Summer Fleet Maintenance Tips
6 Jul 2022Although winter is gone and you won’t have to deal with salty and icy roads, summer and hot
weather present a different set of problems for your fleets, especially overheating vehicles.
Engines produce a lot of heat, combine that with high air temperatures in the summer heat, and
it is the perfect storm for overheated engines and engine breakdowns. Plus, drivers whose
vehicles break down on the road due to an overheated engine on a scorching hot summer day
are at risk themselves. For these reasons and more, it is important to conduct summer fleet
maintenance.
Summer Fleet Maintenance Tips
Below, we provide you with some great tips for your summer fleet maintenance.
Check the Air Conditioner
As we mentioned, high temperature is a risk for drivers, not just their vehicles. On long summer
day trips, you’ll want to make sure that all of your vehicles have working air conditioners to keep
your drivers safe and comfortable. So check all of the AC units and make sure they have plenty
of refrigerants.
Inspect Cooling System
Along with the drivers, engines are at risk during high temperatures. Excessive heat coming
from both hot air temperatures and heat produced from the engine can result in engine
malfunction. Overheated engines are a common problem during the summer months and the
best way to prevent this is by making sure your cooling systems are in good working condition.
Make sure to check coolant levels and flush the system every two years.
Replace Air Filters
Generally, air filters should be changed about once a year. Summer is a great time to do this. If
air filters are overdue for a change then the engine will work harder and the result is increased fuel consumption and wear.
Check and Change Tire Pressure
Increases in temperature cause air to expand, meaning that tire pressure can increase from
winter into summer months. To keep tire pressure where you want it, check each vehicle's tire
pressure once a month to prevent any problems.
Check Tires
Check your tires to make sure you have the right tires for summer conditions and that your tires
have maintained enough tread. Doing this will reduce fuel consumption and keep drivers safe
on the road.
Get a Brake Inspection
Driving year-round can put serious wear on a truck’s brakes. Additionally, some drivers put
more wear on brakes than others, so it’s important to regularly inspect them and replace them if
need be.
Continue Standard Maintenace
Standard maintenance practices should be carried through in the summer as well. Make sure to
continue checking transmission fluid levels, oil, and filter. Doing this will keep your trucks in
good condition and also keep your drivers safer on the road.
Implement GPS tracking
Lastly, if you haven’t already done so, outfit your fleet with GPS tracking. It will not only help to
optimize your driver routes and monitor driver behavior (excessive fuel consumption, speeding,
idling, and harsh braking), but can also help you keep track of vehice fleet maintenance so next
year’s summer maintenance is that much easier!
Contact us here at LiveViewGPS to learn more about how GPS fleet tracking can help you keep
up with your fleet maintenance.
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