As the leaves start to change and that familiar crispness fills the air, it can only mean one thing – fall has arrived. And with the change in seasons comes the need to prepare vehicle fleets for the challenges ahead. Cooler temperatures, changing road conditions, and impending winter weather demand careful preparation and maintenance of your vehicle fleet.
Learn how to stay one step ahead by adapting to the seasonal changes, and ensure your vehicles remain reliable and efficient as we transition into autumn.
Fleet Challenges in Fall
When it comes to fall weather, fleet vehicle managers and drivers definitely encounter some interesting challenges.
Overall, things are getting colder outside but autumn is a transitional time – which means temperatures tend to fluctuate, sometimes dramatically within the same day. Mornings can be cold, with dense fog, noticeable frost, or even ice. Then warm afternoons roll in, followed by chilly nights. This can result in a freeze-melt-freeze scenario making braking, handling, and turning more challenging than usual. Those cooler temperatures also cause tire pressure to drop, further impacting handling, as well as fuel efficiency.
Additionally, shorter days mean more time spent driving during glaring sunset conditions or in the dark, making it difficult to see obstacles, pedestrians, other vehicles, or animals. Speaking of which, nature’s furry friends are out in full force. Autumn is mating season for large mammals like deer and elk, while many birds are starting their migration south. This can make driving through wooded areas more dangerous, and demands drivers be on their guard.
Fall also brings slick road conditions, thanks to heavy rains and falling leaves. In fact, many parts of the country are entering hurricane season, ushering in all kinds of severe weather and additional hazards, from hydroplaning to downed trees. (Sheesh, remind us again why everyone loves this season so much??)
Addressing these challenges within your own fleet is best accomplished with a two-prong approach focused on proper vehicle maintenance and comprehensive safety protocols. Let’s dive into each one below.
Fleet Maintenance
Keeping fleet vehicles in tip-top shape is important during any season, but fall’s unique challenges – and the fact that winter is just around the corner – makes routine maintenance even more important.
In addition to scheduling regular inspections to address issues like tire tread and pressure, battery health, and brake performance, fleet managers should also be paying attention to wiper blades and headlight/fog light condition. Visibility is absolutely critical during these months. If compromised, it won’t matter how great those winter tires or heavy-duty brake pads perform because drivers won’t be able to see the road hazards in front of them.
Consider upgrading to winter-ready wipers with silicone rubber blades to ensure the best performance, and don’t forget to swap out that washer fluid for something cold-weather appropriate. Additionally, now is a good time to inspect headlight housings for any damage or fading. A headlight repair kit can buff out any scratches or discoloration, but cracks call for replacement. Upgrading bulbs with a higher-output, DOT-approved conversion or adding some quality auxiliary lighting can also make a world of difference as the days grow shorter and mornings get foggier.
If your work trucks don’t already have them, now is also a good time to look into a tonneau cover upgrade. Protecting cargo, tools, equipment, and the truck bed itself from Mother Nature’s wrath (and thieves), a tonneau cover can also help save a bit on gas mileage and preserve the vehicle’s resale value.
Lastly, think about how your drivers are entering and exiting their vehicles – particularly if they’re operating a truck, SUV, or van. Fall weather conditions make surfaces slick, which could lead to a nasty slip or fall. Adding running boards or side steps with a wide, deep tread ensures your drivers have a solid and slip-resistant point of contact.
Fleet Safety
A well-maintained vehicle is only one part of the safety equation, though. Drivers need to be alert, well-trained, and informed about weather forecasts and road conditions if they want to mitigate fall weather risks.
Here are a few behavioral tips to keep in mind:
Slow it down. From slippery road conditions and poor visibility to an uptick in animal activity and the back-to-school effect on traffic, there are a lot of challenges drivers need to be watching for this time of year. Staying alert is difficult at higher speeds – as is coming to a safe stop.
Keep your distance. Even at slower speeds, slick conditions make for longer stopping distances. Maintain a generous space cushion from the vehicle in front of you, adding one or two extra car lengths for added safety.
Stay alert. You can’t be 100% aware of everything 100% of the time, but you can keep an eye out for certain common dangers. For example, watch for reflections on the side of the road - especially in wooded areas - as they may be from the headlights shining off an animal’s eyes. Pavement that looks a little darker, wetter, or duller than surrounding road surfaces could be black ice. And that blurry warning light up ahead could be a slow-moving tractor or stopped school bus.
Know when to keep moving. Sometimes coming to a hard stop will do more damage than good. For example, if that mild-looking puddle is deeper than it seems and you find yourself hydroplaning, don’t swerve or slam on the brakes. Maintain a safe momentum and ease off the gas, keeping those wheels pointed where you want to go. Similarly, when drivers hit an icy patch, they should know to let go of the gas and turn in the direction of the skid rather than slam on the brakes.
Know when to pull over. As daylight hours decrease and Daylight Savings Time plays havoc with everyone’s sleep schedules, it’s important to be more vigilant about fatigue. Take care to get adequate rest before long trips and prioritize regular breaks to stretch, move around, and/or rest your eyes.
Fall-Ready Essentials for Fleet Drivers
In addition to the maintenance and safety tips listed above, fleet operators should consider keeping some of these items on board to ensure they remain comfortable and well-prepared for fall challenges.
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Warm clothing like jackets, gloves, hats, and extra socks to stay warm during cooler temperatures.
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Blankets for added warmth and comfort, especially in case of breakdowns or delays.
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Sunglasses to help improve visibility and reduce eye strain during glaring sunrises and sunsets.
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Flashlights and extra batteries to aid visibility in case of emergencies.
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Non-perishable snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits to stay fueled during long drives or unexpected delays.
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Ice scraper and de-icer for those in regions with frost or early snowfall.
- Spare tie-downs to secure loose items or equipment during high winds and prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.