During the fall and winter months of low temperatures, rain, ice and snow a fleet manager’s job of is considerably more complicated than it normally is. Fleet managers must take steps that protect their crews from such adverse conditions while at the same time they must keep them running on time. Sure, our GPS locator and GPS tracking solutions allow for real-time data to help businesses know where their assets are at all times, but there are many other things a fleet manager can do to make his and his worker’s jobs safer. The following tips will provide you with information for how to prepare your vehicles for the cold winter season ahead of us.

• Use technology to your advantage: As we said, our GPS tracking device helps you to know where your crews are at all times. This means that you will have options should a storm take your fleet by surprise. You will be able to warn them faster and easier than if you were doing so by phone. Moreover, our tracking devices can help you reroute your drivers when road conditions become hazardous on routes your crews would normally travel. Finally, our tracking solutions can help you optimize routes, reduce fuel costs, and guide drivers away from hazardous storms
• Check your batteries: Cold weather diminishes a battery’s ability to provide sufficient power to start and run a vehicle. This can be even more of a problem for truck batteries that are weakened by old age. Inspect your fleet’s battery each season.
• Replace the coolant: Flush the cooling system each year before winter sets in. Try for a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water for the best results.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades: Wiper blades should be replaced every year even if they do not display visible signs of wear. Also, make sure that you wiper fluid reservoirs are filled.
• Emergency kits: An emergency kit is always a valuable resource to have even during the most favorable weather conditions. However, during the height of fall/winter they are an absolute necessity. Make sure your drivers are equipped with water and food, salt, paper towels, a blanket, a flashlight, first aid kit and jumper cables should a breakdown occur despite your best efforts.

By following these tips to winterize your commercial fleet, you will avoid potentially dangerous situations that can threaten your crews, their vehicles and the public. Keep your vehicles in optimal condition throughout the cold months of winter and use our trackers to give you added peace of mind.