Preparing your Fleet for Winter Weather

Perform Vehicle Maintenance

Cold temperatures and icy conditions take a toll on your vehicles. Taking care of your fleet vehicles is the absolute best way to stay safe on the roads this winter. Here’s some of the preventive maintenance that you should prioritize this season.

1. Tires

Get your tires rotated at the start of the season and inspect them for any signs of damage. Be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure as well. As temperatures drop, tire pressure does too (around 2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature change). Underinflated tires wear faster and generate more heat, increasing the chances of tire failure. Monitor your tire pressure regularly to ensure it remains at the recommended level.

2. Brakes

Check your brakes for signs of corrosion or damage and make any essential repairs to keep them in top condition. During your brake check, be sure to inspect your vehicles’ air dryers as well. The air dryer is designed to get rid of moisture and other contaminants from the vehicle’s air system (including the brake system) and prevent water from freezing in the lines. Drain the moisture from air tanks and perform other necessary air-dryer maintenance tasks.

3. Batteries

Cold weather puts extra stress on your batteries, causing them to drain faster. Keep an eye on the batteries in your fleet, ensuring that they’re all fully charged. Check the connections and make sure the battery terminals are clean too.

4. Diesel Systems

Diesel fuel contains paraffin which causes fuel to transform into a waxy gel when temperatures drop. During the winter, fill your fleet with an anti-gel blend that has a high cetane rating. Consider providing your drivers with anti-gel additives to use in case temperatures drop suddenly while on the road.

Prepare for Emergencies

No matter how robust your fleet repair solutions are, it’s still crucial to be prepared for winter emergencies. Unexpected blizzards, road closures, and emergency breakdowns are all too common during the colder months. Use these tips to get your drivers ready for any emergency that may arise.

• Make sure every driver has an emergency kit that contains safety supplies like food, water, flashlight, blanket, extra warm clothing, phone charger, first aid kit, ice scraper, and a small shovel.
• Check the weather forecasts along your route and monitor changes in real time. If ice, snow, or other severe conditions are expected, consider delaying the trip until it’s safe to travel.
• Find a trusted and reliable mobile fleet repair provider who will be there when you need them. Choose a company in your local service area that can come to you for repairs and has the expertise needed to handle any issue that may pop up.

Review How to Drive in Winter Conditions

Winter driving comes with a unique set of challenges for drivers. Heavy vehicles are harder to control on slippery surfaces, and cargo can shift, making it even more difficult. Even the best drivers need to review their skills from time to time. Making smart choices on the road is paramount, especially during the winter. Review these driving tips with your fleet drivers to ensure they remain safe while traveling on snowy and icy roads.

• Slush, snow, and ice all make stopping distances longer. On ice, stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer for small vehicles and 12 times longer for trucks than on dry rides. Reduce speed while driving in suboptimal conditions and maintain a greater distance behind the vehicle in front of you. 
• Be on the lookout for black ice. It can form on bridges, overpasses, and shady areas, but it can be nearly impossible to spot. Drive safe and be extra vigilant during the early hours and evenings.
• Avoid sudden movements on the road. Sharp turns, hard brakes, and rapid acceleration can quickly cause you to skid and lose control of your vehicle. Drive smoothly, brake gently, and accelerate slowly.
• Don’t overload your vehicle. Heavier loads affect your vehicle’s ability to brake, making it more challenging to maintain control. Ensure your load is evenly distributed, too. On wintery roads, uneven cargo can increase your risk of skidding and rolling over.

Roads can be especially hazardous during the winter. Advanced preparation is key for the safety of your drivers and your fleet. By performing preventative maintenance, encouraging safe driving practices, preparing for emergencies, and finding the right fleet repair solutions, you can avoid costly breakdowns and keep your fleet protected. 

Whether you need assistance with regular maintenance or emergency repairs, Garden State Fleet Services is here for you. Our experts provide exceptional and convenient services to minimize downtime and keep your fleet on the road. Contact us today to learn more!