Is your fleet ready for Winter weather?
As the temperatures drop across the nation and the snow begins to fall, ice accumulates, and road crews spread de-icing materials to ease driving conditions.
Winter weather is tough for fleet managers, and costs begin to rise.
Cold weather and icy roads are hazardous for drivers and their trucks.
The salt, sand, and de-icing agents used by road crews can cause big problems for maintenance workers and mechanics trying to service the fleet.
Washing your vehicles in the cold winter months might seem like a waste of time and resources since they’re going to get dirty again the second they hit the road.
But that’s exactly why fleet managers should consider keeping their trucks clean during this time of the year.
Road salt, sand, ice, and snow left clinging to vehicle body panels and undercarriages can cause rust and corrosion to set in. And, once rust and corrosion set in it can be costly to repair the damage.
Rust and corrosion compromise the entire undercarriage:
- Frames
- Body panels
- Wheels
- Electrical components
- Exhaust system
- Air-lines
- Brake lines
- Braking systems
- Fuel lines
Once rust and corrosion damage begins, it is especially dangerous and difficult to reverse.
The only way for fleet managers to protect their valuable assets during the cold winter months is to engage in an aggressive fleet washing program.
Drive-in truck wash bays with power nozzles are an option.
But asking drivers to wash their trucks eats up valuable hours of service in their driver logs -hours of service they should be spending delivering your customer’s valuable freight!
Asking mechanics and porters to wash the fleet is also an option.
However, mechanics are busy using their skill and training working on maintaining the fleet, and the porters are usually busy assisting the skilled mechanics!
If the decision is made to wash the fleet ‘in-house,’ or at a local truck washing facility, the following recommendations should be followed closely:
- Avoid using high-pressure power washers that can direct water spray into door locks, and other nooks and crannies that may freeze during cold weather
- Always avoid washing when the temperature is below 25 degrees Fahrenheit
(Water will immediately freeze causing hazardous conditions and equipment damage)
- Wash when the temperatures are moderate (high 30’s, low 40’s) with sunshine
- Be sure there are no sudden temperature drops in the immediate forecast
- Use warm or heated wash water if possible
- Wear protective insulated clothing: boots, waterproof gloves, and a hat
For best results, consult a professional fleet washing contractor.
We’ve been washing trucks, concrete, building exteriors, and storefronts for over 30 years!
~Even in the COLDEST of weather.
Give us a call at 800-451-8684 or Contact Us here
You Have An Image, We Keep It Clean!