Winter Preparation: An Important Fleet Vehicle Checklist

Winter is here, and if you’re the operator of a trucking and logistics company, it’s crucial you make sure your fleet is prepared for the elements that lie ahead over the next several months. A combination of extreme cold and harsh conditions such as snow, sleet and ice can be hard on any vehicle, but especially those fleet vehicles that will be on the road for 10 to 12 hours per day.

It’s important that you not only keep up with all routine maintenance for your vehicles, but also that you perform regular checks before sending those vehicles out on the road. This will help you avoid the need for emergency repairs and potential downtime when the weather is at its coldest.

Here is a quick overview from our fleet maintenance specialists in Memphis, TN of some of the steps you should take to maintain all of your fleet vehicles:

• Use the proper fuel: You’ll probably notice a significant drop-off in fuel economy during the coldest months of the year if you continue to use the same fuel you did during the summer. There might even be situations in which your vehicle will refuse to start at all. There are special types of winterized diesel fuel that can offer great benefits to fleet vehicles, allowing them to operate efficiently in extremely cold temperatures. There are also additives you can purchase to increase fuel economy and horsepower.
• Check fluids: Make sure you regularly check your important fluid levels in fleet vehicles to ensure they’re in good operating condition. There are certain types of heavier oils that might be a bit too viscous to properly lubricate an engine in extreme cold temperatures, so you might consider switching to a fully synthetic oil that has a lower cold temperature viscosity. Just double-check that any type of oil you use will work with your engine.
• Stay on top of preventative maintenance: Be proactive with all of your maintenance tasks, including replacing worn belts, hoses and brake pads, testing the battery and cleaning all battery connections. The battery, in particular, will go through a lot of abuse during the extreme cold, so making sure to keep it in good condition should be at the top of your list of priorities.
• Drain the water separator: If you have water in the fuel system, it could cause some damage to fuel pumps and injectors, especially in particularly cold temperatures. The water may turn to ice in fuel storage tanks and filtration systems. You should replace water-absorbing filters and make sure you routinely drain the water separator.
• Take care of your drivers: Your drivers are an important part of your fleet, so make sure you’re taking good care of them as well to ensure their safety and comfort. Make sure the trucks’ heaters and defrosters work properly, fully stock all emergency kits and give them some luxuries to help them feel at home during the cold stretches.

For more information about winter commercial vehicle maintenance, contact the fleet maintenance specialists in Memphis, TN at United Diesel Power today.

Categorised in: Fleet Maintenance

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