High-quality preparation of heavy equipment for the winter season is a key factor in ensuring uninterrupted operation and preventing costly repairs. Together with the specialists of the TEXNOPARTS Group, we examine the main aspects of winter maintenance.
TEXNOPARTS is a group of companies specializing in several areas: the sale of new and pre-owned equipment (with full-service history and pre-sale preparation), repair of machinery from various brands, on-site diagnostics of pre-owned equipment, and the supply of spare parts. This broad expertise enables the company’s employees to gain substantial practical experience and remain true professionals in their field.
The frequency of equipment failures during winter increases by approximately 30–40 percent.
The most vulnerable component is the battery, which loses a significant portion of its capacity at temperatures below –15°C.
Regular testing of machinery under conditions close to real winter operation makes it possible to detect potential issues in advance.
Why is winter maintenance critically important? Specialists from the TEXNOPARTS Group emphasize the exceptional importance of carrying out comprehensive technical maintenance before the onset of cold weather: “Imagine it is –25°C outside, and the machine stalls or cannot be started. Attempting repairs in such extreme cold is not only extremely inconvenient for both the operator and the technician, but it can also cause serious damage to the machine itself. Oils and lubricants thicken; batteries lose capacity, seals and rubber components become brittle — all of this increases the risk of breakdowns and drives up repair costs. Low temperatures affect hydraulic systems as well; fuel can freeze or thicken, making it difficult to start the engine and operate the equipment. Under such conditions, careless attempts at a ‘quick fix’ can worsen the situation and lead to long and expensive periods of equipment downtime. This is why scheduled winter service is not a minor detail or a formality — it is an absolutely essential measure to ensure the operability and safety of heavy machinery.”
General Statistics on Winter Failures According to a proprietary study conducted by specialists of the TEXNOPARTS Group, the frequency of heavy equipment failures increases by approximately 30–40 percent during the winter period compared with warmer seasons.
The main causes of breakdowns include:
freezing of operating fluids such as oils, antifreeze and fuel
difficulty starting the engine due to reduced battery capacity
damage to rubber and plastic components caused by loss of elasticity at low temperatures
corrosion processes triggered by exposure to road salts and chemical agents
This issue is particularly pronounced in the northern regions of Russia, including Yakutia, Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Tyumen Region and the Komi Republic, where average winter temperatures regularly drop to –30°C, with extreme lows reaching –40°C or even lower.
Causes and structure of winter failures Experts identify the following categories as the most common types of winter-related breakdowns:
The most vulnerable component is the battery, which loses a significant portion of its capacity at temperatures below –15°C. According to battery manufacturers, the average service life of batteries is almost cut in half when equipment is operated continuously in extreme cold.
Key stages of comprehensive winter preparation for heavy equipment
1. Replacing engine oil and filters Low temperatures have a strong effect on engine oil viscosity, making it more difficult to start the engine and increasing friction between components. Specialists recommend using winter-grade oils marked with the letter “W” (Winter):
Engine: switch to an oil grade with minimal thickening at low temperatures.
Transmission: use special low-viscosity transmission fluids.
Hydraulic system: use hydraulic fluids designed to maintain optimal flow characteristics in freezing conditions.
A complete replacement of all filtration elements is also essential:
engine oil filter
fuel filter (especially important for diesel engines)
air filter
cabin climate system filter element
2. Thorough battery diagnostics Cold temperatures sharply reduce battery capacity, making engine start-up more difficult. Experts recommend performing the following checks:
measure charge level and electrolyte density
clean terminals from oxidation and apply protective grease
if any issues are detected, replace the battery immediately with a higher-capacity unit
As the TEXNOPARTS Group specialists note: “Timely battery maintenance in autumn eliminates the risk of being left with equipment that cannot be started in severe frost and ensures reliable operation throughout the long winter season.”
3. Full maintenance of the fuel system Using high-quality winter fuel with anti-gel additives helps prevent fuel line blockage caused by paraffin crystal formation. Special attention should be paid to the following components:
inspect fuel lines for cracks and deformation
remove water and contaminants from the fuel tank by draining sediment
clean injectors (ultrasonic cleaning is recommended)
equip machinery with thermal insulation covers to protect fuel lines from freezing
4. Inspection and servicing of hydraulic components Hydraulic systems experience significantly increased loads at low temperatures. Regular diagnostics should include:
visual inspection of seals and gaskets for wear and microcracks
checking hoses and pipelines for leaks and loss of tightness
using hydraulic fluids with enhanced low-temperature performance
5. Servicing the undercarriage and suspension components Rubber and plastic components become brittle in frost, and metal structures are exposed to aggressive effects of salts and chemical reagents. Critical procedures include:
diagnostics of shock absorbers and suspension arms for fluid leaks
detailed inspection of ball joints and silent blocks
checking the integrity of protective boots and seals
6. Cabin heating system and operator comfort Operator productivity directly depends on workplace comfort. Before the cold sets in, it is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the following components:
test the cabin heating system
clean ventilation ducts and air channels
apply additional insulation to doors and windows
install an autonomous heater if the machine is not factory-equipped
Specialists add: “It is advisable to install hood insulation to keep coolant temperature within optimal range. We also recommend checking antifreeze density and replacing it if necessary, and using synthetic-based oils.”
7. Electrical system and lighting Electrical components suffer from high humidity and frequent temperature fluctuations. Key actions include:
testing the alternator and starter for proper performance
inspecting wiring and electrical connections for insulation damage
checking all lighting equipment and ensuring proper mounting of lamps and headlights
8. Additional preventive recommendations Modern solutions include installing engine block heaters and coolant pre-heating systems. These features significantly ease engine start-up in extreme cold and extend component service life. Regular testing of equipment under conditions close to real winter operation allows early detection and quick elimination of potential issues.
Representatives of the TEXNOPARTS Group explain: “In severe frost, hydraulic oil becomes very difficult to warm up, which leads to failures in hydraulic components. Therefore, if machinery operates in a single shift, we recommend shutting it down when nighttime temperatures drop below –27 to –28°C. For two-shift operation, shutdown is advised when temperatures reach –33 to –34°C. Remember that frost affects high-pressure hoses and increases stress on metal structures — buckets, booms and arms.”
Final recommendations Comprehensive winter preparation of heavy machinery is not a one-time action but a series of preventive procedures that ensure reliability and long-term durability of your equipment. By following the recommendations above and considering the professional insights of the TEXNOPARTS Group, you can be confident in the stable performance of your fleet even during the harshest winters.