Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean winter is on its way. Preparation and winterizing your vehicles are critical to year-round fleet maintenance. Moreover, it will save you money and time this season. Here are five (of many) things to check when winterizing fleet vehicles.
Inspect the Brakes
Brake performance is critical in the winter, and a brake system inspection is vital to winterizing a semi-truck. Check the air brake chamber housings for damage or corrosion and ensure proper installation of dust plugs. Your drum-braked wheel ends should be properly lubricated and all components greased to prep for winter. Finally, inspect boots, guide pins, shear adapters, and pads. Bring your vehicles into Motorplex for a complete brake service.
Check Electrical and Battery Health
Batteries don’t like cold weather! However, monitoring your batteries can help them perform better and reduce stress for your drivers. Inspect the batteries, terminals, clamps, and cables for wear and corrosion. Then, clean and grease the terminals. In addition, measure the battery’s voltage to ensure its strength and test the entire electrical system.
Prevent Diesel Fuel Gelling
When hot fuel cools, the cold air outside can cause moisture to collect in the tank and gel the fuel. When winterizing fleet vehicles, consider adding an anti-gel additive to the fuel. Additionally, keep your tanks full when parked to avoid that moisture build-up. Ask Motorplex for product recommendations.
Check Air Systems
Drain your air tanks manually to get the moisture from the system that accumulated during the warm summer months. You should also check the air dryer cartridge and purge valve and replace them if they are dirty or worn out. In addition, changing the air dryer filter should be standard practice when winterizing a semi-truck and will help avoid issues.
Keep Moisture Out of Wire Harnesses
A sealed wire harness will help keep moisture and debris out. As a result, it helps avoid power drops and safety hazards. Maintaining mud flaps to help keep debris away from electrical connections is critical. You want to keep moisture away from all harness connections, lamps, plugs, and sockets.
Other Things to Check
When winterizing fleet vehicles, there are many other things to check. For example, inspect and maintain your cooling system and fuel-operated heaters. In addition, checking and changing the oil and filters and inspecting tires for wear and correct pressure should always be on your pre and post-trip inspection list.
Motorplex offers extensive fleet maintenance programs for your vehicles, including winterization services. Contact us to book a service appointment!
Motorplex Offers Fleet Maintenance in Auburn and Spokane
Motorplex offers fleet maintenance, in-shop repairs, and onsite mobile service in Auburn and Spokane. We can work on all makes and models from light automotive, medium-truck, and heavy-duty vehicles. As diesel engine repair experts, you can trust that fleet is in good hands.
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
