COVER STORY
WI N T E R I Z AT I O N
TO IMPROVE UPTIME
10 Fleet Maintenance | October 2018
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
TO PREPARE VEHICLES FOR
COLDER MONTHS.
R
T
By David Brierley, Managing Editor
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
S
R
reventive maintenance (PM) is key to vehicle uptime
year-round. But, during winter months in northern
climates, when subzero temperatures, snow, ice and
road salt can wreak havoc on vehicle systems, PMs
alone may not be enough to keep vehicles on the
road. In these conditions, an improperly specifi ed
P
or under-serviced vehicle could leave drivers stranded and
rack up exorbitant towing and repair fees.
To avoid these consequences and maximize uptime, fl eets
should be sure to keep up with PM schedules, implement a
winterization plan to prepare components for cold weather
and specify vehicles appropriately for operating conditions.
Continued Page 12
» Winter months in northern climates can be brutal, with cold temperatures
and inclement weather wreaking havoc on vehicle systems.
Photo from iStock