4 Items that Fleets Need on Their Spring-Cleaning Checklist

Fleets and commercial drivers know the hazards of driving in winter weather. Ice, reduced visibility, and shifting preventative maintenance needs require a significantly different approach to safety than the hazards of summer months. However, ignoring the transitory period between those temperature extremes can prove disastrous. As temperatures begin to thaw, fleets need to focus on preparing their vehicles for spring weather.

1. Inspect and replace defective windshield wipers. It’s easy to overlook windshield wipers as winter transitions into spring. Drivers may believe their wipers are fully operational because they clear snow effectively. However, snow is solid and much harder on wiper blades than spring rain. Damaged wipers can’t clear the windshield effectively during a rainstorm and can rapidly create a dangerous situation during a downpour.
2. Inspect tires for serviceability. Many fleets equip their vehicles with snow tires or snow chains to help commercial trucks navigate snowy highways and roads. These fleets remove said accessories as spring draws nearer and snow becomes less likely. Even if your fleet doesn’t operate in snowy areas, seasonal tire changes and inspections are valuable, and an excellent opportunity to check the tire pressure and inspect for wear and tear or alignment issues.
3. Provide driver safety training to refresh their knowledge. How drivers operate their vehicles during the winter is vastly different than during the summer. Holding safety training during the spring can refresh drivers’ knowledge on handling the hazards of summer driving, such as navigating through roadway construction, managing tire blowouts, and what to do in the event of a collision.
4. Review and act on driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). Many commercial drivers complete DVIRs daily to provide a snapshot of the vehicle’s overall health and valuable insights into vehicle maintenance needs. Fleets can use these driver assessments to identify and repair or replace defective, damaged, or degrading vehicle components before they become a significant safety problem.

Optimizing vehicles for winter weather is a standard process for many fleets, but not all recognize the equal importance of springtime vehicle preparation. The winter months take a toll on commercial vehicles, and many require some spring cleaning to ensure they’re roadworthy during the summer. Contact Interstate Motor Carriers to learn how we can help reduce your fleet’s risk during any season.