Fleet feeling the heat? 5 Cool Fleet Management Solutions to Get Vehicles Summer-Ready

When temperatures spike, you are not the only one who feels the heat; your fleet feels it, too. You’ll never know when a minor heat-related breakdown will turn into a money-draining pit that constantly eats away at your profits. But, worry not, as with strategic planning and advanced fleet management solutions, you can tackle most of the breakdowns and minimize your fleet’s downtime by 40%.

Ask any truck management company about what to do, and they’ll tell you that preparation is the key. That’s right; prepping your fleet to deal with the summer heat in advance allows you to reduce damage and increase the longevity of your fleet. Here are five such maintenance tips from the expert’s desk that you can incorporate into your fleet management journey. Let’s get your fleet rolling!

Heat-proof your fleet- The Key to Beat Summer Heat.

Overheating of the engine is still one of the most typical causes of breakdowns in the summer. Even small issues with the engine cooling system can develop into major problems.

Radiator: The Radiator is the main component for heat exchange. Check for visible leaks, hose connections, damaged fins, and corrosion that could restrict coolant circulation.

Coolant Levels:  Take a look at all the hoses in the cooling system. Cracks, soft spots, or bulges are signs of impending failure. Also, don't forget to check the water pump and thermostat, as both are critical systems that can leave you stranded if they fail.

Hoses and Belts: The condition of your coolant is crucial when operating in summer conditions. Old or watered-down coolant may no longer have the proper heat transfer properties nor the capability to protect against corrosion. Consider starting a coolant testing program to monitor pH levels and freeze protection to collect data for your fleet maintenance and repair.

Preventive measures for cooling systems might include:

• Scheduling radiator cleanings before summer begins

• Installing additional cooling capacity for vehicles that frequently operate in extreme conditions

• Training drivers to recognize early warning signs of cooling problems

• Carry spare hoses, clamps, and coolant for emergency roadside repairs

  
  

Regular cooling system inspections can prevent costly engine damage and keep your vehicles moving when temperatures peak.

Summer Tire Maintenance: Where Rubber Meets Hot Roads

Tires can wear out quicker and perform unpredictably in hot situations when the terrain heats the pavement. On a very hot day, the pavement temperature can be as much as 50 degrees hotter on dark asphalt than the ambient temperature, increasing tire wear patterns and increasing the potential for a blowout drastically. 

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) states that tire pressure increases by 1 PSI per 10°F, and the risk of blowouts increases significantly.

Advanced fleet management solutions can keep your tires in good shape for summer driving, sending alerts when you need maintenance.

What’s the best way to handle tire maintenance?

Check tire pressure cold: To get the best gauge of what the tire pressure is, do it cold before you drive it.

Inspect tread wear: Uneven wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues. 

Check for sidewall damage: A cut, bulge, or deformation in the sidewall can later lead to the tire bursting - this can happen before you take a long trip or in hot weather.

Replace tired tires: Tires older than seven years should be tossed, even if there is plenty of tread left. Keep the climate in mind. If you are in a state or region with extreme heat, you may wish to purchase a heat-resistant tire.

Rotate tires at the recommended mileage: Not only does tire rotation extend the life of the tires, but it can also allow for better fuel mileage and increased handling characteristics for your vehicle.

Air Conditioning Service: Critical for Driver Performance

Maintaining your air conditioning doesn't just keep you cool; it can save lives and save you money on utility bills, especially during the dog days of summer. Here's what you need to know:

Staying cool in your vehicle isn't just about comfort; it's a safety must! When it gets too hot, it's hard to concentrate, your reactions slow down, and it's easy to make mistakes while driving. A recent NIOSH study indicates that when temperatures exceed 90°F, drivers’ reaction time tends to decrease by 20%. This slower reaction time significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.

Keeping your A/C in good shape is important.

Here's a simple fleet maintenance and repair checklist for A/C maintenance:

Refrigerant Levels: Make sure you have enough refrigerant. If it's low, you've likely got a leak. Many modern systems use dyes to help find these leaks.

Air Filters: Swap out those air filters before the heat kicks in. Dirty filters block airflow and make your A/C work harder, and that means less cool air.

