Winter hits trailers harder than any other season. Cold temps expose weak batteries, brittle wiring, and underperforming air systems — often at the worst possible time. And while the tractor might get all the attention, the trailer is what keeps the load legal, safe, and moving.

Here's how to get ahead of cold-weather problems with a no-nonsense winter trailer maintenance checklist — and how the Inspector 930 can make it faster, more accurate, and technician-friendly.

Why Cold Weather Complicates Trailer Inspections

Low temperatures put stress on trailer systems in ways warm weather doesn’t:

Moisture in air lines freezes, causing brake delays or lockups
Wiring becomes brittle, increasing the risk of open circuits and shorts
ABS systems are slower to respond due to low voltage or cold sensors
Lights are more prone to dimming or failure in low temps
Connectors corrode faster in areas with road salt or moisture exposure

These conditions demand extra attention to detail — especially when you're working against winter delivery windows and rising road risks.

Winter Maintenance Focus Areas

Use this list to prep your fleet before the first freeze hits:

1. Air Systems

Drain air tanks completely
Run a pressure decay test using the Inspector 930
Inspect gladhand seals for dry-rot or cracks
Add air line antifreeze if required for your region

2. Lighting & Electrical

Use the Inspector 930 to power and test each lighting circuit
Look for dimming or inconsistent lighting
Check 7-way plug for corrosion and snug fit
Verify ABS lamp operation and fault codes

3. Brake Systems

Confirm consistent pushrod stroke
Inspect for frozen or sticky components
Verify full release and engagement in cold temps

4. Tires & Undercarriage

Check tire pressure — expect 1–2 PSI drop per 10°F
Inspect wheel seals for leaking or signs of cracking
Clean any build-up of ice or debris that could affect suspension

How the Inspector 930 Simplifies Cold-Weather Inspections

During winter, you don’t have time to guess. The Inspector 930 helps eliminate uncertainty by:

Powering trailer lights without the truck
Providing pass/fail diagnostics for open circuits, shorts, and cross-wiring
Running air system pressure tests
Pulling ABS fault codes directly from the trailer ECU
Allowing one tech to do it all — faster and in the elements

The result? Quicker inspections, fewer breakdowns, and better peace of mind in unpredictable conditions.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Below Freezing

Winter maintenance isn’t something you start in the snow. The best time to prep your trailers is before the weather turns — while you still have parts, time, and flexibility.

Build a winter maintenance window into your fall PM schedule, use the Inspector 930 to verify trailer readiness, and make cold-weather failures a non-issue before they cost you on the road.

Equip Your Team with the Right Tool

Winter weather exposes weak spots. The Inspector 930 helps your team find them before the road does.

Check it out here:
📍 lite-check.com/shop/inspector-930
Or call 509-535-7512 to speak with a Lite-Check expert about winter-readiness planning.

Seasonal Maintenance: Preparing Trailers for Winter