A simple breakdown becomes serious at 30-below. Diesel fuel and standard lubricants gel at extremely cold temperatures. Tire air pressure fluctuates with temperature change. Hi-Line Moving Services uses science to improve performance and prevent breakdowns on the 5000-mile round trip for household moves to Alaska in the winter months.
“Attention to detail is critical,” says Hi-Line’s Art Groux. “We’ve got to give our drivers the equipment to get there and back safely on their own.”
And they do. Trucks are fitted with special tires and four-wheel traction. Tires are inflated with nitrogen—resulting in constant inflation, less chance of leaks due to the larger molecule, and better tire wear and fuel mileage. Synthetic lube and engine oil are used for better performance in extreme cold. Left and right rear fuel tanks are heated by engine coolant. Fuel and coolant lines are insulated. Fuel conditioner is used along with a low temperature diesel mix. Auxiliary engine heaters are programmed to start two hours before the driver wakes up. An extra cab heater is also installed in each semi-tractor.
“Our trucks that go north are truly customized for the trip,” says Art.
