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A busy week for maintenance shops as bitter cold, snow impact big rig drivers
A busy week for maintenance shops as bitter cold, snow impact big rig drivers
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The bitter cold we've seen this week has caused all sorts of complications for vehicles -- and that includes big rigs that transport the products we purchase every day. So many of us are dependent upon the deliveries that these tractor-trailers make, but so few of us are familiar with what it takes to keep them operating safely.
Just like the bitter cold, the big rigs just kept coming into Milwaukee's Custom Fleet Maintenance Shop on Thursday, January 8th.
"Aww, man. It started probably 2:00 Monday morning when the cold weather blasted through," Custom Fleet Maintenance Operations Manager Andy Brunet said.
Ever since, Custom Fleet has been tending to tons of tractor-trailers both in the shop and in the snow.
"I was on the road last night until almost 9," Custom Fleet Maintenance Technician Brian Zimpelman
"In cold weather, it's ten-fold the problems that arise. It's hard on the pocketbook for some people, but I mean, it's really great for business right now," Brunet said.
It's a lot of work for the folks at Custom Fleet Maintenance!
"I'd say about 80% of our work the last couple day, and just an immense amount of work has been cold weather related," Brunet said.
One of the problems they've been dealing with involves diesel fuel. When temperatures dip well below freezing, untreated diesel can actually begin to freeze.
Technician Brian Zimpelman says the situation is similar when it comes to coolant. To prevent it, he works to replace portions of engine block heaters.
"This will actually warm the coolant and without it, you'll never get a diesel started in the winter," Zimpelman said.
In addition to the work inside the shop this week, Brunet says eight mobile repair trucks are scattered across the state, addressing a variety of weather-related repairs. Brunet says those in need will likely continue contacting Custom Fleet Maintenance as the extreme cold continues.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Custom Fleet Maintenance.