Winter can be a tough time for your fleet vehicles, and ensuring they’re properly maintained is essential for safety and performance. Cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions can put extra strain on your fleet, leading to potential breakdowns or accidents if the right precautions aren’t taken.

At TJ Services, we understand how crucial it is to keep your fleet vehicles in top condition during the winter months. Here are seven key tips to help you prepare and protect your fleet.

1. Inspect and Replace Tyres

Tyres are your fleet’s first line of defense in winter driving conditions. Worn tyres can be dangerous, especially on icy or snowy roads, as they reduce traction and increase stopping distances.

• Check Tread Depth: Ensure your fleet vehicles have a minimum of 3mm tread depth for safe winter driving. If any tyres are showing signs of wear, replace them promptly.
• Use Winter Tyres: Consider installing winter tyres for improved traction in snow and ice.

Tip: At TJ Services, we offer comprehensive tyre inspections and replacements, ensuring your fleet is equipped with the right tyres for winter.

2. Test and Replace Batteries

Cold weather can drain car batteries, making it harder for your vehicles to start. In the winter, batteries are more likely to fail, especially if they’re already weak.

• Check Battery Health: Test your fleet’s batteries to ensure they are holding a charge. If a battery is over three years old, consider replacing it before winter.
• Clean Battery Terminals: Make sure battery terminals are free from corrosion, which can affect performance.

Tip: At TJ Services, we can test and replace your fleet’s batteries, helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

3. Maintain Brake Systems

Winter roads can be treacherous, especially with ice and snow reducing traction. Having a well-maintained brake system is critical for your fleet’s safety.

• Listen for Unusual Sounds: Squeaking, grinding, or slow response times when braking may indicate a need for brake service.
• Check Brake Fluid: Ensure your fleet vehicles have adequate brake fluid levels and that it’s not contaminated.

Tip: Our experienced technicians at TJ Services offer full brake system inspections and repairs, keeping your fleet safe on winter roads.

4. Ensure Fluids Are Winter-Ready

Winter conditions affect the performance of vehicle fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Using the right fluids can prevent engine damage and ensure your fleet operates smoothly.

• Use Winter-Grade Oil: Thinner oil flows more easily in cold temperatures, making it easier for engines to start and run efficiently.
• Check Antifreeze Levels: Antifreeze is essential to prevent the engine from freezing in low temperatures. Ensure your fleet’s coolant system is properly filled with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
• Top Off Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a winter-specific windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze in cold weather.

Tip: At TJ Services, we provide routine maintenance to ensure your fleet vehicles have the right fluids for winter driving.

5. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Defrosters

Visibility is key to safe driving, especially in snowy or rainy conditions. Effective windshield wipers and defrosters are critical for ensuring your drivers can see clearly in winter weather.

• Replace Wiper Blades: If your fleet’s wiper blades are more than six months old, it’s time to replace them. Consider winter wiper blades designed to handle snow and ice buildup.
• Check Defrosters and Heaters: Ensure the defrosters and heaters in your fleet vehicles are working properly to prevent windshields from fogging or freezing over.

Tip: TJ Services can replace windshield wipers and check defroster systems to keep your fleet safe during the winter months.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Each Vehicle

Even with the best maintenance, winter conditions can be unpredictable, and breakdowns can happen. Preparing each fleet vehicle with an emergency kit can keep drivers safe in case of delays or accidents.

• What to Include: Jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable snacks, water, and a first aid kit.
• Keep a Shovel: Snow shovels and kitty litter can be lifesavers if a vehicle gets stuck in the snow.

Tip: Make sure each fleet vehicle is equipped with a fully stocked emergency kit to keep your drivers prepared for the worst.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks

Winter driving puts extra stress on vehicles, so it’s essential to have regular maintenance checks throughout the season. By identifying potential issues early, you can prevent costly breakdowns and ensure your fleet vehicles are operating at their best.

• Inspect Critical Systems: Tyres, brakes, batteries, and fluids should be regularly checked to ensure they are winter-ready.
• Set a Winter Maintenance Schedule: Plan regular checks throughout the winter months to address any new issues before they become major problems.

Tip: TJ Services offers full winter maintenance packages for fleet vehicles, ensuring your vehicles are always ready for the road, no matter the weather.

Conclusion

Winter conditions can be tough on fleet vehicles, but with the right preparation, you can ensure your cars stay safe and perform well throughout the colder months. Regular maintenance, proper tyre care, and keeping essential systems in top condition are all crucial to keeping your fleet on the road during winter.

At TJ Services, we specialise in winter vehicle maintenance for fleets of all sizes. From tyre replacements to brake checks, we’ll make sure your vehicles are fully prepared for winter driving. Contact us today to schedule a winter maintenance check for your fleet.