Brace yourself—temperatures are dropping, and fleets everywhere are facing a season of snow, sleet, and icy roads. NOAA predicts above-average snowfall in regions like the Northern U.S. and Great Lakes this winter, with some surprises even for warmer areas. Now is the time to ensure your fleet is winter-ready to keep operations running smoothly.
Preparing your fleet for winter is more than a routine check—it's essential for keeping vehicles safe, efficient, and ready for any weather. According to the Federal Highway Administration, just over 21% of the nearly 5.9 million car crashes that occur in the U.S. each year are weather-related. Of those, over half a million accidents per year are caused by snow, sleet, icy pavement or slushy pavement, highlighting the significant impact of winter conditions on fleet operations.
Read more: Avoid winter breakdowns with these PM best practices
Merchants Fleet emphasizes that winterizing your fleet can make all the difference, from improving fuel efficiency to reducing unexpected downtime. To get your fleet winter-ready, start by checking that the coolant in each vehicle is topped off and has the appropriate freeze protection level; replace the coolant if it’s insufficient or contaminated. Next, test vehicle batteries to ensure they’re equipped to handle cold weather starts and replace any that show signs of weakness to avoid breakdowns. Inspect air and fuel filters to confirm they’re clean and functioning optimally, and replace any that are clogged or near the end of their service life.
Whether it's checking tires, fluids, or battery life, taking additional proactive steps will keep your fleet reliable all season long.