Wiring: Give all the electrical connections a once-over. Look for anything loose or corroded. Pay special attention to the blower motor and compressor clutch – those parts tend to need attention sooner.

Drive Belt: The belt that drives the compressor needs to be just right. Too loose and it slips; too tight and it damages bearings. Either way, your A/C won't work when you need it most.

Extra Tips for Extreme Heat: 

• Tint the windows to cut down on solar heat.

• Use reflective sunshades when parked.

• Try to book your service appointments ahead of time. 

• Train drivers to use the system appropriately; do not overwork it!

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Warning Signs: Most A/C units do not just stop working. Generally, it'll hint at trouble in weak cooling or no cooling at all, then odd noises. Educate your drivers on these red flags. Urging drivers to report earlier keeps your fleet on the road instead of stuck on the side of it!

Battery Care: Preventing Summer Power Problems

Let’s get to some battery advice that may surprise you. Summer heat can be more harmful to your batteries than winter cold!  Here’s why—plus some quick fleet repair and maintenance tips to keep your fleet running:

Prevent Overheating: Keep the battery cool to avoid heat damage.

Clean Connections: Clean dirty battery connections with a baking soda and water solution, then apply a protectant.

Maintain Water Levels: Top off the water level of older batteries with distilled water to prevent damage.

Inspect for Damage: Visually inspect newer "maintenance-free" batteries for swelling or warping.

Test Regularly: Get batteries tested in hot weather to identify those that are failing.

Maintenance Pro Tips

• Schedule fleet maintenance services at least once every three months in hot weather.

• Clean terminals and cable ends at every maintenance.

• Check to see that batteries are secure to their mounts; vibration can kill a battery silently.

• Check to see that the charging system is balanced.

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Heavy Duty Fleet Requirements? Time to Upgrade

If your fleet is sitting idle or will require larger electrical loads, don't just think about battery basics. You should think about adding an auxiliary battery system or upgrading to a higher capacity battery to accommodate additional energy demands during the summer months.

Critical Fluid Management for Summer Performance

Hot weather puts a strain on your truck’s fluids, affecting their function and lifespan. Engine oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are impacted most severely. Here are some summer checks for your fleet maintenance and repair:

Engine Oil: Hot weather thins the oil; change to a slightly thicker oil viscosity to help maintain engine performance.

Transmission Fluid: Super critical for proper gear shifting! Ensure the fluid is topped off and appears clean. If it is dark, smells burnt, or is milky, it may need attention.

Power Steering Fluid: Provides major assistance for steering effort. Check fluid levels and see if it appears foamy or discolored. Those are bad signs and may require a trip to see a mechanic.

Brake Fluid: Most important for safe stopping. Brake fluid attracts moisture, which is bad for brake performance, especially in humid conditions. Check levels and make sure it is changed out regularly.

Windshield Washer Fluid: A clean windshield equals increased visibility. Top off your fluid frequently.  Use a decent washer fluid to remove bugs and contaminating debris on your windshield.

Essential Fluid Maintenance Checks

• Regularly check engine oil with samples and tests.

• Keep an eye on the transmission fluid.

• Check the fluid in the differentials and transfer case.

• Test the coolant's pH and freeze protection.

• Inspect the power steering and brake fluids.

• Keep all fluids topped up and in good condition.

  
  

Getting Your Fleet Ready to Beat the Summer Heat

Operating your fleet with minimal breakdowns or downtime isn't rocket science. Consider it this way: Checking your engine's cooling system means preventative maintenance and will prevent breakdowns. Checking your tires means less likelihood of encountering a blowout (and better gas mileage), and checking your AC means less sweating in the vehicle. Don't forget about the battery, or you will be stranded, and check the fluids for any nasty surprises as you get back on the road.

To ensure uninterrupted operations during the summer months, it is important to prioritize summer fleet readiness. Preventative maintenance will help avoid vehicle downtime and improve performance during the summer heat.

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions provides a comprehensive summer preparation service, including a thorough inspection to identify and mitigate risk. Contact Kooner today to schedule your summer check-up!