Unfortunately for fleet drivers, no one season is the best for driving. All seasons have unique conditions and unique factors that can cause problems for your fleet. For example, temperatures are starting to drop in the fall, and the days are getting shorter. Colder winter is on its way. That means it’s time to take special heavy truck maintenance considerations.
Keep Up with Oil Changes
Oil changes are essential year-round, but especially during colder temperatures. During colder temperatures, the oil will thicken and adds excess pressure to the oil filters. That risks interior failure, damaged parts, and very costly repairs. Maintaining regular oil changes will help prevent the oil from thickening. Double-check how often you’re scheduling oil changes as part of your fall fleet maintenance.
Maintain Your Tires
Road conditions will start changing with the arrival of fall, like slippery roads and slick leaves. Start by checking the state of the tires, making sure that the tread is even and not too worn. An easy trick is to stick a Lincoln penny into the tread. If Lincoln’s hair is covered, the tire is good; if not, then it’s time for a replacement.
Next, check the tire air pressure to make sure it’s filled. An adequately filled tire will mean a big difference in how well and safely you can take turns and break. When the roads are slick with leaves, frost, or early morning moisture, every inch of tire contact to the road is essential.
Make Sure You Can See
A sure sign of fall’s arrival is that the days start getting shorter and the nights longer. As a driver, that means that visibility can be a concern. Plus, the closer winter gets, the more likely it is that you’ll face rain, snow and ice throughout the months. An initial fall fleet maintenance check should inspect the lights and ensure no cracks or burnt-out bulbs. Next, it’s worth upgrading to LED bulbs as they last longer, shine brighter, and offer much further visibility.
It’s also worth inspecting the heater and defroster to make sure those are in working condition. Condensation buildup that doesn’t clear up quickly is dangerous, especially when on the road. Keep the windshield washer solvent levels topped up as well, and make sure your wipers aren’t damaged.
Protect Underneath
It’s also likely the municipality will cover the roads in salt and sand in icy conditions. The mixture of salt and water splashing onto the underside of your truck is a recipe for corrosion damage. Before starting any trip, always take the time to inspect the underside for any early signs of wear and corrosion. If there are, handle the repairs immediately before the problem worsens. Then, apply an undercoating spray to protect the underside and seal any nooks where corrosion could set in.
For any repairs or a second professional inspection, leave the work to the professionals at Motorplex. We have the skills and experience to handle any heavy truck maintenance work and guarantee its quality. With shops in Auburn and Spokane, WA, we are always nearby to help with fall fleet maintenance.
To schedule your fleet maintenance, get in touch with Motorplex in Auburn or Spokane!
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!