Winter driving presents serious challenges for your fleet, particularly in the Midwest or northern areas of the U.S. Freezing temperatures mean heavy snowfall and icy roads, which create dangerous road conditions and challenges for even the most experienced drivers. While it is impossible to avoid winter driving, preparing for your fleet will go a long way toward mitigating winter driving risks.
Right now is the time to make a plan to prepare your fleet for winter driving. The following are 6 things you can do to get your fleet ready to face the ice and snow:
- Inspect Tires & Properly Inflate
A drop in temperature will cause a decrease in tire pressure. When treaded tires are not inflated to their intended settings, they can buckle, leaving less space for channeling water and snow. Proper traction is crucial during winter weather, so make sure your fleet’s tires are properly inflated. - Test Batteries
Freezing temperatures cause oil to thicken, making the engine harder to turn, and placing more of a power demand on the battery. Additionally, the chemical reactions necessary for the battery to operate tend to be slower in cold conditions. Be sure to inspect and test all of your fleet batteries to make sure they are ready for the challenge. - Switch Oil Types
When freezing temperatures set in, changing oil types to put less stress on the engine is often recommended. A thinner variety of oil with a lower degree of viscosity may be beneficial. Check with your professional fleet services provider for a dependable recommendation. - Inspect Wiper Blades & Top off Wiper Fluid
Visibility is critical, but can be hard to maintain during blinding sleet and snow. Make sure your fleet’s wiper blades are in excellent condition for optimal visibility and safety. Keep the wiper fluid topped off at all times, and that is it formulated to withstand extremely cold temperatures. - Check Coolant
While we might not think about overheating as a winter problem, a harder working engine may be at risk for overheating problems. Be sure to have at least a 1-to-1 mixture of water and antifreeze to assure that the coolant continues to flow as needed. - Drive with an Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in every vehicle, in case a driver gets stranded. In addition to light sticks, reflective triangles, fire extinguisher, safety vest, first aid kit, and other standard safety items, your winter kits should include hats, gloves, and blankets, too.
Raben Tire is your trusted team to assist with all of your fleet needs. Contact us to learn more about how we can help keep you running in all seasons.