Bendix Tech Tips: Winter Is Coming – Get Your Fleet Ready Now

AVON, OH…  As temperatures drop and the season’s first snow and ice move closer, fleets and drivers have a critical window to prepare their vehicles for the months ahead. Proactive maintenance now can help prevent costly downtime and protect vital systems from winter’s harshest effects.

This edition of the Bendix Tech Tips series outlines key preventive steps to help commercial vehicles keep rolling safely and efficiently through the most challenging season of the year – focusing on three key areas: air systems, braking systems, and advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS) and tires.

 Keep the Air Flowing

From braking performance to automated manual transmissions (AMTs), emissions systems, and safety technologies like stability control and collision mitigation, today’s trucks rely on a clean, dry supply of compressed air. But freeze-thaw cycles and water accumulation in the tanks can quickly turn air system moisture into ice – leading to malfunctions across multiple vehicle systems.

Once the weather starts getting cold, we strongly recommend manually draining the air tanks to remove moisture left over from the warmer months,” said Brian Screeton, Bendix manager – technical training and service. “For a typical line haul truck, draining every three months is a good practice. Trucks that consume more air, such as vocational vehicles, may require monthly or even weekly draining.”

Replacing both the air dryer cartridge and purge valve before winter hits is another simple but crucial step – especially if it hasn’t been done recently or if moisture is present during draining. Excessive air consumption is also a sign that the dryer cartridge should be replaced. Service personnel should always follow manufacturer guidelines when doing so to ensure proper performance.

“Moisture in the system can condense and freeze, increasing the risk of valve and brake malfunctions,” Screeton said. “The dryer is your first line of defense – and most new trucks are equipped with oil-coalescing cartridges like Bendix® PuraGuard®. It’s important to replace them like-for-like, because standard cartridges allow oil aerosols to pass through, which can shorten component life and cause system issues.”

Because winter accelerates corrosion and grit accumulation, starting the season with a new purge valve is also good practice. Bendix maintenance kits include the cartridge, purge valve, and sometimes a cartridge pressure protection valve for a comprehensive seasonal refresh.

One final reminder: Use de-icing solutions only as a last resort. “Sometimes they’re necessary to get a truck back on the road quickly and safely,” Screeton said. “But these chemicals can damage valves and O-rings. Keep their use limited to the affected area and inspect those parts closely later to ensure everything is functioning properly.” 

At the Wheel-Ends

Few components are more critical in winter than brakes, and regular inspections combined with proper lubrication are the foundation of effective preventive maintenance.

“Winter walk-arounds might not be pleasant when it’s cold out, but they’re essential,” said Keith McComsey, Bendix technical sales lead, Wheel-End. “Drivers should check for corrosion or damage to air brake chamber housings, since winter road treatments and contaminants can gain a foothold fast. It’s also vital to look at the slack adjusters. If the slack adjusters are not at the same angle at both ends of the axle, then there may be a broken power spring.”

In the shop, technicians should verify that dust plugs are properly seated to keep contaminants from entering and causing internal damage. This step is important for both non-sealed and sealed chambers. A sealed chamber offers added protection from corrosion. The Bendix®EnduraSure®-Pro sealed air chamber, for example, incorporates a dust plug with an integrated check valve – allowing air to escape while blocking moisture and debris.

On vehicles equipped with air disc brakes, inspect caliper boots for punctures or tears and confirm that components move freely. Pads should slide smoothly in the carrier; if they don’t, remove them and clean the carrier surface with a wire brush. Also check that the shear adapter cover is fully seated and that the brake itself moves freely on its guidance system.

“Don’t forget to inspect the rotor surface on all wheel-ends,” McComsey said. “If cracks are present, make sure they’re within the depth and length guidelines set by the rotor manufacturer.”

Finally, lubricate all appropriate components – including automatic slack adjusters, clevis pin connections, cam tubes, shafts, and bushings – to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion during the months ahead.

ADAS and Tires: Staying Winter-Ready

Winter weather puts added pressure on ADAS – including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and stability control – all of which depend on accurate sensor input to perform as intended. Snow, ice, and road grime can obscure cameras and radar units, reducing their range or even causing them to shut down temporarily.

“Before heading out, drivers should make sure there are no active diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and confirm that forward- and side-facing cameras or radar units are free of snow, ice, or other debris,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions. “Even minor obstructions can impact the performance of these safety systems.”

A thin layer of buildup, such as salt film, on the radar can degrade radar accuracy, while snow buildup around bumpers or grilles can block sensor fields of view entirely. In the shop, technicians can also verify that electrical connections remain secure and watertight to guard against corrosion from moisture, salt, and road chemicals. If a vehicle has recently undergone windshield or bumper work, reviewing sensor alignment and calibration is a good practice before winter begins.

Because temperature swings can affect tire pressure – and tire condition plays a critical role in the effectiveness of both braking and driver-assistance systems – tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) should be checked for proper operation. Drivers and technicians alike should keep an eye on tire tread depth, signs of uneven wear, and properly tightened wheel bolts.

Bendix emphasizes that advanced technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology, including Bendix safety technologies, replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driving training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times. Never wait for the system to intervene. Every driver should carefully review the operator’s manual and be trained by the fleet or vehicle owner on the proper operation and limitations of the ADAS system during operation.

“Winter can be tough on trucks and drivers alike,” Thomas said. “With the right preventive steps in place, fleets can better navigate the toughest winter conditions with confidence.”

Find more information from the Bendix Tech Tips series in the Bendix multimedia center at knowledge-dock.com. Additional instructional videos and interactive education on wheel-ends, air systems, and electronics are also available at the Bendix On-Line Brake School, brake-school.com, and B2Bendix.com. You can reach the Bendix Tech Team at 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725), option 2. And as always, complete maintenance and troubleshooting information can be found in the library of Service Data Sheets and Technical Bulletins located at B2Bendix.com and bendix.com.