During the cold winter months, you will find your schedule filled with activities like building snowmen and drinking hot chocolate. While these activities are great fun, there is another schedule that needs your attention as the weather gets colder: your winter maintenance schedule.
The cold weather affects your fleet vehicles in many ways. If you ignore the change in season, your fleet organization could face inconvenient and expensive challenges.
To kick start your winter maintenance plan for your fleet vehicles, follow these 5 tips:
1. Fuel for Thought
Fuel levels should never drop below ½ of a tank of gas. Why? When water vapor builds up in the bottom of the gas tank, it can be drawn into the fuel line and freeze during the winter months. The engine cannot start with a frozen fuel line. Consider adding gas-line antifreeze to reduce the chances of frozen fuel lines.
2. Maintain 20/20 Vision
While your windshield wipers might work fine during the spring or summer months, you may want to consider shifting to heavy-duty wipers in the winter, especially if you live in an area with frequent heavy snowfall.
3. Under Pressure
Cold, winter air doesn’t just make you able to see your breath—it can also dramatically change your tire pressure. You should check tire pressure several times a month since incorrectly inflated tires can reduce gripping when it’s needed most.
4. Don’t Forget Fluids
Fuel isn’t the only important fluid to consider when constructing a winter maintenance plan for your fleet. Oil, coolant, power steering, brake, windshield, and battery fluids are all vital to properly maintaining your fleet vehicles during winter.
5. Take Initiative
The cold weather takes a toll on your fleet vehicles. During the cold winter months, it’s important to be proactive in your preventive maintenance plan.
