Summer is an excellent time for businesses of all types. With the kids home from school and people heading out on vacations and road trips, there are all kinds of opportunities for you and your fleet of vehicles to stay busy. However, summer can also be hard on your vehicles and can present a lot of issues when it comes to how efficiently and safely they run. That’s why it is so important to do proper fleet maintenance and get your business ready for the warmer summer months. 

Hot weather can cause issues with your vehicles that you might not expect. Every part of the vehicle from the cooling system to the electrical components is susceptible to problems when the temperatures start to rise. Doing some preventive fleet maintenance before the hottest time of the year rolls around will keep your fleet running smoothly and keep your business on track. Knowing some of the most important fleet maintenance tips is a great place to start. 

Change All the Air Filters 

No matter what types of vehicles you have in your fleet, their air filters are an essential part of how well they will run and how comfortable your drivers will be. Changing air filters regularly should be a part of your fleet maintenance routine all year but it is especially important in the summertime. The cabin air filters are susceptible to moisture, which can build up over the winter and cause issues with mildew and other contaminants in the air being pumped into the cabin through the AC. Changing the air filters will ensure that your drivers can stay cool without exposing themselves to allergens or irritants. 

Changing the engine air filter should also be on your summer fleet maintenance checklist. The summer months can have a lot of days with poor air quality, which can be a problem for your vehicles’ engines. There are also more people out on the road, so dirt and debris will be at its highest point. A new engine air filter will prevent these contaminants from getting into the engine compartment so your vehicles can run smoothly, even in the dirtiest and dustiest conditions. 

Get a Complete Cooling System Check 

Perhaps the most important fleet maintenance you should be doing to prepare your business for summer is a thorough cooling system check. Fleet vehicles are constantly stopping, starting, and idling. This can put a lot of strain on the cooling system and when you add high temperatures to the mix, overheating becomes a very real possibility. Making sure that the cooling systems in your vehicles are a part of your fleet maintenance routine will help prevent overheating damage like warping and increased friction in the engine. 

When getting the cooling system checked, be sure that all the hoses, clamps, and other connection points are tight and free of leaks. If necessary, a complete coolant flush can help remove any contaminants in the lines and keep them flowing freely so the coolant can get to the engine. Topping off fluids should always be a part of fleet maintenance but it is important to check the coolant levels more frequently in the summer. This will ensure that your vehicles can stay on schedule and won’t have to spend any time on the side of the road cooling down. 

Lower Tire Pressure 

The tires on delivery and work vehicles get more use and abuse than tires on any other kind of vehicle. The frequent stops and starts can cause more wear and checking tire pressure should be a part of your regular fleet maintenance year-round. However, you can prevent serious tire damage in the summertime by simply lowering the PSI. This simple bit of fleet maintenance can keep your vehicles’ tires in good shape and keep your drivers safe when the weather warms up. 

The air in your vehicles’ tires will expand when the temperatures rise. In fact, for every ten degrees that the temperature rises, the pressure in your tires will go up by one pound per square inch. Overinflated tires are more susceptible to premature wear and can even blow out at high speeds. Lowering the tire pressure as part of your summer fleet maintenance will keep the tires in good shape for longer and prevent any potentially serious incidents on the highway. 

Get a Battery Test

Electrical fleet maintenance is incredibly important, particularly in modern vehicles or vehicles that rely on fleet telematics. The electrical components in a vehicle are just as sensitive to the heat as any other components and keeping them in good shape is a crucial part of your routine fleet maintenance. This includes making sure that the batteries in your vehicles are working properly and putting out the correct amount of voltage. This is especially important because heat can have a big impact on the longevity and output of a vehicle’s battery. 

While hotter temperatures can actually slightly increase the capacity of a battery, they can also reduce its lifespan. Any temperatures above 80 degrees can cause internal corrosion, which will lower the voltage output and contribute to the deterioration of the battery itself. In the summer, when your drivers will be relying on air conditioning and other electrically-powered accessories, the last thing you want is a dead or dying battery. Getting a battery test and replacing any batteries that aren’t operating at their ideal level will help prevent breakdowns and interruptions in service during the hottest time of the year. 

Review Summer Safety Training 

The summer months are a time for relaxation and outdoor activities. While this is great for kids and families, your drivers need to be aware of potential hazards when they are out on the road. Reviewing any safety training should be a crucial part of your summer fleet maintenance. Making sure that your drivers know how to navigate neighborhoods with kids and how to drive as cautiously as possible will keep everyone safe and protect your business. 

You should also make sure your drivers are aware of any vehicle issues they have to watch out for in the hotter months. Reviewing the proper engine temperature and what they are responsible for when they are out on a job will give them the knowledge they need to keep your vehicles in great shape. Go through your fleet maintenance checklist with them and let them know what issues or problems they should be keeping an eye out for during a heatwave. 

Get the Best Fleet Maintenance Year-Round

Fleet maintenance is important in every season but summer can present all kinds of unique problems. Doing everything you can to keep your drivers safe and comfortable when the weather warms up will help your business stay at the top of its game. With solid training and regular preventive fleet maintenance, you can provide top-tier service to your customers no matter how hot it gets out there. 

If you want the best fleet maintenance to keep your vehicles running smoothly and efficiently all summer long, ServiceUp is here for you. With one easy-to-use dashboard to help you manage your maintenance, collision, and mechanical repair needs and seamless integration with major fleet management companies, it has never been easier to get your vehicles repaired by qualified, experienced technicians. Whether you need simple oil changes or major body work, ServiceUp will take care of everything and get you back on the road. Request a demo today to find out how ServiceUp can help your business thrive!