Brutal Cold Incoming: Protect Your Fleet This Weekend!

By Richard Kemner, RDK Truck Sales | January 2026 | Cold Weather Fleet Maintenance

If you’re running routes anywhere from the Midwest to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
this weekend, you already know what’s coming. We’re looking at temperatures dropping
well below freezing—some areas dipping below zero—with ice storms, snow, and
freezing sleet making things even more challenging.

After 40+ years in this industry, I’ve seen plenty of cold snaps. But today’s trucks and
equipment require a different game plan than they did 20 years ago. Here’s what you
need to know to keep your fleet moving.

The DEF Problem: Your Biggest Cold Weather Enemy
Diesel Exhaust Fluid freezes at 12°F (-11°C). That’s not “below zero” cold—that’s a
regular winter night in half the country this weekend.

What happens when DEF freezes: Your truck goes into derate mode (reduced power).
In severe cases, the engine won’t start at all. The DEF tank and lines can crack if
completely frozen.

What to do: Keep trucks in heated buildings overnight whenever possible. If outdoor
parking is your only option, use DEF tank heaters. Run the engine periodically to keep
the system warm. Never add additives to DEF—it voids warranties and damages the
system. Keep DEF tanks at least half full; less fluid freezes faster.

DPF and Aftertreatment Systems
The Diesel Particulate Filter and SCR systems on modern trucks hate cold weather.
Regen cycles take longer, sensors get sluggish, and the whole system works overtime.

Watch for: Extended regen times tying up trucks. Warning lights from cold sensors
giving false readings. Blocked regens if trucks are doing short runs and shutting down
before completing cycles.

What to do: Let trucks fully complete regen cycles before shutting down—even if it
means idling an extra 20 minutes. Don’t ignore warning lights; cold weather amplifies
small issues into big problems. If a truck has been sitting in extreme cold, let it idle and
warm up before hitting the road.

Hydraulic Systems: Your Packer’s Worst Nightmare
This is where I see crews get into real trouble. Hydraulic fluid thickens dramatically in
cold weather. What flows like water at 70°F moves like honey at 10°F—and barely
moves at all below zero.

The problems you’ll see: Slow or jerky packer operation. Cylinders that won’t fully
extend or retract. Increased strain on pumps (leading to premature failure). Seals that
crack and start leaking.

What to do: Warm up the hydraulic system before running full cycles—operate the
packer slowly through several partial cycles first. Check hydraulic fluid levels; cold
weather reveals low fluid faster. Inspect all hoses and fittings for cracks before heading
out. Consider switching to a lower-viscosity hydraulic fluid for winter operations if you
haven’t already.

Packing Frozen Trash: Physics Works Against You
Here’s something newer operators don’t always think about: frozen garbage doesn’t
compact like regular garbage. When trash is frozen solid, your packer is essentially
trying to crush ice blocks. This puts tremendous strain on the packer, the hydraulics,
and the truck’s PTO system.

What to do: Don’t force it—if the packer is struggling, back off. Expect reduced
payload; frozen material takes up more space. Run more frequent trips rather than
trying to crush frozen loads into one haul. Inspect packer blades and components for
damage after running frozen loads.

Quick Pre-Trip Checklist for Extreme Cold
Before your drivers head out this weekend:

1. Check all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, DEF
2. Inspect batteries – cold weather kills weak batteries; test them now
3. Look at air dryers and tanks – moisture freezes and locks up brakes
4. Test all lights – shorter days mean more time running in the dark
5. Verify tire pressure – cold drops PSI; check and adjust
6. Confirm heaters work – cab heaters and DEF tank heaters
7. Check wipers and washer fluid – use winter-rated fluid only

The Bottom Line
Modern trucks give us better fuel economy, cleaner emissions, and more power than
ever. But they also demand more attention in extreme weather. The crews that take 30
extra minutes to prep their equipment this weekend are the ones who won’t be stuck on
the side of the road calling for a tow.

Stay safe out there. If you need parts, service support, or just want to talk through what
you’re seeing in the field, give us a call. That’s what we’re here for.
RDK Truck Sales has been serving the refuse industry since 1997. We’re an
independent dealer representing Battle Motors, Pac-Mac, New Way, Labrie, and all
major chassis manufacturers. Sales, service, parts, and leasing—nationwide.

Like our cold weather fleet maintenance blog? Check out some of our other material.