Most trucks are automatic transmissions these days. Remember that “N” is your friend. Throw that transmission into Neutral when sliding, stops all power to the drives helps to keep control, just like pushing the clutch in on a manual… Always keep that fifth wheel greased up, having little or no grease in winter can cause a jackknife on ice and snow.
Another good trick is to keep that transmission in manual mode if losing traction and keep the rpm up. This way the transmission won’t shift up to a higher gear causing a loss of traction. Pick your gear accordingly. Drive it like a manual in winter more often not relying on the computer to pick your power band. Helped me out of some slippery situations.
Your wheels don't lock up with a jake break your engine pulls back. Also it hasn't been called a jake brake in decades. I use it all the time in snow and ice, the trick is you have to use it on a low setting, and if your trailer starts to Jack knife, flutter your Spike and speed up. If you rely solely on your brakes, then I'll see you in the ditch.
You nailed it. Too much misinformation based on mythology. That brake has three settings for a reason. You have a foot valve and the ability to control application pressure. Then there is the trailer valve. Know how to use them and when, while minding your speed. Relax, pay attention and shut down if necessary
Here are my tips. Keep your windshield wash full and use the for winter use. Test to make sure it works. Same with wipers and winter ones. Long handle snow brush. Try your best to get rid of snow on your hood. Also check 5th wheel for ice buildup. You may think you are connected but it could be worse. Make sure lights front and back are as clear as you can. When it is snowing low beams. If you are going considerably slower, four ways. Always look ahead. Drive at least 10 miles slower. If weather gets bad pull over to a safe area and call dispatch. Finally, if you are going to write your name in the snow drink plenty of fluids.😎
Great video . Been a driver since 2013 . Had 250,000 accident free award with Werner , my first company . Hope new drivers listen to your video 👏. Be safe out there brotha and to all my other drivers remember loads can wait better to be safe.
Just a couple of things number 1 abs you can drive without it just drive the old fashon way did it for years and I grew up were there was lots an lots of snow. Number2 the rear axles are driven thru the rear axle The rear axle does all the driving until you engage the interaxle switch that big protrusion on the front of the front tandem is a clutch pack to keep it from burning up also do not drive over45 mph with it engaged Number three traction control is ok but remember the computer will cut engine power when it is switched on Number3 when you have gotten experience you can use Jake brake in snow it is a good tool Number 4 try to plan so you never have to use foot brakes and when you do pretend you are pushing on a egg
Omg I’m a new driver about to set out in my first snow and I always use my Jake going down the I-5 between north Cali and Oregon. I’m so nervous to drive out this go round with snow I’m so glad I seen this before going out there using my Jake brake! Thanks for the tips!
Yay!!! Good for you!!! You’ll hear some chatter and foul language. But…it can also end up being invaluable!!!!! It’s already helped us a few times. And in winter we think it’s super important. Glad to hear that our videos are helpful!!
i stop driving in nov. take a 4 month vacation from over the road, and return in march. did this because of all the newbees out there, did it for 10yrs then retired, drove 40yrs all together
Salt can make it hard to see, but if you're behind a brine tanker who's treating the road you might want to stop for abit, or get around it asap. The brine will adhere to all of the glass, windshield AND the side windows and make it impossible to see. Fluid will help the windshield, but the side windows and mirrors become unusable.
Glad our videos are helpful!!! Be sure to watch our education playlist!! Lots of good tips for rookie drivers based on our experience. Good luck. Drive safe. Have fun. Welcome to trucking!!
I've had drivers yell at me for that. Why do you keep hitting your brakes? Uhmm when Jake is on it automatically turns on the brake lights. Oh. And then silence.
You can use your engine brake on ice and snow all day long. That’s how you keep from hitting brakes going downhill on snow and ice. Whoever told you lot to use your engine brake hasn’t been driving very long.
Only use chains to get out of a situation not to enter a situation. Plan 3 to five extra days of food and water. Phoenix and Laramie Wyoming are pretty different.
Lol!!! They sure are. But last year showed it can happen in unexpected places…look at Texas. Look at what happened in Virginia earlier this year. ALWAYS have food and water on board. Doesn’t have to be fancy. We carry a three gallon water jug under the bunk and usually 5-6 gallons in cab that we keep filling at gas stations. Keep some cans of food or vacuum sealed food on hand. Granola bars, nuts…these things last and could come in very handy.
Nice video. The best advice is slow down. Ice doesn't care what you're driving, and if it's hidden below snow you will find it too late. Also, don't use your cruise control. Stay safe!
@@thedale2112 That’s awesome!! You’re gonna put us all to shame!! Lol! What school are you at? Kevin is impressed with how much wheel time you are getting.
Hey bro First Snow always dicey. Great job touching on all basic winter tips for Newbies Stay safe 40 years accident free all over North America Super B Trailers Cheers Dave Calgary Alberta Canada 😊
Adjust your speed to road surface conditions, carry a tow chain, tire chains if you really need them, extra fluids, flashlight, extra food, insulated overalls, boots, an extra work coat. And keep the cb on and listen to the weather band . Know what’s coming because the winter weather changes drastically.
I’ve been driving for 6 months now , but not on snow conditions yet ! How can I slow down the truck downhill without the engine brake ? Nice video, be safe!
Be sure to start slow from top of hill. Then use foot break. The gravier the load, the slower you start. If conditions are bad and you know your route is full of mountains you might consider alternative route or waiting it out.
Don't use engine brakes in the snow!! Go slow control the rig with your rpms. If you're in a automatic switch to manual shifting. Run high rpms, and stay off the brakes.
@@truckstop4873 thank you for your comment. How I prevent the transmission to jump into a higher gear after it has being in lower gear for a while, without using the breaks, thank you so much for your comment.
Ken, I started NTTs in Feb 1995. They ask me if I had Winter Training? I said No! The winter I had was quite an experience would not forget. Also prepared me if me truck just" shut down" on the intersection , An would I do to start back up . that what really prepared me .
Yes. That’s the way to do it. Start at less than speed limit. 5mph under the limit break and release (stab breaking) is the way to go in rain and snow. Don’t want to jackknife that trailer with Jake brake.
Hi there! Set climate control to where you want it to be. Then turn the truck off. Then lift auto-start button and hold it. The dashboard display will tell you when it’s activated. Then release the button. If that doesn’t work it might have issues that need to be addressed at the dealership. We know a few drivers that had that situation. Hope that helps!!!
@@fernandoortiz9852 Hope it worked!! We are sitting in cold and snowy Springfield. So we feel the need for warmth and hope you can get the heat working. Normally we turn truck off and have the heater in the bunk area working on battery. Right now we have to idle because battery dropped too low. So hopefully the auto-start will be your ‘just right’. :-)))
Don’t use the Jake Brake going down a hill in wet or snow conditions. Start off slow and use stab braking instead to keep a safe speed. Hope that helps. Stay safe!!!
Subaru make arguably the best 4x4 system available . Jeep, range rover,Subaru and audi are the best. Toyota FJ is probably the best budget 4x4 around tho.
I wonder why 4x4 systems aren't put on all trucks. Ive seen guys in ford 4x4 dually pulling 40' trailers handle snow and rain better than a semi tractor trailer.
