october2023 - 10

EV winterizing
While electric vehicles don't have many of the systems that
cause cold weather problems in diesel-powered trucks, issues
still exist. For Gina Bonini, VP and GM of Advanced Thermal
Systems at Modine, however, that means seasonal temperature-related
preparations for EVs will look different.
" Cold weather is known to impact EV battery range and
performance, but it is important to know that nearly twothirds
of the range reduction is due to the extra drain on
the battery to heat the cab for driver comfort, " Bonini said.
" Cold temperatures also impact performance as the battery
will deplete a charge faster and take longer to recharge.
" EV batteries are susceptible to temperature swings and must
be maintained in a much narrower operating temperature
window than ICE vehicles, " Bonini continued. " In addition to the
battery, managing temperature is important for the inverter,
converter, and traction motor. Appropriate thermal management
is necessary for efficient EV operation all winter long.
" A commercial EV battery thermal management system
(BTMS) helps maintain the battery pack at its ideal temperature,
regardless of harsh outdoor temperatures, " Bonini
explained. Additionally, planning for winter months can help
optimize efficiency and uptime and extend the battery's life.
" For example, especially during extreme temperatures, a BTMS
can maintain battery temperature by heating the coolant that
circulates the pack. A BTMS also has the capability to pre-condition
an EV by warming up the battery packs to an optimal
temperature range before the vehicle is charged or driven.
" While winterizing is not as hands-on for EVs as it is for ICE vehicles,
fleets should pay attention to the diagnostic and maintenance
software for battery thermal management systems, " Bonini said.
" Those systems also have tools to help ensure necessary preventive
maintenance is done to keep vehicles running smoothly. "
" In regions where deicers are commonly used, more frequent cleaning and the
application of dielectric grease on plugs and sockets on both the tractor and trailer
are essential to counteract the corrosive effects of these chemicals, " Summers said.
Ensuring proper cable support by tightly affixing lights to their pigtail connections
and the chassis frame is essential to protect cables from sharp edges or
rubbing against the trailer's frame. Summers explained this could compromise
the jacketing or cause the cables to become dislodged or damaged.
Regularly maintained mud flaps play a dual role in keeping large road debris like
rocks from kicking up and in creating a barrier against moisture and contaminants
that can compromise electrical connections, he said.
Summers warned to take extra care when cutting or splicing sealed harnesses or
when pressure washing vehicles, emphasizing the importance of keeping moisture
away from couplings such as plugs, sockets, lamp pigtails, and harness connections.
" It's vital to ensure wires are properly seated in terminals for a strong connection,
and any repairs should be sealed to keep moisture out and maintain the integrity
of the harness, " he said. " High-pressure water can force moisture into these
components, potentially causing electrical issues or corrosion. "
Fuel systems
Diesel fuel gels when it's cold. In addition to clogging fuel systems, it won't flow or
burn. Hot fuel cools when the truck isn't running, and cool outside temperatures
cause moisture to collect in the tank, explained Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent
Xpress and a former driver. " We use a quality anti-gel additive all winter long and
keep our tanks full at night to prevent condensation from occurring, " he explained.
" Full tanks gather no moisture. "
Fuel gelling can also be prevented by using locally purchased fuel in colder
areas because it's blended or treated, TA's Mustafa noted. In any of those cases, he
recommended removing the fuel and sweeping the tank to remove excess water.
The fuel filter should be changed, and the fuel/water separator should be drained.
" Anti-gel additives can pre-treat fuel as well, " Mustafa added, and there are great
products like Diesel 911 when you already have a problem. "
Air systems
Rick Conklin, Bendix director of engineering, air supply, and drivetrain, noted
that winter conditions increase the vulnerability of air systems. In particular, he
recommended the following:
ÜDrain the air tanks manually at the beginning of the cold weather season to get
rid of any moisture from warmer months.
ÜCheck the air dryer cartridge. If it hasn't been replaced lately, replacement may
be wise before the winter season hits because moisture in the air system can
condense and freeze, upping the chances of brake and valve malfunctions.
ÜReplace the purge valve if you spot corrosion or grit accumulation. Corrosive
road chemicals-the kind you'll run into during winter-can damage this valve
and cause bigger system issues.
" The largest issue with air systems in winter is water freezing that prevents critical
systems from functioning, " Mustafa said, " and the easiest way to prevent it is to not
let it in. Changing the air dryer filter is a low-cost item that can save a lot of pain.
Draining air tanks as part of a pre-trip inspection is also an undervalued procedure. "
For Hell Bent Xpress' Hagen, changing air system filters is a standard practice.
" We only use high-quality products in this application as cheaper ones have led
to issues, " he emphasized. " We also purge all of our truck and trailer air tanks. "
2206FMS_Kafko.indd 1
10 Fleet Maintenance | October 2023
4/26/22 4:06 PM
» Moisture
accumulated in
the air systems
during the warm
months needs to be
drained manually
at the beginning
of the cold
weather season.
Bendix
http://oileater.com
october2023

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