Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your fleet running smoothly in the heat. Rising temperatures can be tough on vehicles and equipment, especially on engines, cooling systems, and hydraulics. But a little proactive maintenance can go a long way. By staying ahead of potential issues, you’ll keep your fleet on the road, minimise downtime, and extend the life of your vehicles and machinery. With the right support and high-performance lubricants like Castrol, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever summer throws your way.
Step 1: Give Your Fleet a Thorough Check
Start by giving your fleet a proper check-up. Looking at the cooling systems, make sure the coolant is topped up, hoses are in good shape, and radiators aren’t clogged with gunk. Don’t skip the aircon either -keeping drivers cool and comfortable is a must during those hot Kiwi summer days. Catching small problems now can save you from expensive breakdowns and delays when it matters most.
Step 2: Choose High-quality Lubricants
When the heat’s on, your fleet needs lubricants that can handle the pressure. Swap to high-performance options like Castrol’s heavy-duty Commercial range of products. They’re built to protect against wear, keep engines and driveline components clean, and help with fuel efficiency – even in scorching conditions. The right lubricant keeps your fleet running smoothly and ticks the boxes for environmental compliance too.
Step 3: Take Care of Your Engines and Hydraulics
Regularly check oil and fluid levels to keep things running smoothly. It’s worth upgrading to products like Castrol’s Vecton heavy-duty engine oils and Hyspin hydraulic fluids—they’re built for extreme conditions and will give your fleet the protection it needs. Routine servicing and using top-notch lubricants can stop overheating in its tracks and keep your vehicles and machinery performing at their best.
Step 4: Focus on Tire Health
Regularly check oil and fluid levels to keep things running smoothly. It’s worth upgrading to products like Castrol’s Vecton heavy-duty engine oils and Hyspin hydraulic fluids—they’re built for extreme conditions and will give your fleet the protection it needs. Routine servicing and using top-notch lubricants can stop overheating in its tracks and keep your vehicles and machinery performing at their best.
Step 5: Equip Drivers with Summer-Specific Training
Educate your drivers and operators on the importance of summer vehicle/equipment checks and heat-related challenges. Cover things like keeping an eye on tire pressure, balancing vehicle loads and spotting early signs of overheating. Drivers and operators who know what to watch for can stop small problems before they turn into big, costly ones.
Step 6: Use Technology to Stay Ahead
Make the most of fleet management tools to keep everything running smoothly. Real-time monitoring can help you track vehicle health, schedule maintenance, and plan routes more efficiently. By using these systems, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and keep your fleet performing at its best, no matter how tough the conditions get.
Did you know ILS has its own Fleet Manager software? No other lubricant supplier in New Zealand offers this unique solution. Get in touch today to find out how it can transform your fleet’s performance!
Summary
Preparing your fleet for the New Zealand summer isn’t just about vehicle and machinery performance – it’s about keeping your drivers/operators safe, minimising costs, and boosting overall efficiency. With Castrol Lubricants, you’re equipped to protect your fleet and maintain productivity in the face of rising temperatures. Don’t wait for the heatwave—get your fleet summer-ready today and enjoy a smooth, efficient season.