Winter in Quebec is tough on trucks. Salt, cold, ice, hard starts… all of it leaves its mark on a heavy-duty truck.
When spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to give your truck a thorough checkup before heading into a busy season. A well-inspected truck means fewer breakdowns, less downtime… and often lower expenses.
Here are the key things to check on your truck in the spring:
1. Brake condition
Winter salt and moisture can accelerate corrosion.
In the spring, take time to check:
• brake pad and drum wear
• brake chambers
• air hoses
• leaks in the system
A weakened braking system can quickly become dangerous, especially when roads get wet in the spring.
2. Tires and pressure
Temperature changes greatly affect tire pressure.
Check:
• the pressure of each tire
• uneven wear
• cracks or damage caused by the cold
• tread depth
An underinflated tire can increase your diesel consumption and reduce its lifespan.
3. Suspension
Winter roads full of potholes and bumps can put the suspension under heavy stress.
Inspect:
• shock absorbers
• leaf springs
• air bags
• bushings
Worn suspension components can affect truck stability and cause premature tire wear.
4. Battery
Cold weather is the number one enemy of batteries.
In the spring, check:
• battery charge
• terminals (corrosion)
• cables
• starting capacity
If your battery struggled this winter, it may be time to replace it before getting stranded on the road.
5. Fluids
Temperature fluctuations can affect your truck’s fluids.
Do a full check of:
• engine oil
• coolant
• power steering fluid
• transmission fluid
• differential oil
A simple low fluid level can quickly lead to a very costly repair.
6. Radiator and cooling system
After a winter full of salt and dust, the radiator can become clogged.
Make sure to check:
• leaks
• hoses
• the radiator
• the fan
An efficient cooling system is essential before the intense heat of summer.
7. Lighting and electrical connections
Moisture and salt can create corrosion in electrical connections.
Test:
• headlights
• trailer lights
• turn signals
• electrical connections
It’s a small detail… but it’s often the cause of many tickets and failed inspections.
✅ Road tip: Do your spring inspection before the busy season really starts. Repair shops are often much busier when everyone waits until the last minute.
At Centre du Camion Gamache, we see hundreds of trucks every year. And one thing is certain: truckers who maintain their trucks regularly stay on the road longer… and spend less on unexpected repairs.
