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11 Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Fleet
Submitted by: SupplyLink
As the temperatures begin to rise, it’s time to perform a summer maintenance check on your vehicles. A few minutes with this simple checklist will help you save time and trouble down the road.
- Tires – your tires may have taken a pounding during the winter months. Drastic temperature changes can cause fluctuations in the tire pressure. Check the pressure several times a month. Improperly inflated tires can reduce gripping action when you need it the most. Consider using nitrogen for more consistent pressure. Also, check the tread depth and look for any signs of excessive wear and replace the tire if necessary. Remove all snow tires for better fuel economy. Make sure the spare tire is properly inflated and has ample tread depth.
- Oil & Filter – change your oil and filter at the recommended mileage.
- Hoses & Belts – inspect all belts for signs of fraying or cracking. Change any worn belts now to help avoid a breakdown during those hot summer days
- Air Filter – over the winter, your air filter can become clogged with salt and other debris. The only real way to know if you need to replace your air filter is to take it out and give it a quick inspection.
- Wipers – inspect the blades for fraying or cracking. If your wipers are leaving streaks or take several passes to clear away light rain, they need to be replaced.
- Brake pads & Shoes – inspect and replace worn brake pads for better braking action
- Coolant & Radiator – the summertime can be tough on cooling systems. Check under the hood and make sure that your coolant levels are fine. Check the hoses for any signs of leaks or deterioration.
- Battery – heat is the enemy of any vehicle battery. On average, a car battery will last for about three to five years. If the battery is more than five years old, it may be worth replacing in order to save the aggravation of dealing with a dead battery when you least expect it. Keep the terminals tight and free of any corrosion.
- Fluids – check power steering, brake, transmission and windshield washer fluids
- Air Conditioning – the best time to test your air conditioner is on the first warm day of the spring season. This will help save you the aggravation of any surprises on a hot summer day.
- Vehicle Cleaning – if you live in a snowy climate, it’s recommended that you clean the undercarriage of the vehicle to remove any road salt. Spring is also a good time to thoroughly wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish from harmful dirt and the suns damaging UV rays. Keep the windows clean inside and outside to improve visibility and help reduce the amount of glare.
Finally, make sure you keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Some good items to include are a flashlight, jumper cables, flares or warning triangles, an empty gasoline container and a first-aid kit.
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