Adapting Fleet Strategies for Seasonal Weather Changes

Seasonal Fleet Maintenance

Every season poses a unique set of challenges. Fleet drivers know that seasonal fleet maintenance is critical to maintaining healthy operations, and with an ever-changing climate, fleet preparation ahead of each season can become time-consuming. Block out the noise with this targeted guide for adapting your fleet strategies for the weather, from fleet winterization to spring preparation.

The Importance of Adapting Fleet Maintenance with the Seasons

Vehicles handle and operate differently in varying weather conditions. From tire pressure that fluctuates with temperature to tread requirements that change based on road conditions, your fleet will go through changes based on the weather. Adapting fleet maintenance with the seasons allows you to optimize the safety of your fleet in all conditions while also extending the lifespan of every vehicle, reducing downtime, and keeping costs to a minimum.

Seasonal Weather Impact on Fleets

Illinois winters are notoriously harsh, and summers aren’t so mild, either. With temperatures swinging between 18°F and 85°F and multiple days of snowfall each year, fleets must truly be ready for anything. Without proper fleet preparation and maintenance, freezing temperatures can damage batteries and tires, while rainy conditions can contribute to rust and brake deterioration. Seasonal fleet maintenance routines keep your fleet running whether it’s a hot and sunny day or a cloudy day with slick roads. 

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No one can control the weather, but with the right maintenance team at your side, you can control the weather’s impact on your fleet and operations. Knowing when and how to engage in fleet preparation and fleet winterization makes all the difference in overall operations, safety, and costs. 

Fleet Winterization

Stay a step ahead of damaging weather patterns with a comprehensive guide to fleet winterization.

Key Steps to Winterize Your Fleet

1. Partner with a maintenance team you can trust. The most reliable method for ensuring your fleet is well-maintained and ready for the winter is working with a reliable fleet maintenance service provider like Torque by Ryder.
2. Inspect your tires and replace them as necessary, or switch them to winter tires. You need excellent tread on every tire for a safe winter on the road. Adjust tire pressure to allow for loss of pressure in cold temperatures.
3. Update your fuel requirements. Some diesel fuel is blended with cold flow improvers to prevent gelling in low temperatures. Train all drivers to select the anti-gelling blend during particularly cold days.
4. Before temperatures drop, check your coolant system. Your service provider should test that your coolant is operating properly at the correct freezing points to keep your systems safe
5. Perform air dryer maintenance. This ensures that moisture can drain properly, keeping your brakes and air valves working properly.
6. Test all of your electrical systems and batteries. The summer heat strains these mechanisms, and they lose much of their power in freezing temperatures. Perform tests and replacements as needed to keep your trucks starting when you need them and running smoothly.
7. Service the heating system. For the safety of your drivers, make sure all elements of the cab heating system work as expected.
8. Apply anti-corrosion spray to the underside of each vehicle to protect from moisture and debris.
9. Refresh training with drivers to cover best practices for winter driving in Illinois.
10. Create emergency kits and safety plans for every vehicle. Find an emergency fleet services and repair provider you can call for help in case of winter breakdowns. Torque by Ryder provides mobile services to keep you weathering the elements!

Essential Checklist for Fleet Winterization

Before winter hits, use this essential checklist for fleet winterization to confirm that you’ve serviced every relevant system before cold temperatures can interfere:

• Tires

• Batteries 

• Battery terminals

• All fluids including oil, coolants, and windshield washer fluid

• Brakes including pads, shoes, fluid, drums, and rotors

• Heating and defrost systems

• Air dryer

• Undercarriage 

Preparing Your Fleet for Each Season

Ahead of every season, work with your mobile fleet maintenance provider to complete thorough seasonal fleet maintenance. This routine practice helps you extend fleet longevity, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and keep your community and drivers safe.

Spring and Summer: Preparing for Heat and Storms

During the spring and summer fleets encounter stormy weather, wet roads, and intense heat. To prepare your fleet for these conditions, check coolant levels and air conditioning systems before the full heat of the summer sets in. Have your mobile fleet maintenance team check on hoses and radiators as well. Top up windshield wiper fluid and keep all headlights functioning properly in case of low visibility during storms. Keep an eye on tire tread in case of wet roads.

Fall and Winter: Addressing Cold Weather Challenges

Fall and winter bring icy conditions, pressure changes, slick roads, and increased debris such as road salt. Measure the tread depth on all tires to make sure they can provide proper grip, even in inclement weather. Top of antifreeze and switch to winter-grade oil and fuel options. Protect the exterior of each vehicle from corrosion by spraying a protectant. 

Year-Round Fleet Preparation Practices

Scheduling preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your fleet running as expected. With mobile fleet maintenance services, you can keep your fleet efficient and on schedule without sacrificing routine maintenance needs. The certified specialists from Torque by Ryder will service your vehicles on your schedule, right at your lot. That way, your vehicles will always be ready for weather changes and you’ll keep your fleet running in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

Implementing Seasonal Fleet Maintenance Programs

With mobile fleet maintenance options, implementing seasonal fleet maintenance programs is simple. You can book directly with Torque by Ryder to have trained specialists visit your lot at your desired time. Then, you can work together using your electronic records to address any seasonal concerns and maintenance issues. 

Scheduling and Planning for Seasonal Maintenance

No matter the season, custom mobile fleet maintenance is the best solution for keeping your fleet safe and running smoothly. Schedule with ease and see what the time and cost savings of mobile maintenance can do for your bottom line. Get started with Torque today!