Warmer weather is around the corner, and for many that means another busy season. Get ahead of the hustle and bustle with these 5 maintenance tips that can prepare your fleet for the spring and summer weather.
Regular tire and brake inspections are needed to keep your fleet operating safely. Replacing worn tires and adjusting tire pressures will help ensure safe traction on the wet days ahead. Inspecting the brakes can help to spot any worn or seized components resulting from the harsh winter conditions. If your fleet is equipped with winter tires, now may be the time to consider changing back to
all-season tires depending on your area. Winter tires wear at an accelerated rate in warmer temperatures, so removing your winter tires once temperatures consistently reach 40*F(5*C) will maximize tire life.
Worn or deteriorating wiper blades reduce visibility in wet conditions. Exposure to ice and salt through the winter months is hard on wiper blades, so it is a good idea to inspect them and replace worn wiper blades before discovering they are needed while driving when it starts to rain.
This tip applies to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle and does more than just improve the appearance. Cleaning the exterior and underside of the vehicle will help to wash away any residual salt which can be corrosive to many components. Cleaning out the interior of any unneeded items can help reduce the vehicle’s weight and improve fuel economy. The EPA advises that removing extra cargo can affect a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Battery maintenance is top of mind for many going into the winter months, but the high heat of summer can be just as taxing on a battery. Now is a good time to have your battery tested to prevent future downtime issues.
Those mild spring days are perfect for windows-down driving, but this is also an excellent time to check that your AC system is working correctly before it’s a must-have in the summer. Doing so can mean the ability to schedule time for repairs that is more convenient for your business rather than the immediate need to fix if discovered during the summer months.
