As the winter season approaches, Crossland are here to assist and provide some guidance for the unique challenges the road transport industry faces.
Maintaining road tankers is crucial for ensuring longevity, safety, and optimal performance for your fleet. In this article, we’ll delve into how your business can overcome these winter-related hurdles.
By undertaking proactive maintenance programs operators can catch potential problems before they escalate. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your fleet and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, especially within the winter months ahead.
Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your tanker in top condition during the winter months:
- Regular Inspections
All operators should conduct routine visual inspections for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Inspect fittings, valves, and hoses for leaks or wear.
- Cleaning and Washing
Regularly clean the exterior of your tanker to prevent the build-up of corrosive materials – especially road salt deposits. Whilst our tankers are almost 100% stainless steel, your running gear (axles) and hydraulic/ pneumatic lines are not! It’s important to wash the exterior of your tankers regularly to remove any traffic residue or dirt from your vehicle – this aids in early detection of component issues.
If you’re based in the North West of England – MTS is one of Europe’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly road tank cleaning stations and is based in the heart of the Liverpool Dock area. They provide tank cleaning services and livery wash facilities for road tankers, ISO tank containers, intermodal bulk containers (IBCs), refrigerated containers and most other commercial containers. You can learn more here. If you’re further afield and require a recommended tank wash facility please get in contact and we can put you in contact with our trusted partners throughout the UK.
- Check Seals and Gaskets
Inspect seals and gaskets for wear and tear. Please remember that during the winter product can freeze around valves causing damage to seals and gaskets and it’s important to check these on a daily basis. If you need to replace any seals or gaskets check out Bulkhaul.Parts that has a wide range of industry products: www.bulkhaul.parts
- Tyre Maintenance
Make sure to monitor your tanker’s tyre pressure regularly and ensure they are properly inflated with no cuts or damage to them. Rotate tyres to ensure even wear which will in return extend their lifespan.
- Brake System Inspection
Regularly check the brake system of your tanker, including pads, discs, and brake linings. To ensure it is fully compliant and that there is no excessive wear.
- Suspension System
Inspect the suspension system for signs of damage or wear. Lubricate moving parts to prevent friction and extend the life of components.
- Electrical Systems
Regularly check all lights, indicators, and electrical connections. Ensure that the wiring is secure and free from damage. You can now purchase all lighting and electrical components from our dedicated tanker parts supplier at www.bulkhaul.parts
- Fluid Checks
Monitor fluid levels, including oil, coolant, anti-freeze and hydraulic fluids. Regularly change fluids according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Especially critical in winter is topping up the lubrication on the pneumatic system via the filter regulator. Crossland recommends the use of Killfrost products for operation in winter environments. Contact our parts department on 01282 525554 to order your oil today.
- Draining Down Pumps for Frost Prevention
All Crossland tankers’ are supplied with drain-down systems for pumps that contain water. Ensuring this is completed is critical and will prevent these pumps from freezing overnight if the temperature drops below zero.
- Safety Valve Inspection
Check safety valves to ensure they are functioning correctly. Verify that pressure relief valves are set to the appropriate levels.
- Emergency Equipment
Ensure that emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and spill response kits, are present and in working condition.
- Emergency Response Planning
Most importantly, you must develop and regularly review emergency response plans to handle unforeseen situations if they do arise.
Remember, regular and proactive maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and safety of road tankers. Following these top tips can contribute to the overall efficiency and reliability of your tanker fleet.
Interested in hearing more about our repairs and servicing available from Crossland Tankers? – get in touch with our expert engineers today on : +44 (0)2879 40 1055 or email service@crosslandtankers.com
24th November 2023
Posted by: crossland