6 Tips For Maintaining Your Fleet Through the Summer Heat

Jun 16, 2023

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Originally Posted On: https://www.derivevq.com/blog/6-tips-for-maintaining-your-fleet-through-the-summer-heat

As the summer heat sets in, fleet managers face unique challenges in maintaining their vehicles’ performance and efficiency. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on vehicles, leading to breakdowns, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased maintenance costs. In this blog post, we will share six essential tips to help fleet managers keep their vehicles running smoothly and maximize fleet performance during the scorching summer months:

Tip 1: Regular Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance

Regular inspections are an essential part of maintaining the health and performance of your fleet, especially during the blistering summer heat. When temperatures soar, various components of your vehicles can be subjected to increased stress and strain. That’s why it’s crucial to check fluid levels, including coolant, oil, and transmission fluid, to ensure they are at optimal levels. Belts and hoses can become brittle and prone to cracking in the heat, so closely inspecting them for any signs of wear or damage is essential. You’ll also want to pay attention to the condition of the battery, as extreme heat can accelerate battery deterioration.

Scheduling routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups, according to manufacturer guidelines, is key to keeping your fleet operating smoothly. By addressing minor issues promptly and performing necessary services on time, you can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Don’t underestimate the power of regular inspections and maintenance in preserving the reliability and longevity of your fleet vehicles, especially when facing the challenges of summer’s scorching temperatures. Taking the time to care for your fleet now will pay off in the long run, ensuring your vehicles are ready to tackle the demands of your business even on the hottest of summer days.

Tip 2: Tire Care and Maintenance

When the summer heat kicks in, your fleet’s tires can take a beating. The rising temperatures can cause tire pressure to rise, leading to potential issues like uneven wear and reduced fuel efficiency. That’s why it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your tire pressure and ensure it’s at the recommended levels. Regularly check the pressure and, if needed, inflate or deflate the tires accordingly.

Don’t forget to inspect the tires for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or bulges, as excessive heat can worsen these conditions. To promote even tire wear and maximize their lifespan, make it a habit to rotate the tires regularly. By maintaining proper tire pressure, inspecting for wear, and rotating them as needed, you’ll not only enhance the performance and fuel efficiency of your fleet but also ensure the safety of your drivers on the road.

Tip 3: Cooling System Maintenance

It’s essential to keep your fleet’s cooling system in top shape to prevent engines from overheating, especially during the hottest season of the year. The cooling system plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal engine temperature and preventing costly breakdowns. To ensure its efficiency, make it a habit to regularly check the coolant levels and quality. If needed, top up the coolant to the recommended level.

Maintenance crews should also inspect the radiator and hoses for any signs of leaks or damage that may compromise the system’s effectiveness. If any issues come up, address them promptly to prevent further damage. Flushing and replacing the coolant, as recommended by the manufacturer, is also vital to keep the cooling system functioning optimally. By taking these simple steps, you’ll help your fleet’s engines stay cool and avoid potentially expensive repairs down the road.

Tip 4: Battery Health and Care

When the scorching summer temperatures hit, it’s important to keep a close eye on your fleet’s vehicle batteries. The heat can take a toll on battery life, potentially leading to unexpected failures. To prevent such headaches, regularly monitor the battery charge levels and inspect the connections for any signs of corrosion. Corroded terminals can impede the battery’s performance, so make sure to clean them thoroughly and ensure proper contact. If you come across a weak or old battery, it’s wise to consider replacing it with a new one. By proactively addressing battery issues, you can avoid the frustration and inconvenience of a dead battery on a hot summer day.

Tip 5: Driver Training for Hot Weather Conditions

Make sure your drivers are well-informed about the impact of hot weather on vehicles, and share some helpful tips for driving in scorching conditions. It’s crucial to educate them on the signs to watch out for, such as unusual sounds, odors, or any issues they may encounter while operating the vehicles. Encourage them to report these observations promptly so that any potential problems can be addressed before they escalate. Emphasize the importance of regular vehicle inspections as a proactive measure to catch any issues early on and prevent major breakdowns. By keeping an eye out for warning signs and conducting regular checks, your drivers can play a vital role in maintaining the health of your fleet during the summer heat.

Here are more ways fleet drivers can reduce fuel consumption.

Tip 6: Fuel Efficiency Strategies

Hot weather can take a toll on your fleet’s fuel efficiency and drive up operational costs. To combat this, it’s important to encourage fuel-efficient driving practices among your drivers. Remind them of the significance of avoiding excessive idling and maintaining consistent speeds, as these habits can contribute to unnecessary fuel consumption.

You may also want to consider using fuel management tools and technologies to monitor and optimize fuel usage across your fleet. For example, Derive VQ is a fleet management software solution that can improve fleet vehicle fuel efficiency with these features:

Idle Reduction: Reduces the idle revolutions per minute (RPMs) of each fleet vehicle while it is stopped with the engine still running.
Eco-Adjustment: Adjusts the shifting parameters of fleet vehicles, resulting in reduced fuel consumption during acceleration.
Speed Governor: Sets a top speed for the vehicle that aligns with company policy, effectively reducing fuel waste caused by excessive driving speed.

By leveraging fuel-saving fleet management software and encouraging fuel-efficient driving practices, fleet directors can contribute to cost savings and support their fleet’s sustainability efforts during the summer heat.

Want to learn more about how to maintain your fleet through the summer heat? Talk to an expert at Derive and get answers to all your questions.

Fleet Maintenance