Shipping Your Vehicle In Winter Conditions
During the winter months we can experience extreme cold across the country which has a negative effect on the transportation industry.
If the temperature drops low enough, train engines are unable to start, rail cars can freeze shut, train track mechanisms can get frozen in place, vehicle engines can become too cold to start, and fuel in our carrier’s fuel tanks can become gelatinous, which can lead to delays while we wait for warmer temperatures.
How Cold Affects Trains
When the temperature reaches a tipping point around -25°C, trains begin to feel the effects of the cold. When metal cools it contracts which leads to stress, this greatly increases the likelihood is the rail pulling apart, developing cracks, or pitting which can cause impacts on the wheels. As snow gets in to the engine and electrical components the possibility of engine failure increases, meaning more delays due to breakdowns.
The extreme cold can also freeze or cause fractures in the brake systems leading to reduced braking capacity and slower recharge times, meaning the overall train length must be shortened to accommodate for brake functionality. As trains are shortened, more railcars are left behind leading to an accumulation of idle cars and extended wait times before your vehicle will be loaded.
As trains are shortened, more railcars are left behind leading to an accumulation of idle cars and extended wait times before your vehicle will be loaded.
How Cold Affects Trucks
When the temperature dips below -10°C, trucks and the trailers that they haul begin to feel the effects of the cold. The diesel fuel that trucks are filled with has a gel point of -10°C to -15°C where the fuel will start to thicken and will not flow through the fuel lines as easily, leading to decreased functionality and a host of potential engine issues. If the temperature begins to decrease, the fuel lines—the thin metal tubes that move the diesel from the tank into the engine—can freeze completely leading to engine shutdown until the fuel lines are thawed and the diesel can run freely.
Aside from fuel concerns, extreme cold weather affects road conditions and can add large amounts of snow or layers of ice, making driving slow or impossible until the roads are cleared up by other services.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Cold
WINTER TIRES
If your vehicle is being transported by open truck or train, your vehicle must have winter tires with sufficient tread so the drivers can load them safely. The ramps that your vehicle will have to drive up are metal and can become very slippery if any snow or ice is on them.
FUEL LEVEL
Have more than 1/3 of a tank of fuel in your vehicle, but no more than 1/2 of a tank. Your vehicle may wait extended periods of time outside due to delays and longer transit times in the winter, so less than 1/3 of a tank of fuel can increase the likelihood of freezing the fuel in your tank.
FULLY FUNCTIONAL
More than ever, your vehicle must be fully functioning including but not limited to working windows, lights, and heating system. If your windows are not working properly it could mean that snow could get in and accumulate inside your vehicle.
HEALTHY BATTERY
Make sure your battery is strong and fully charges. Cold temperatures are not good for batteries, so old or malfunctioning batteries may die as they wait for transport. If a battery dies while waiting or during transport, we will be unable to finish transporting your vehicle.
Summary
A wise person once said, “prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” This accurately sums up the transportation industry’s view of the winter conditions in Canada every year. As our carriers prepare for the worst, we ask that you join them in preparing your vehicle properly so that they can be transported as swiftly and safely as possible.
We thank you for your patience as we work diligently to have your vehicles delivered as soon as possible during these winter months.