It’s time to make sure your fleet and drivers are prepared for the winter season.
This past weekend’s below-freezing temperatures, frost and light snow flurries in many parts of the country arrived earlier-than-expected. It may still be autumn, but this weekend’s weather served as a timely reminder that fleet operators shouldn’t wait to get their vehicles and drivers ready for the cold winter and for winter fleet 
maintenance. With the right preparations made now, you can maximize fleet uptime, keep your drivers safe over the road, and prevent unexpected fleet maintenance costs over the course of the winter season.
The following steps will help you ensure that your vehicle is as prepared as possible to weather the winter roads.
- Keep a vehicle running at highway speeds in extreme temperatures vs. idling so it can reach the temperature threshold required for the regeneration and Diesel Engine Fluid cycling processes.
- Plug in the engine block heater on all diesel trucks each night – even when the temperature feels warm. The longer a truck sits, the more crucial it is to plug it in. Be sure the vehicle is at normal operating temperature when you plug in your block heater. Block heaters maintain temperature; they are not designed to heat coolant from ambient temperatures.
- Avoid cold soaks. Cold soaks occur when the engine fluids and the steel of the engine block drop to ambient temperatures. This happens when a vehicle sits for more than a day and it impacts starting and charging systems.
- Be sure to get a correctly blended fuel with a cloud point additive to prevent fuel filter waxing, especially if you are not fueling at a Ryder location.
- Base your fuel needs on your destination weather. Use winter weight fuel when driving north and consider fuel additives.
- Check your tires often. Freezing temperatures can cause slippery driving conditions. Having correctly inflated tires in good condition will help prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Interested in more tips for maintaining your fleet in winter? Download our Winter Fleet Maintenance Tip Sheet now.
