Summer is tough on commercial fleets. Not only are powered industrial trucks and delivery vehicles used more, but higher ambient temperatures also place extra stress on the systems that keep them running.
“People are moving and using trucks and fleets more often in the summer,” says John Malloy, sales channel manager of national distribution at Parker. “The number of miles, the number of stops, the number of times the vehicle brakes—all that frequency increases.”
Increased utilization and heat can accelerate wear on cooling systems, hoses, tires, brakes and other critical components. Without a proactive inspection program in place, minor maintenance issues can turn into costly breakdowns.
Use this summer fleet maintenance checklist as a guide for prioritizing the components most vulnerable to heat and heavy use.
Radiators
During hot weather, the radiator must work harder to maintain operating temperatures, especially on vehicles making frequent stops or carrying loads. Besides increased heat, restricted airflow can further reduce the radiator’s ability to cool, which can lead to overheating and engine damage.
What to inspect with radiators:
Read more: What You Need to Know Before Operating a Powered Industrial Truck
Coolant
Coolant is the lifeblood of engine health. It requires the right mixture of glycol and water for optimal heat absorption and transfer. Glycol raises the boiling point of the coolant, but glycol also degrades in heat, says Joe Long, director of heavy-duty business development at Old World Industries. Water’s primary purpose in coolant is to dissipate heat.
The ideal glycol-water mix is usually 50-50, but you should check the manufacturer’s chemistry charts, Long says. Some technicians think that maintenance means simply making sure the surge tank is full, “but there’s a lot more to maintaining a cooling system,” he says.
What to inspect with coolant:
Hoses and Fittings
Heat, vibration, pressure and environmental exposure all contribute to the degradation of hoses that carry fluids such as coolant—but “the No. 1 cause of hose failure is abrasion,” Malloy says. Forklifts are especially susceptible to abrasion, since parts are frequently moving around the hoses.
A worn hose can lead to a leak. Leaks also can come from corroded or improperly threaded fittings on either end of the hose. Hoses that are too long can catch on other components; when they’re too short, they can put extra stress on fittings.
“During a visual inspection,” Malloy says, “you need to look at both the hose and the fittings.”
What to inspect with hoses and fittings:
Hose abrasion, scuffing, cracks or discoloration
Bubbling near fittings
Damaged or missing hose coverings
Corrosion of fittings
Leaks at connections
Read more: Getting Noticed on the Job: Who Needs Hi-Vis PPE (and When)
Fan Belts
Higher temperatures accelerate rubber deterioration and increase stress on belt-driven accessories, affecting cooling fans, water pumps and charging systems. Replacing a worn belt during scheduled maintenance is significantly less disruptive than dealing with a failure during essential operations.
What to inspect with fan belts:
Tires
Hotter driving surfaces and air temperatures put extra stress on commercial tires, whether they’re on delivery trucks or forklifts. Poor tire condition can contribute to blowouts, reduced fuel efficiency, unplanned downtime and safety risks.
What to inspect with tires:
Read more: Cooling Technology in PPE: Keeping Workers Safe and Comfortable
Brakes
When commercial vehicles are working harder, so are the brakes. Concerns such as excessive wear can increase stopping distances and ultimately jeopardize worker safety.
What to inspect with brakes:
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Storage is the main concern with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). “The DEF culprit is heat,” Long says. “Sunlight destroys it.” Improper storage dramatically affects the quality and shortens the shelf life. DEF should be stored according to manufacturer recommendations and protected from excessive heat whenever possible.
What to inspect with DEF:
Read more: Hydration Safety Tips: What You Can Do to Protect Your Teams
Wiper Blades, Washer Fluid, Headlights
UV exposure, heat, dust, road grime, insects and vibration all take a toll on visibility systems.
“Sunlight will dry out the rubber compound in wiper blades and cause them to crack, warp and split,” says Tom Cholke, director of technical services at Old World. The result is chattering and streaking that amplify sun glare and create a safety risk for vehicle operators.
In addition to maintaining wiper blades, using a windshield wash solvent with a surfactant can help the blades dissolve and wipe dirt off the windshield, Cholke says.
Headlights should always be replaced in pairs. “If you have one go out on the left side, you’re probably going to have the other one go out within six months to a year,” he adds. “It’s a good idea to replace it when it’s convenient, not when you’re driving at night and the lamp goes out.”
What to inspect with wiper blades and washer fluid:
Wiper blade condition
Cracking or deterioration of rubber wiper elements
Windshield washer fluid levels
Clogged washer fluid spray nozzles
Declining brightness of lights
