Like it or not, winter is here.
It's time to ensure your fleet is equipped for challenging driving conditions. To help you, we’ve created this 10-step fleet safety checklist. We'll cover how to prepare your fleet for cold weather so drivers feel safer and get where they need to go quicker.
Ensure that each of your vehicles is equipped with the right tires for winter conditions. Fleets that operate in heavy snow and ice should have winter tires stamped with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol.
This indicates the tire is suitable for severe conditions. For fleets that operate in milder conditions, all-weather tires are an excellent option. All-weathers stay pliable to -25 degrees. They’re suitable for slush, light snow, rain, and cold, dry pavement.
(Note: Some jurisdictions mandate the type of tires that need to be mounted on the vehicles, so make sure you comply with the law in your area.)
Ensure drivers regularly check their vehicle’s tire pressure. Did you know that, for every 10 degrees of temperature drop, tire pressure will drop by one-to-two pounds?
Tire pressure must stay within 30-35 PSI to maintain traction and safe handling. (Check each vehicle’s owner's manual specific requirements.)
Pro tip: Keep tire chains or snow cables in your trunk in case you encounter extremely icy conditions.
Ensure all vehicles have essential emergency items in the trunk so drivers are prepared for any circumstance. Each kit should include:
Freezing temperatures slow the chemical reactions that occur in a vehicle’s battery. As a result, battery power drops significantly in the winter. To ensure drivers have enough “juice” while they’re out on their routes, get your batteries tested now. Replace any old or weak batteries or make system repairs where needed.
It may seem unusual to inspect your vehicle’s cooling system in cold weather. However, these systems maintain engines within the correct temperature range year-round. Using the wrong coolant, which can actually freeze, causes significant maintenance issues, so ensure the one you choose is temperature-appropriate.
Coolant also helps keep the passenger compartment’s heater operating properly, which is essential for the winter months. It also makes sense to switch to a winter-grade oil that performs better in cold weather.
You can hire a mechanic to inspect your systems for you or work with a fleet management company to handle all maintenance for your fleet.
Fleets on the maintenance program here at Foss National Leasing benefit from scheduled maintenance year-round. So they don’t have to worry about a system breaking down in the middle of winter.
We recommend stocking up on windshield wiper fluid that has an antifreeze component. Not only will drivers be able to clean dirt and smears, but this will also ensure each vehicle’s sprayer doesn’t freeze up, crack, or apply a layer of fluid that turns to ice on the windshield.
Don’t forget to replace worn wiper blades with new ones that can effectively clear snow and ice.
The last thing you want is for a driver to get stranded in dangerous conditions. So, please encourage them to always keep their fuel level above half a tank. If drivers do find themselves stranded, instruct them not to leave the car unless nearby shelter is available. Here at Foss National, our fuel card programs come with 24/7 roadside assistance. Perfect for keeping drivers safe in all road conditions.
Unpredictable road situations become more common in winter. Accidents, road closures, and bumper-to-bumper traffic can all contribute to late or missed appointments.
Consider a telematics GPS system, which maps the exact location of each fleet vehicle, monitors traffic patterns, and identifies the most optimal routes for drivers. By avoiding congested or dangerous routes, they're less likely to run late.
Ensure each vehicle has a foam brush or non-abrasive snow broom that drivers can use to brush snow away. Instruct drivers to allow time to remove snow and ice from their vehicles and provide them with a simple list of steps:
Foggy windows cause major visibility problems in cold or wet weather. Ensure your car's heater and defroster are working correctly to maintain clear visibility. Running the heat and the air conditioner simultaneously with fresh (not recirculated) air will defog windows quickly. But this can be uncomfortable for drivers in the middle of winter.
Another solution is to encourage drivers to start their vehicles 10-15 minutes before driving. During that time, they can run the heat defroster on full blast, which will help defog the windows.
A final option is to provide drivers with anti-fog spray. This will help prevent the windows from fogging up in the first place.
Road salt, snow, and moisture can cause rust on a car, prematurely aging the vehicle’s body. Ensure vehicles visit the car wash regularly to maintain their appearance for longer.
Winter driving can be challenging for both vehicles and drivers. With our comprehensive checklist, your drivers will feel safer and more confident navigating snowy and icy roads, while your vehicles will be better prepared to handle freezing temperatures.
Ultimately, a safe and productive driver paired with a well-maintained vehicle can significantly enhance your fleet's performance.