What Maintenance Does Your Fleet Need This Winter?

It’s starting to get cold out there. When the temperature drops, you’ve got a task on your hands: sorting out winter fleet maintenance. Winter can be brutal on heavy-duty trucks, leading to expensive and time-consuming downtime. 

But don’t worry about all of that; we’re here to help. On this page, we’ll walk you through all the preventive maintenance your fleet needs to undergo to keep your operations running smoothly this winter.

1. Check and Replace Fluids

The first thing you need to focus on is your fleet’s fluids. During colder temperatures, they are at risk of freezing. This can impact performance and, in some cases, damage your fleet’s components. 

Start with your engine coolant. Make sure you add the correct mixture of antifreeze and water. Also, check that the transmission fluid, engine oil, and differential fluid are at the correct viscosity for winter. 

Your diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) needs to be topped off before hitting the road. This helps to avoid any unexpected shutdowns. If this occurs, your emissions levels can increase, leaving you at risk of hefty fines. 

2. Battery Maintenance

Did you know that truck batteries can deplete 30% quicker in colder weather? Make sure you always check your battery’s charge before and after each journey between 80%-90%. Also, test the cold-cranking amps to confirm that each battery can start the engine in freezing temperatures.

Batteries over three years old may not hold a charge as well as newer ones, so replace them if they’re near the end of their lifespan. Be sure to check your fleet’s alternators and starter motors for any signs of wear or inefficiency, as these are essential to starting your trucks on cold mornings.

3. Inspect Air Brakes and Air Dryer

Fleet safety should always come first in your operations, starting with a healthy brake system. Freezing moisture in your air brake systems can lead to brake failure, so your air dryer needs to function properly. Check your air compressor and air tanks to ensure they’re working properly, and look for any signs of damage or leaks in the brake chambers. 

Any moisture in these components can freeze, preventing proper brake function and leading to a range of safety hazards on the road.

4. Tire Checks

With snow and ice on the ground in the winter months, your tires become even more important than usual. Start by checking the tire pressure on all of your vehicles. Cold weather causes air to contract, lowering tire pressure, reducing traction, and causing blowouts.

When traveling in the snow, all-weather tires and tire chains are your best friends. For the best traction on snow and ice, keep your tread depth at least 5/32”.

5. Heating and Defrost Systems

HVAC isn’t just about keeping cabins warm when it’s freezing. Heating and defrost systems keep your driver’s windshields clear at all times, which is essential with reduced visibility outside. A functioning HVAC system also helps to reduce driver fatigue, maintaining efficiency and safety high.

Inspect windshield wipers and ensure they are winter-grade and designed to handle snow and ice. Top off the windshield washer fluid reservoir with freeze-resistant washer fluid to keep visibility at its best.

6. Inspect the Exhaust System

Gas leaks become more common in the winter, causing exhaust gases to seep into the cabin and exposing drivers to carbon monoxide. Inspect the entire exhaust system for any leaks or corrosion, particularly around the muffler, tailpipe, and exhaust manifold. Repair or replace any damaged sections to ensure safe, efficient operation.

7. Electrical System Inspection

Check all wiring and connections, looking for any frayed wires or loose connections. These can be especially vulnerable to the cold and moisture of winter weather. Pay special attention to the lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, as they are crucial for visibility in low-light winter conditions.

8. Fuel System Protection

Cold weather can cause diesel fuel to gel, which can clog the fuel filter and prevent the engine from starting. Using a winter blend of diesel fuel or adding a fuel additive to prevent gelling can keep your fleet moving smoothly even when temperatures drop.

Inspect the fuel lines and fuel filters for any signs of dirt or debris that could hinder fuel flow. Clean or replace these components as necessary to ensure efficient fuel delivery. Be sure to check out our article about avoiding fuel-related problems in cold weather to learn more!

9. Emergency Kit Preparation

No matter how thorough your winter maintenance, it's wise to prepare for the unexpected. Ensure that every truck in your fleet is equipped with a well-stocked emergency kit. This should include essential items like:

• Tire chains
• Shovels
• Flashlights
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Extra warm clothing or blankets
• Jumper cables
• Sand or kitty litter for traction

This is a simple yet critical step to ensure your drivers are prepared for any situation that might leave them stranded in cold weather.

Final Thoughts

Winter brings unique challenges, and preparation is the key to keeping your fleet on the road and running smoothly. From fluid checks to battery maintenance and air brake inspections, these essential winter maintenance tasks will save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Keeping your trucks in top shape will avoid downtime and keep your drivers safe and comfortable, no matter how cold it gets this winter.