Is Your Fleet Ready For Winter? A Guide to Winter Truck Maintenance

Owning, supervising and driving large vehicles is no easy task. You have a lot of responsibilities because you rely on your vehicle to get the job done even when the weather seems to turn on you. This may mean sticking to deadlines despite snowy conditions. Even though there is never a good time for one of your trucks to break down, things can be especially tricky in the winter. The best way to ensure the safety of your staff and vehicles is to take time before the winter weather settles in to go over your trucks and discuss bad weather procedures with your staff. With some proper preparations and teamwork, you can plough through winter with ease.

Things to have checked

Keeping the little things in tune is always a good idea. The cold weather can certainly magnify little problems and create new ones if your vehicles aren’t properly maintained. Take a look at the essentials and keep an eye on fluid levels and wear-and-tear throughout the season.

Have your mechanics take a look at your breaking system and check the state of your brake pads. While this is one of those fixes that is always important, when the roadways become more treacherous it’s always a good idea to take some extra precautions.
Coolant/oil checks and anti-freeze should all be checked. Anti-freeze mixtures should be assessed by your mechanic and other fluids such as windshield wiper fluid should be topped up and checked for an appropriate temperature rating.  
Check out hoses for any dry rot or cracks. Cold weather and/or extreme weather fluctuations can cause splits to occur. Deal with problems such as these before they become urgent repairs and you’ll keep things running much smoother.
Check cab heaters and block heaters before the mercury begins to drop. Identifying any troubles with your climate control before you need it is a must. Not only will your drivers be miserable, defrosting your windshield is always a helpful visibility tool.

Invest in an Engine Block Heater

Desiel engines, like the one you may have in your Hino, require engine block heaters if they are driven in extreme temperatures. This will significantly reduce the amount drain on your battery and help ensure your vehicles start when you need them. If you already have heaters, make sure they are in good working condition.

Winter Tires and chains

Equip your vehicles with the appropriate gear you need for traction control. All Canadian provinces recommend that driver install snow tires once the temperature hits 7 degrees Celsius. Winter tires provide better control and grip on cold streets. Depending on the size of your vehicle, road conditions where you live, expected precipitation levels and the expectations of your business, you may require different tread intensities or even chains to keep you moving through the snow safely. Winter tires make all the difference in slick conditions and depending on where you are driving, they may be required by law.

Safe driving and good fleet management

While this may not seem like a maintenance issue, it can keep you from encountering one. Safe driving and good communication between managers and drivers can help keep both your vehicles and staff going through winter. Teaching safe driving techniques, knowing the capabilities of staff during especially poor weather conditions and discouraging reckless driving behaviours are all good practice for management.  Have drivers do routine inspections of their vehicles. This includes removing obstructive ice and snow where possible (this can be hazardous for other motorists too), check on fluids, wiper blades and temperature gauges.

Responsibile vehicle ownership is the most important winter safety and maintenance tip. Take the time to inspect your fleet and train your drivers appropriately given your local climate. Even as the temperature in Southern Ontario and GTA remains unseasonably warm, we know that winter is just around the corner! Be prepared!