisons of the two products and Aquapel lasted almost 3 months, while Rain-X barely made it 1 month.

    Some guy on YouTube also did the same comparison, and it can be seen here:
    Rain-X vs Aquapel

    Here is Aquapel's website, with more info on their product:
    Aquapel (developed by PPG)

    BTW, I'm not sure if better auto parts stores carry Aquapel, but in the past I've ordered it via Amazon or Ebay.
     
    KW Cajun, Dec 10, 2013
    KW Cajun, Dec 10, 2013
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  7. Dec 10, 2013 #5
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    The best single advice I could offer, is keep aware of weather by whatever means available to you, especially if you aren't confined to small regions. Many systems can be gone around if you're aware of the forecast track and know early enough to take the alternate route. Avoid winter weather when you can, deal with it when you have to.

    Bookmark this site

    http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/winter_wx.shtml
     
    STexan, Dec 10, 2013
    STexan, Dec 10, 2013
    #5
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  8. Dec 10, 2013 #6
    skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    Don't eat yellow snow.

    The washer fluid nozzle on the wiper kept freezing up so I removed it and now it works alot better.
     
    skellr, Dec 10, 2013
    skellr, Dec 10, 2013
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  9. Dec 10, 2013 #7
    TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

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    Joliet, Il
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    Aquapel looks great, gonna order that for myself for Christmas. Thx KW Cajun!

    BTW Ziebart carries this if anyone has one close.
     
    TheDude1969, Dec 10, 2013
    TheDude1969, Dec 10, 2013
    #7
  10. Dec 10, 2013 #8
    ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Best winter advice I ever got was from an old hand YEARS AGO when I was on the casual board at Big R
    He told me "Boy put ur time in--keep ur mouth shut&get some seniority--then grab a yard dog or dock bid every October &rebid the road in April--course back then ya need 38yrs seniority to pull that #### but it's worth it---Lmao
    Sorry couldn't help myself
     
    ‘Olhand, Dec 10, 2013
    ‘Olhand, Dec 10, 2013
    #8
  11. Dec 10, 2013 #9
    sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Always expect the unexpected..
     
    sherlock510, Dec 10, 2013
    sherlock510, Dec 10, 2013
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  12. Dec 10, 2013 #10
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Spray silicone works great on rubber door and window seals, (but not wiper blades), and it's dirt cheap. I stopped using RainX on the windshield because under some lighting conditions, and often at the worst possible time, it caused low or no visibility, but that was more than 10 years ago, maybe it is improved.
     
    gpsman, Dec 10, 2013
    gpsman, Dec 10, 2013
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    TheDude1969 Thanks this.
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