Preparing Your Fleet for Winter: Tips

Preparing Your Fleet for Winter: Tips

Winter poses many challenges and dangers on our roadways, and we are certainly right in the middle of winter here in the Northeast. With no way to escape the snow, cold, sleet and ice, fleet managers and drivers have no choice but to make sure their vehicles are in tip-top shape for the season.

Harsh temperatures are a nightmare for any vehicle, particularly large fleet vehicles that may be on the road for up to 12 hours a day. Routine maintenance on your part will prevent emergency repairs and expensive downtime, so check out these ways you can prepare your fleet for winter.

1. Perform Regular Maintenance

Cold weather does a number on many of your trucks’ components, but if you take charge with proactive maintenance such as replacement of worn brake pads, belts, and hoses, you can avoid unnecessary repair bills down the line. Also, regularly test the battery and clean all connections.

2. Drain the Water Separator/Replace Filters

When water gets into the fuel system, it can damage the fuel pumps and injectors when sub-zero temperatures hit, resulting in common cold engine startup issues called “fuel gelling.” This is when water ices up in both the fuel storage tanks and filtration systems. The result? The filters get clogged. You will need to replace water-absorbing filters and drain the water separator on a regular basis.

3. Check and Top Off Fluids

Did you know utilizing the wrong oil in winter can result in too much engine wear? Heavy oils aren’t ideal for use in low temperatures, as they are usually too viscous for effective lubrication. Instead, go with a full-synthetic oil featuring a lower cold temp viscosity, which fares better in all temperature ranges. Check, then top off if needed, all fluids related to the coolant, brake, power steering, and windshield-washer systems.

4. Clean and Check Exteriors

You should regularly be washing the body, cab, and under-carriage to get rid of salts and de-icers that can corrode and damage the body. Before winter sets in, protect your vehicles’ exteriors from snow, ice and salt by thoroughly cleaning and waxing them.

5. Add Winterized Fuel

Low fuel economy and vehicles that won’t start up when temps get below zero: these are the top complaints among fleet drivers. This is why you should use winterized fuel so your trucks can operate with no problem in temps as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. You could also use an additive package to boost fuel economy and horsepower by 5%, ensuring your fleet stays on the road for longer while slashing fuel costs.

Winter poses major challenges for both fleet managers and drivers, but when the right steps are taken now, everyone can enjoy a long season of smooth, safe operation.

Contact Taylor Oil

To get more tips on preparing your fleet for winter or to schedule onsite fueling services, contact us today.