Ontario’s fall and winter bring beautiful scenery, but truck drivers face harsh conditions. Emergency preparedness is essential, as snow, ice, and unpredictable weather can quickly turn any haul dangerous.
Truck Driver Fall & Winter Checklist: Gear for Emergencies on the Road
At Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair and Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, Truck Wash & Truck Stop, we care about keeping drivers safe, on time, and on the road. That’s why we’ve put together this list of must-have emergency preparedness supplies every truck driver should carry before heading into colder months, along with the services we offer to keep your truck fall and winter ready.
1. Reliable Light Source
Dark mornings, early sunsets, and roadside emergencies require a good flashlight (or two).
Must-Carry:
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Heavy-duty flashlight
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Extra batteries or a rechargeable option
👉 Pro tip: Stop at Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, Truck Wash & Truck Stop, to grab snacks, water, and last-minute roadside essentials before you hit the backroads.
2. Warmth & Shelter Items
If you get stuck waiting for a tow in freezing temperatures, staying warm is critical.
Must-Carry:
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Thermal blanket or sleeping bag
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Extra gloves, hat, socks, and layered clothing
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Hand warmers
👉 Pro tip: After fueling up, grab a hot coffee or meal from our café to take the chill off before heading out.
3. Booster Cables & Battery Support
Cold weather is hard on truck batteries. A dead battery can leave you stranded at the worst time.
Must-Carry:
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Heavy-duty booster cables
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Portable jump starter (if possible)
👉 Pro tip: Before the first frost, bring your truck to Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair for a battery health check and seasonal inspection. Preventing battery failure is easier (and cheaper) than calling for roadside service.
4. First Aid Kit
Minor injuries happen, especially when working outside in icy conditions.
Must-Carry:
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Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze
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Pain relievers and cold medicine
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Emergency contact list
👉 Pro tip: Pair your first aid kit with a fully stocked cab; snacks, water, and basic toiletries, so you can stay comfortable while waiting for assistance.
5. Tire & Traction Tools
Snow and ice can make roads treacherous. Make sure you can get traction and stay mobile.
Must-Carry:
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Traction aids (sand, kitty litter, or traction mats)
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Tire pressure gauge
👉 Pro tip: Visit us for a Quick Check® Commercial Truck Inspection System in Hamilton, Ontario, which will provide you with a tire depth check to ensure maximum grip and even wear before winter hits.
6. Essential Roadside Tools
Even a simple mechanical failure can stop a run cold.
Must-Carry:
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Basic tool kit (pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers)
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Duct tape and zip ties for temporary fixes
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Reflective triangles or flares for visibility
👉 Pro tip: Use our Quick Check® Commercial Truck Inspection System to identify alignment or suspension issues before they become on-the-road emergencies.
7. Fuel & Fluids
Running out of fuel or washer fluid in bad weather is dangerous.
Must-Carry:
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Full tank before heading into rural areas
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Extra diesel fuel treatment (anti-gel additive)
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Spare washer fluid (winter blend)
👉 Pro tip: Top up with us before every long haul. Our truck stop offers easy in-and-out fueling, DEF, and premium-grade fuel to keep your truck running smoothly.
Stay Safe & Stay Prepared This Season
Being prepared isn’t just smart, it’s essential. A well-stocked emergency kit can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major crisis.
At Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair, we offer:
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Winter readiness inspections (batteries, tires, brakes, fluids)
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Quick Check® Commercial Truck Inspections to catch issues early
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Fleet maintenance programs to keep trucks road-ready all season
At Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, Truck Wash & Truck Stop, we’ve got you covered with:
- Diesel, DEF & premium fuel for a worry-free haul
- Truck wash services to remove corrosive road salt and protect your rig
- Snacks, hot meals & essentials to keep you fueled too