TM 9-2350-256-10
3-14. MAINTENANCE UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS.
a.
General.
(1)
Special care in cleaning and lubricating the vehicle must be taken where the extremes in temperature,
humidity, and terrain conditions exist. Good care of the vehicle ensures proper operation and functioning.
It also guards against excessive wear of the working parts and deterioration of the materiel. Approved
storage and handling instructions for lubricants and fuels should be followed.
(2)
Refer to Appendix F for lubrication instructions. These services should be done often during extremely cold
and hot weather; prolonged travel periods, fording, continued exposure to wet or salty air; operation in
sand, dust, or mud; or for short start-and-stop operating periods. Any one of these conditions may weaken
lubricants.
(3)
When repeated failure of materiel results from exposure to extreme conditions, report problem on DA Form
2404 and notify unit maintenance.
b.
Extreme Cold Weather Maintenance.
NOTE
Make frequent inspections of inactive vehicles.
(1)
Batteries. Extreme cold causes batteries to freeze and prevents them from furnishing enough power for
engine starts. Refer to FM 31-70 for information about effects of cold weather on batteries. Remove
batteries from vehicle and store them in a warm place whenever vehicle is not in use for long periods.
(2)
Tracks and suspension. Park vehicle on a footing of planks or brush to prevent tracks from freezing to
ground. Chock, if necessary. Clean mud, snow, and ice from tracks and suspension as soon as possible.
Refer to FM 31-70 for effects of cold weather on tracks and suspension.
(3)
Canvas covers and tarpaulins. Canvas covers and tarpaulins are hard to use in cold weather. Whenever
possible tarpaulins should be warmed and unfolded in heated areas. Clean vehicle of snow, ice, and mud
before covering. Cover and shield vehicle, but keep ends of cover off ground to prevent them from
freezing. Always cover the rear deck of the vehicle to keep snow out of engine compartment.
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