Winter can be brutal on vehicles, but with the right preparation, your fleet can stay on the road no matter what the weather throws at you. Proper winterization isn't just about keeping the engines running smoothly; it's about ensuring the safety of drivers, optimizing vehicle performance, and reducing the risk of costly repairs. At BizFleets, we’re all about keeping fleets efficient and road-ready, regardless of the season. Let’s explore essential steps to winterize your fleet and ensure your operations remain efficient and safe.
Why Winterization is a Must for Fleets
Safety First: Winter conditions significantly increase the risk of accidents. Proper winterization reduces these hazards.
Minimized Downtime: Prevent unexpected breakdowns with proactive maintenance.
Cost Savings: Avoid expensive repairs caused by cold-weather wear and tear.
Key Steps to Winterize Your Fleet
Prepare Tires for Traction
Inspect tires for tread depth (at least 4/32” for winter conditions).
Maintain proper tire pressure, as it can drop with colder temperatures.
Consider winter or all-weather tires for vehicles operating in severe conditions.
Ensure Battery Readiness
Test batteries to ensure adequate charge capacity; cold weather can weaken battery performance.
Clean battery terminals and connections to prevent corrosion.
Replace batteries nearing the end of their lifecycle to avoid mid-season failures.
Inspect Coolant and Antifreeze
Verify the coolant mixture is appropriate for winter (typically a 50/50 antifreeze-to-water ratio).
Check for leaks or damage in hoses and seals.
Switch to Winter-Grade Fluids
Use winter-grade oil if recommended for your vehicles.
Fill washer reservoirs with cold-weather washer fluid to prevent freezing.
Ensure brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at proper levels.
Optimize Visibility
Replace worn wiper blades with winter-specific models for effective snow and ice removal.
Inspect headlights, taillights, and turn signals to ensure full functionality in low-visibility conditions.
Conduct Brake Inspections
Check brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear or damage. Reliable brakes are essential on slippery surfaces.
Test Heating System
Ensure the heating and defrosting systems are fully operational.
Keep the Fuel Tank Full
Maintain at least a half-full tank to prevent fuel line freeze-up and ensure readiness for delays.
Stock Emergency Kits
Equip every vehicle with essentials such as:
Blankets and warm clothing
Ice scrapers and de-icing sprays
Flashlights with extra batteries
Non-perishable food and bottled water
First-aid kits and basic tools
Snow shovel
Sand or cat litter for added traction if vehicles get stuck
Train Drivers for Winter Conditions
Provide training on defensive driving techniques for snow and ice.
Share tips for avoiding skids, maintaining safe distances, and handling emergencies like getting stuck or stranded.
Technology: A Fleet Manager’s Best Friend
Modern fleet management tools can make winterization easier than ever. With BizFleets’ advanced solutions, you can:
Schedule and track maintenance checks;
Monitor driver behavior;
Provide updated driver policy and winterization guides in our documents module;
Track vehicle location as vehicles traverse difficult conditions.
Tips from the Pros at BizFleets
We asked some of our team members for their top winterization advice:
What’s the most overlooked aspect of winterization?
George Albright, Vice President of Fleet Operations (left/top):
Preparation. As Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Most fleets get so busy around the end of the year that they may not have the time to implement many of the tips that are tried and tested. That is one of the benefits of having a fleet management partnership that can help with the driver communication, maintenance, and roadside support needs that typically come along with managing a business successfully through the winter months.
How can fleet managers benefit from using the BizFleets software as they navigate the winter season?
Dennis Straight, Chief Technology Officer (right/bottom):
Our acquisition, maintenance, inspection, safety and telematics tools are most helpful to fleet managers in the winter. Here are some examples how you can use our software to manage winter fleets:
Our inspection tools allow drivers and technicians to do pre, mid, and post trip inspections on the vehicle and inspection surveys can be customized to check for tire tread depth, use of winter tires, correct tire pressure, effective windshield wipers, etc.. And if there is a problem the fleet manager can be notified immediately to get the issue resolved.
Our Safety and Telematics platforms ensure drivers are driving correctly in winter weather and can help identify speeding, harsh cornering, harsh braking, etc.. Many times, just knowing this data is available is enough to correct bad behavior, but training is also available for drivers that need it.
Our maintenance platform allows Fleet Managers and Technicians to create Maintenance Programs that notify the appropriate person when the vehicle is ready for maintenance. This ensures the vehicle is in good working order during the winter months.
One of the best ways to ensure you are ready for winter is to have the right vehicles. Our vehicle ordering tools allow the Fleet Manager to do detailed research and compare vehicle safety ratings and do extensive option content research to ensure they pick the right vehicle for their climate.
Plan Now, Drive Safely Later
Preparing your fleet for winter takes time and effort, but the payoff is well worth it. By taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your vehicles—you’re protecting your drivers, your cargo, and your bottom line.
Need expert advice on winterizing your fleet? Contact BizFleets today and let us help you navigate the road ahead.
Stay safe, and keep your fleet moving this winter!
Sources:
U.S. Department of Transportation - Winter Weather Driving Tips (https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips)
Ready.gov - Vehicle Emergency Supply Kit (https://www.ready.gov/car)
Consumer Reports - Winter Car Care (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/winter-car-care-tips-frigid-weather/)
AAA - Maintenance Checklist for Winterizing Your Car (https://living.acg.aaa.com/auto/get-your-car-winter-ready)