As the mercury starts to rise and warmer days approach, fleet managers know the importance of preparing their vehicles for the challenges that come with higher temperatures. Spring is the perfect time to review the performance of your fleet’s lubrication systems. The transition from colder months to the heat of summer can greatly impact engine oils and greases, from their makeup to their performance. Proper maintenance during this time can help ensure that your fleet runs smoothly, avoiding costly downtime and repairs.
The following key lubrication maintenance tips can help you prepare your fleet for warmer months and keep your vehicles running smoother and longer throughout the season.
1. Establish a routine maintenance schedule
To avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, it's important to have a routine maintenance schedule in place. Spring is the optimal season to schedule maintenance checks to ensure that all components are thoroughly inspected and ready for the demand of higher temperatures.
Actionable tip: Work with your fleet maintenance team to create and implement a seasonal checklist that includes lubrication checks, fluid level assessments, and grease fitting maintenance. A proactive maintenance approach is the best way to keep your fleet running at peak performance during the warmer months.
2. Check and replace engine oil
An essential part of an effective maintenance schedule includes engine oil checks. Engine oil plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal engine performance. Colder weather typically requires thicker oil, which can struggle to circulate at higher temperatures. In spring, it’s ideal to transition to thinner, lighter engine oils that are better suited for higher temperatures.
Actionable tip: Consult your vehicles’ OEM recommendations for oil viscosity and make the necessary changes. Remember that a properly selected oil helps reduce friction, enhances fuel efficiency and prevents engine wear.
Additionally, regularly check oil levels and perform oil changes to reduce the risk of engine damage and maintain fleet reliability. As oil ages, it loses its effectiveness in protecting the engine components. Warmer temperatures can kick this degradation into gear, making it critical to follow a consistent oil change schedule.
3. Inspect grease fittings and chassis lubrication
Greasing plays a pivotal role in keeping components running smoothly but is one of the most overlooked aspects of fleet maintenance. In warmer temperatures, grease can become less effective and grease fittings can dry out or fail to provide the necessary lubrication. Spring is the best time to prioritize inspecting and lubricating all moving parts and components.
Actionable tip: Use high-quality grease, like Mystik premium heavy-duty greases, that are designed for warm-weather operations and can maintain their consistency to better protect against wear and tear.
Remember to perform regular maintenance of grease fittings to ensure these parts are free of debris, which can cause blockages.
4. Ensure proper lubrication of high-load components
Warmer months often mean more road trips and increased workloads for your fleet, resulting in components like wheel bearings facing added stress. Proper lubrication in these high-load areas is essential to prevent friction and overheating, which can cause components to fail prematurely.
Actionable tip: Pay special attention to high-load components, ensuring they are well-lubricated and free from debris and excess wear. It’s important to prioritize using the right high-quality grease to provide protection against extreme pressures and temperatures and ensure they continue to perform at their best, even in warmer weather.
5. Consider using high-performance lubricants for hot weather
Higher temperatures can reduce the effectiveness and protection of conventional lubricant, causing them to break down more quickly. High performance engine oils and greases contain advanced additives and specially engineered base oils designed to handle extreme conditions, offering enhanced protection against high temperatures and wear. They are engineered to maintain their viscosity, resist sludge buildup and prevent degradation even in challenging operating conditions, such as high temperatures. In spring, consider switching to high-performance lubricants specially formulated for hot weather.
Actionable tip: Consider switching to synthetics and extreme-pressure greases. Synthetic oils and greases—like CITGO CITGARD 700 Synthetic Blend Engine Oils and Mystik JT-6 Synthetic 460 #00 Grease—provide superior thermal stability in extreme temperatures, ensuring quick flow and lubrication. EP greases can withstand the demanding conditions of high and low temperatures and offer water resistance to wash-out and corrosion in moist environments.
Establishing strong relationships with knowledgeable lubricant vendors and suppliers who specialize in engine and equipment maintenance, such as CITGO Lubricants technical experts, can help you switch to the right lubricant, optimizing the proper maintenance of your fleet.
6. Plan for hot weather operations
As the temperature starts to rise, it’s crucial to consider how heat impacts your fleet’s operation. Extended periods of high heat can cause lubricants to break down faster, leading to increased friction, overheating, and potential failure. Fleet managers should evaluate whether additional maintenance measures are necessary during hot weather conditions.
Actionable tip: As the weather warms up, monitor the performance of your lubricants closely. Notice if there are any significant changes in vehicle performance—such as slower operation, overheating, or excessive engine noise. This could indicate that your lubricants are not performing as efficiently and may require immediate attention.
As a fleet manager, you know that proper lubrication is paramount to the health and longevity of your vehicles. Spring is the perfect time to prepare your fleet for the warmer months ahead. Start by setting up a solid maintenance schedule, focusing on greasing all moving parts, and ensuring high-load components are properly lubricated. Additionally, consider switching to high-performance lubricants designed to withstand the heat. By following these important steps, you will help your fleet run smoothly and effectively all season long.
