Winter Air Brake Maintenance: How to Stop Frozen Air Lines on Your Trucks

On a cold morning, a truck with frozen air lines is not going anywhere. Moisture in the air brake system collects in tanks, lines and valves, then freezes when the temperature drops. The fix is simple maintenance done before the cold arrives.

Where the moisture comes from

The air compressor pulls in outside air, which always contains water vapor. When the air is compressed and cools, that vapor condenses into water. The air dryer is supposed to remove most of it — but if the dryer is worn or the tanks are not drained, water builds up.

Five steps to winter-proof your air brakes

1. Service the air dryer. Replace the desiccant cartridge on the schedule the manufacturer recommends. A saturated cartridge lets moisture straight through.
2. Drain the air tanks. Drain tanks daily if they have manual valves. Check that automatic drain valves and their heaters are working.
3. Check the gladhands and seals. Cracked gladhand seals let moisture and dirt in. Keep dust caps on when trailers are disconnected.
4. Inspect lines and fittings. Replace cracked or chafed air lines before winter, not on the side of the road.
5. Watch for oil in the system. Oil in the tanks can point to a worn compressor and shortens dryer life.

What about air brake antifreeze?

Air brake antifreeze such as Berkebile 2+2 Airline can help thaw and prevent ice in the lines. Use it as directed on the label — overuse can affect rubber seals and valves over time. It works best as a backup to a healthy air dryer, not a replacement for one.

Keep spares on hand

Fleets that run through winter should keep air dryer cartridges, gladhand seals, air line, fittings and a bottle of air brake antifreeze in the shop.

Air brake parts at wholesale prices

RPS Distributors stocks air brake and wheel parts, air springs, air lines and winter treatments for heavy duty trucks and trailers. Browse the Truck Parts collection and Winter Supplies collection.

Request a wholesale quote or call 1-855-498-7509.