[Ed. Note: Authored by Merchants Fleet, this report entitled “Get Your Fleet Ready for Winter” offers essential tips and proactive measures to ensure fleet vehicles operate smoothly and safely through the colder months.
Merchants Fleet is a privately held company that has been around for over 60 years, providing highly customized fleet management and fleet leasing solutions to large businesses, mid-sized companies, governments, educational institutions, and more. It acts as a fleet tech partner, connecting companies with the client service, technology platforms, and products that your specific fleet needs to operate optimally.]
Brace yourself—temperatures are dropping, and fleets everywhere are facing a season of snow, sleet, and icy roads. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts above-average snowfall in regions like the Northern US and Great Lakes this winter, with some surprises even for warmer areas.
Now is the time to ensure your fleet is winter-ready to keep operations running smoothly.
Preparing your fleet for winter is more than a routine check—it's essential for keeping vehicles safe, efficient, and ready for any weather.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, just over 21 percent of the nearly 5.9 million car crashes that occur in the US each year are weather-related. Of those, over half a million accidents per year are caused by snow, sleet, icy pavement, or slushy pavement, highlighting the significant impact of winter conditions on fleet operations.
Merchants Fleet emphasizes that winterizing your fleet can make all the difference, from improving fuel efficiency to reducing unexpected downtime.
To get your fleet winter-ready, start by checking that the coolant in each vehicle is topped off and has the appropriate freeze protection level; replace the coolant if it’s insufficient or contaminated.
Next, test vehicle batteries to ensure they’re equipped to handle cold weather starts and replace any that show signs of weakness to avoid breakdowns. Inspect air and fuel filters to confirm they’re clean and functioning optimally, and replace any that are clogged or near the end of their service life.
Whether it's checking tires, fluids, or battery life, taking additional proactive steps will keep your fleet reliable all season long:
- Update Insurance Policies and Driver Documentation: Make sure insurance policies and all documentation are up to date and that drivers keep IDs and emergency contacts current.
- Maintain Fluid Levels and Preventative Maintenance: Make sure your engine oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are topped off and that you’re current on all vehicle preventative maintenance.
- Equip with All-Season or Snow Tires: Utilize good all-season tires or snow tires for areas that experience heavy ice and snowfall.
- Ensure Braking System Readiness: Stay on top of preventative maintenance. Ensure braking systems are fully operational and pads and rotors are replaced if low.
- Stock Vehicles with Emergency and First Aid Kits: Keep all vehicles properly stocked with emergency and first aid kits and replenish supplies where needed.
- Prepare Fuel Cards with a “Storm Profile”: Fleets using fuel cards should have a “storm profile” that anticipates increased fuel needs during emergencies.
- Maintain Accessibility and Safety for Electric Fleet Charging Areas: For electric fleets, keep charging areas clear and well-maintained to ensure accessibility and reliability and to prevent slips and falls.
- Precondition Your Vehicle: Warming up the battery before driving improves range and driving dynamics. You can precondition your vehicle using the vehicle's touchscreen or an app.
Lastly, many fleet operators rely on fleet management companies to handle critical tasks like maintenance, roadside assistance, and driver safety programs.
Merchants Fleet partners with a wide range of organizations to streamline daily operations and offers specialized services for managing weather-related risks, including comprehensive storm preparedness programs.
For more information on Merchant Fleets, visit www.merchantsfleet.com.