7 Must-Do Maintenance Tasks to Get Your Fleet Ready for Spring
Believe it or not, spring is here.
While there might still be snow on the ground in some parts of the country, soon the temperatures will rise and icy roads will be replaced by wet streets, puddles -- and even potholes.
To prepare for the change in weather and its elements, it’s important to perform the proper spring maintenance on your fleet vehicles to get them ready for the new season.
Use these maintenance tips to get your assets and equipment ready.
Wash Your Fleet Vehicles’ Exterior
Winter weather can take a toll on vehicles. In addition to being exposed to ice, snow and sleet, vehicles can also accumulate salt and sand from the roads on their exterior. According to Autotrader.com, giving a vehicle a good, thorough wash can help prevent the winter road solutions from impacting your vehicle’s exterior. AAA also recommends washing the underbody of the vehicle to get rid of any salt.
Clean Your Assets’ Interior
In addition to cleaning the exterior, it’s also a good idea to clean the interior of a vehicle before spring. Getting in and out of a vehicle in the winter can bring sand, salt, and other debris into the asset, causing it to collect on mats and flooring. Vacuuming the flooring and cleaning the seats, windows and dashboard can help freshen up the vehicle before spring.
Check the Tires (and Change if Needed)
If snow tires were installed on a vehicle before winter, now is the time to replace them with regular, year-round tires. All other tires should be inspected to check wear and tear accumulated from winter. The tire pressure should also be checked, and tires should be rotated.
Check the Fluid Levels
Winter weather can take a toll on your vehicle’s fluids, including windshield washer fluid as drivers clean away dirt and grime from messy winter roads. As the weather starts to warm up, the vehicle’s coolant should also be checked to prevent the car from overheating in hot temperatures. All other fluids should also be checked and topped off as needed.
Change the Oil
ASE.com recommends changing the oil per the vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines. During this service, the organization also suggests checking and changing the air filters.
Inspect the Windshield Wipers
AAA states that winter weather can be harsh on windshield wiper blades. The organization says that cold temperatures can take a toll on the rubber in the wipers, and the solutions used to treat winter roads can cause the blades to deteriorate. Before spring, check the vehicle’s windshield wipers and replace them as needed.
Check the Belts and Hoses
Cold temperatures can cause belts and hoses to wear and even become brittle, according to Autotrader.com. If there is any damage to these components, change them before spring to ensure the vehicle continues to run as expected.
To learn how RTA Fleet Management Software can help your fleet operation improve the maintenance of its vehicles, contact us today to schedule a demo.