Snow and Ice Don’t Wait—Your Winter Prep Shouldn’t Either

Once the snow and ice settle in, the road doesn’t just get harder—it gets downright unforgiving. 

Every winter, we watch drivers rush in after the first storm, wishing they had prepped their trucks sooner. That’s why Berube's Truck Accessories encourages you now, before the cold truly hits, to take a serious look at your truck and make sure it’s ready for what’s coming.

Snow changes everything about how a big truck behaves on the road.
Traction drops dramatically, and even the most skilled driver can feel their truck slip, slide, or pull in ways they don’t expect. When your tires can’t properly grip the pavement, maintaining control becomes a challenge—one that gets worse the colder and slicker the roads get.

Stopping distances also increase significantly in snowy conditions, and that’s something not enough drivers think about until it’s too late. A truck already needs a long stretch of road to come to a complete stop on dry pavement; add ice, slush, or packed snow, and that distance grows fast. The more prepared your braking and traction systems are now, the better your chances of avoiding a dangerous close call later.

Visibility becomes another major battle during winter storms.
Heavy snowfall, sleet, and fog can turn a perfectly familiar route into a guessing game. When you can’t clearly see the road, other vehicles, or hazards ahead, even simple maneuvers demand precision. Upgraded lighting, clean lenses, and properly aimed headlights make a massive difference, and this is the time of year I see customers replacing bulbs that should’ve been addressed months earlier.

Then there’s the issue of losing control entirely. Black ice, hard-packed snow, and slick bridges create conditions where even experienced drivers can find themselves at the mercy of the road. I’ve heard too many stories from drivers who felt their truck slide sideways with no warning. Preparing your tires, brakes, and lighting now gives you more control when the pavement doesn’t.

From an operational standpoint, winter weather slows everything down—sometimes by 30% to 40%—and there’s just no way around it.

Slush, snow, and ice force everyone to drive more cautiously, and that slows routes, deliveries, and schedules. The earlier you winterize your truck, the better you can manage these delays without adding mechanical issues to the mix.

Road closures are another headache you can expect once storms roll in.
Accidents, snow drifts, and low visibility often mean unexpected detours or long waits at standstills. When your truck is well-maintained and winter-ready, at least you’re not worrying about additional strain on your engine, lighting, or electrical systems while you’re stuck in the cold.

Longer transit times ultimately impact more than your schedule—they affect your customers, your freight, and your bottom line. The longer you’re on the road, the more fuel you burn, especially in poor conditions that increase idling or require slow, careful navigation. Winter also puts extra wear on components like brakes, suspension, and wheel hubs. A little preventative maintenance now saves a lot of money later.

Infrastructure itself takes a beating in winter, and that becomes a problem for every driver.
Freeze-thaw cycles create potholes and rough patches that jar and stress your vehicle. Bridges and overpasses can accumulate snow and ice, leading to restrictions or closures that complicate routing even further. Having your truck in top shape ensures you’re ready for the extra bumps—both literal and logistical.

So before the first real storm hits, stop by the shop and give your truck the attention it deserves. Winter driving is tough enough when everything is working perfectly; when your equipment is outdated, worn out, or neglected, it becomes downright dangerous.

Let’s get ahead of the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures so you can hit the winter roads with confidence, safety, and a truck that’s ready for whatever the season throws your way.