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Winterizing Your Fleet and Engines
Submitted by: SupplyLink
As the temperatures begin to fall, it’s time to perform a winter maintenance check on your vehicles and outdoor engines. Here’s a handy checklist to keep them running throughout the winter.
Gas: Keep your gas tank at least half full. Water vapor can collect in the bottom of your tank. When the water is drawn into your engine’s fuel line, it can freeze in the winter and prevent your engine from starting. Adding a bottle of gas-line antifreeze such as HEET or Iso-HEET to your gas tank combines with the water and enables it to be burned. Iso removes 5 times more water.
Oil: Change your oil and filter at the recommended mileage.
Belts: Inspect all belts for signs of fraying or cracking. Change any worn belts now to help avoid a breakdown during the worst of the winter.
Fluids: Check and top off engine coolants, power steering, brake, windshield washer and battery fluids.
Spark plugs: Replace if the engine is misfiring
Battery: The summer heat takes its toll on batteries. However, in the winter cold, when you need the extra cranking power, your battery may not be up to the task. Consider replacing it if it is more than 3 years old. Keep the contacts free of corrosion with a battery post and terminal cleaner .
Wipers: Inspect the blades for fraying or cracking. Consider using heavy-duty winter blades for tough ice buildups.
Tires: With drastic temperature changes, tire pressure can fluctuate. Check tire pressure several times a month. Improperly inflated tires can reduce gripping action when you need it the most.
Lights: Walk around your vehicle to make sure all lights are working. With winter and darkness, it’s important to be seen by other drivers.
Brake Pads and Shoes: Inspect and replace worn brake pads for better braking action in slippery road conditions.
Other engine maintenance: It’s important to keep other equipment running through the winter season. Snow throwers, generators and other two- and four-cycle engines may not be used for long periods of time. As a result, the fuel may form gum and varnish deposits. In less than 60 days, these deposits can clog fuel lines, injectors and fuel filters. The results are startup problems, sluggish performance and even reduced engine life. By adding a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL®, the fuel will remain fresh for up to 12 months and helps prevent gum and varnish build-up during months of storage. STA-BIL also prevents corrosion and rust caused by accumulated condensation in the fuel system.
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winter
Right. Winter season brings a lot of trouble for fleeting vehicles and cars if not given proper maintenance for this time. It does damages the engines and external car parts.The tips for preparation for this winter season you have given is really helpful.