Clean Informer Magazine Autumn 2016 | Page 24

MAINTENANCE Wintertime and Truckmounts Be Prepared! By Hydramaster Team Winter is here.  Are you prepared for cold temperatures? The instructions on how to prepare a new General Motors car for winter are pretty straightforward. Although they recommend taking the vehicle to an authorized GM mechanic to ensure that the wipers, blades, battery, belts and tires are all in good condition, there are only two crucial concerns mentioned: Make sure the recommended amount of antifreeze is in the radiator and that winter w indshield wiper fluid has been installed. If only it could be so easy to winterize a truckmount extractor. Although the consequences for improperly preparing an automobile and a truckmount for winter are similar—potential risks and serious damage to the motor, pumps, valves, hoses, and just about all engine components, to name just a few — getting a truckmount ready for the colder months is more involved. And there are usually far-reaching consequences for carpet cleaning technicians who depend on their truckmount in their work: Loss of the machine due to freezing temperatures means no money until repairs are made. Every year, we end up having to ship out heat exchangers and other components that were inadvertently allowed to freeze. 24