Is Your Fleet Summer Ready?
May 2025
Summer is rolling in, bringing hot weather, long days, and more demand from your equipment. Make sure your fleet doesn’t slow down by preparing for the season. Getting ready for the season is not just about avoiding issues. It's also, improving performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort for every trip.
Here are key areas to pay attention to as your fleet transitions into summer mode:
1. Check Cooling Systems
Engines already run hot, and they’ll run hotter during summer. Now is the perfect time to inspect your radiators, coolant levels, hoses, water pumps, and thermostats. Look for leaks, weak spots, or signs of corrosion. Also consider getting your coolant flushed if you haven’t done one in a while.
Make sure your coolant levels are topped off and mixed correctly for the conditions your truck will face. A strong cooling system guards your engine and helps improve your fuel efficiency.
2. Change Your Filters
Summer conditions often bring more dust, pollen, and contaminants in the air, clogging your filters faster. Replacing filters regularly ensures clean airflow and fuel delivery to the engine, which will help your engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
Watch for discoloration, burnt smells, or signs of debris—these may indicate it’s time for a replacement. Pairing clean filters with properly rated fluids helps your components perform reliably under extreme summer conditions.
3. Check and Change Fluids
Hot summer temperatures can thin out engine oil, transmission fluid, and gear oil. Make sure all your fluid levels are topped off and that you’re using the appropriate viscosity ratings for summer driving conditions. This is also a good time to check for signs of contamination or wear that might mean it’s time for a change.
For optimal performance, build a summer maintenance routine that includes both fluid checks and filter replacements—especially when operating in dusty or off-road environments.
4. Test Your Brakes
Brakes are crucial year-round, but summer driving often includes more stop-and-go traffic and heavier loads. Inspect your pads, rotors, fluid levels, and brake hoses before your next haul. Check for damage, glazing, or uneven wear.
It’s also critical to clean your brake components during routine inspections to remove dust, grime, and buildup that could affect performance. Responsive braking helps ensure driver safety and better load control on long routes.
5. Battery Conditions
Heat is one of the biggest threats to battery life. Hot temperatures can cause fluid inside batteries to evaporate, causing corrosion and decreased charging power. Test your batteries for voltage and overall health. Regularly clean your terminals and connections with the right battery cleaner to ensure there’s no damage or interference with the current flow.
If a battery is more than a few years old, it may be time to consider a replacement before it interrupts your next haul.
Summer Prep Equals Summer Success
Getting your fleet summer-ready isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. With a little proactive maintenance, you can make a big difference throughout the season.
Get everything you need for the heat by browsing our huge inventory on FleetPride.com and tackle the heat this summer.
* The foregoing is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your local FleetPride Heavy Duty Experts to verify the suitability of a part for the intended application.