Winter runs across the West and asks a lot of a truck and the person in the driver’s seat. Clear skies at the yard can turn into blowing snow at the summit, and chain control can appear with little warning.
Papé Kenworth supports drivers and fleets with parts, service, and locations across five Western states. Pair a strong pre-trip checklist with a dialed chain kit, and you’ll be ready for the season’s toughest grades.
Create a Pass-Ready Mindset
The base of a mountain pass is not the ideal place to remember that weak battery or tired wiper motor you’ve been putting off getting serviced. Instead, before heading into a harsh mountain drive, take note of any warning lights or performance patterns you’ve noticed and schedule service before winter weather hits.
Below is a quick checklist that will get you and your fleet pass-ready.
A Walkaround to Catch Big Problems
Start at the driver’s door and circle the truck the same direction each time. Consistency helps you spot changes.
- Tires and Wheels: Look for even wear, proper inflation, and sidewall condition. Check for missing lug nuts, loose hardware, and any sign of oil leakage. Pay extra attention to steer tires.
- Lights and Reflectors: Road spray builds up quickly in winter. Verify headlamps, marker lamps, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning properly. Wipe lenses and reflective tape for proper usage.
- Air Lines and Wiring: Check gladhands, seals, and line routing. Look for rubbing or hang points that can snag when the trailer articulates.
- Underbody and Chassis: Scan for loose straps, damaged mudflaps, and anything that could contact a chain. Confirm the fifth wheel area is lubricated and clear of ice buildup.
- Trailer and Load Security: Doors, hinges, straps, and binders take a beating in cold weather. Confirm load securement is tight and protected from sharp edges.
Cab Checks for Steep Grades
Inside the cab, focus on traction, braking, and visibility.
Let air pressure build and listen for unusual compressor cycling. During the first low-speed roll, confirm brake response and steering feel. Verify heater and defrost performance early so the glass stays clear when snow turns to slush. Top off washer fluid with a winter blend, and inspect wiper blades for crisp edges.
Fluids deserve a glance as well. Oil level, coolant condition, and power steering fluid all influence cold weather reliability. Fleet managers often add battery and coolant testing to the season-start checklist.
Chain Readiness Begins with Fitment
Chains work best when they’re fitted to the job. Confirm you have the correct size and style for your tire spec and axle configuration. Tag each set with the tire size and position so the right chains come out first at chain control.
Lay chains out flat at the start of the season. Look for bent cross links, worn cams, damaged hooks, and twisted side chains. Keep a small repair kit with a few spare links, hooks, and a tool suited to your chain type.
Get Some Practice Before the First Storm
Pick a dry day and do a full install in a safe, level area. Repeat the process with your cold weather gloves and outerwear. The goal is a smooth routine that stays steady when traffic stacks up at chain-up areas.
During the inspection, center cross chains across the tread, then snug the side chains evenly. Use tensioners to keep the set tight. After driving a short distance, stop at a safe turnout and recheck tension. This quick adjustment protects fenders, air lines, and wiring.
Prep Your Winter Chain Kit
A few extras can make chain-up quicker and more comfortable:
- Grippy gloves plus a spare pair
- Knee pads or a small mat
- Headlamp and reflective vest
- Tensioners sized for your chains
- Triangles and a compact shovel
Parts and Service Support for Winter Uptime
Winter exposes wear items quickly. Wipers, lamps, air fittings, brake components, and electrical parts all play a role in pass readiness. Papé Kenworth maintains a large parts inventory across our locations, including TRP aftermarket parts and genuine OEM PACCAR parts, with the convenience of online ordering through the Papé Customer Portal.
If your inspection reveals a concern, service support helps you stay ahead of the chain control season. Papé Kenworth offers a service fleet that provides maintenance in the shop or in the field, backed by factory-trained technicians.
Your Quick Pre-Trip Plan for Winter Passes
Before every pass run, check the following off your to-do list:
- Walkaround and tire check
- Lights and windshield visibility check
- Air system listen test and brake response check
- Chain kit count and condition check
- Route review, plus planned chain-up locations
That plan takes just a few minutes but pays off through calmer runs, fewer surprises, and smoother deliveries.
Get Pass Ready with Papé Kenworth
Winter travel rewards preparation. Keep your pre-trip routine consistent, your chains organized, and maintenance proactive. And when you need parts, service, or expert support, Papé Kenworth is ready across the West.
