Winter Fleet Preparation and Cold Weather Equipment Checks

Key Hazards

• Vehicle breakdowns in cold or severe weather
• Poor traction from worn tires or improper tire pressure
• Battery failure during freezing conditions
• Reduced visibility from failed lights, wipers, defrosters, or washer fluid
• Frozen locks, doors, brakes, hoses, or equipment components
• Workers stranded without emergency supplies during winter travel

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Winter fleet preparation helps prevent breakdowns, crashes, delays, and worker exposure during cold weather.

Vehicles should be checked before severe weather arrives. Tires, batteries, fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, lights, wipers, defrosters, heaters, mirrors, and emergency equipment should be reviewed.

Tires are especially important in winter. Tread condition, tire pressure, damage, and the correct tire type can affect traction and stopping distance.

Batteries should be checked because cold weather reduces battery performance. Weak batteries that worked in mild weather may fail during freezing temperatures.

Visibility systems should be ready. Wipers, washer fluid, defrosters, headlights, brake lights, marker lights, backup lights, and mirrors should be working before travel.

Cold-weather supplies should be available when needed. Ice scrapers, gloves, warning triangles, flashlights, blankets, tow straps, jumper cables, first aid supplies, and communication devices may be important.

Equipment attachments such as plows, spreaders, chains, pumps, valves, hoses, and hydraulic systems should be inspected before storms or freezing conditions.

Safe winter fleet preparation depends on early inspections, correcting defects before weather hits, stocking emergency supplies, and not sending unsafe vehicles into winter conditions.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect fleet vehicles before severe winter weather.
• Check tires, batteries, lights, wipers, and fluids.
• Keep washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
• Verify heaters and defrosters work.
• Stock emergency supplies for winter travel.
• Inspect plows, spreaders, hydraulics, and attachments.
• Report winter-related defects before vehicles are used.

Ask the Crew

• Are vehicles ready for freezing temperatures?
• Are tires, batteries, and fluids in good condition?
• Do lights, wipers, heaters, and defrosters work?
• What emergency supplies are available in the vehicle?
• Are plows, spreaders, or winter attachments ready before the storm?