Winter vehicle fleets should be weaning themselves off the road shortly to hibernate until the harsh cold returns near the end of the year. Before the spring and summertime fleets begin to prepare commercial vehicles for their busy season, it’s good practice to develop a strategy for both storing and setting up seasonal fleet vehicles and equipment. Most fleets won’t include a variety of seasonal equipment, with the exception of municipal operations used by local governments. To cover all bases, let’s begin with preventive practices for winter vehicles going into storage before breaking out the warm-weather hardware.
Stowing and Cleaning Winter Equipment
Winter vehicles are extreme weather workhorses that not only need seasonal maintenance but also need to be prepped for storage to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Snow removal vehicles are most at risk (Snow plows, salt trucks, etc.), but motorized tools that come in contact with freezing temperatures should also be looked out for during this time of year.
Begin with cleaning the vehicles inside and out. Salt and de-icing chemicals are splashed among the wheel wells and undercarriage of these vehicles during winter use. Spray and dry the exterior to limit rusting and corrosion of both painted and exposed metal. Also, repair any damages that have been uncovered after cleaning to guarantee that the issue doesn’t get worse in storage. Interiors should be vacuumed and wiped down to maintain upholstery integrity and restrict critters from building a home inside.
Motor oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper, and coolant tanks under the hood should be checked for cracks/holes and then filled. As for the fuel tank, many people believe that keeping the tanks empty can lessen gum buildup and varnish. However, drained tanks can still leave behind rust-inducing moisture but filling them and adding a fuel stabilizer can ward off oxidation which is harmful to the fuel system.
Finally, it can’t hurt to throw a cover over winter vehicles parked in a garage or in a car port for additional protection. Check that the roof of the structure is in good condition, bereft of leaks that could let in rain and moisture. Now that the vehicle has been stashed away, be sure to run similar checks in the Fall before the winterization process begins again.
Warming Up Spring and Summer Fleet Vehicles
As temperatures rise and we turn a cold shoulder to the winter months, it’s time to pull out equipment necessary for landscaping, construction, or parks and recreation fleets. Regardless of the industry, a round of initial preventative maintenance should be conducted. Be sure to:
- Charge batteries and check later to be sure that they hold a charge
- Replace air filters, oil, and other fluids that hadn’t been checked prior to storage
- Inspect the electrical system, spark plugs, lights, and signals
- Check the brake system then replace worn pads or rotors
- Review owner’s manual for other recommended maintenance
Next, we’ll explain some industry-specific vehicle repairs and replacements that will guarantee a fully-functional fleet with productively-operating equipment.
Landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers, chemical sprayers, and hedge/tree trimmers should be checked for rusting blades or chains. After removing or replacing corroded parts, sharpen the blades for maximum efficiency. Gas and oil changes are also in order to flush and replace hazardous liquids, then top them off so the first operator can safely get the job done.
Construction equipment like dump trucks, backhoes, and bobcats are considered heavy-duty equipment and should be treated as such. A neglected piece of yellow iron can cause severe damage to property and people when not maintained properly. Begin by checking for rust/corrosion, while examining connection points for faulty wiring or loose bolts. Then, test PTO functionality to ensure hydraulic pumps properly lift and lower attachments (buckets, plows, drills, beds) for heavy machinery. Finally, test warning lights, signals, and horns are in operation to limit avoidable accidents.
The Parks & Recreation industry utilizes a wide variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles to complete jobs of all sizes. Begin again with traditional checks, such as starters, spark plugs, batteries, and fuel levels. Gauge tire pressure and fill to the proper PSI, be sure to check the tires for the recommended quantity. Deteriorating belts or fans should also be replaced and tested for comfortable air conditioning or heating expulsion. Lastly, for vehicles with a water-pumping system, clear water lines, tanks, and hoses while checking for leaks and tears.
That covers vehicles used in warm or cold weather, but what about fleets operating year-round? Using a digital platform to conduct and file inspection reports can help track the status of fleet assets daily. Titan GPS’ Digital Vehicle Inspection Reports can help maintain equipment and reduce expensive repairs throughout the seasons.
Year-Round Fleet Vehicle Maintenance
Many companies conduct business in the consumer realm, forcing them to operate all 12 months of the year. Trucking, delivery, and waste management are just a few examples. This condensed list combines all seasonal vehicle maintenance suggestions from the last two sections into one to create an all-encompassing year-round fleet maintenance checklist.
Under the Hood check:
- Batteries to power and start vehicles
- Wiring to prevent fires and secure electrical signals
- Fans for engine cooling
- Tubes and hoses for fluid transfer
- Fluid tanks for complete liquid storage
Interior and Exterior check:
- Locks and doors to stave off security or tampering
- Tires for air loss in extreme heat/cold, swap summer/winter tires
- Strut and wheel alignments
- Exterior is clean and waxed to prevent rust from salt or chemicals
- Lights for proper signaling
- Windows for ventilation
Keeping Your Vehicles Road Ready
Companies from any industry that manages automotives must always be conscious of fleet vehicles’ operational competence. Developing a plan for seasonal vehicles can lighten repair costs, mitigate breakdowns, reduce downtime for vehicles in the shop, and improve road safety. Titan GPS even offers an “off-season mode” which allows seasonal fleets to suspend their accounts (1-6 months) while retaining historical data and temporarily lowering subscription fees.
For help streamlining fleet management with a mobile platform that digitizes manual processes, book a demo to learn how protecting your seasonal fleet can save thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of your business.
