Fleets with visibility and proactive communication between drivers and personnel will have a better competitive advantage this winter and beyond. Fleets must have a comprehensive winterization action plan that lasts several months and a strategy based on the entire calendar.

Advanced Tech Needs Maintenance During Cold Weather

Winterization processes have advanced over the past few years, requiring fleets and their maintenance personnel to take a wide look at their current trucks. It’s now common to have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and forward-collision warning systems. 

 

Lane-departure warning systems use video, laser and/or infrared lasers to detect visible road markings, while forward-collision warning systems utilize front-facing cameras or radar to take corrective action, both of which may be affected by snow, slush, salt, or ice.

Critical Driver Communication

Communicating with drivers is essential for properly maintaining ADAS technologies, especially in winter. Drivers must be in control and recognize slippery roads, and may need to clean sensors, radars, and cameras more often. This process has become critical for fleets looking to recruit/retain drivers, as driver shortage (second-highest concern in ATRI’s 2022 report) is expected to grow to over 160,000 by 2030. Listen to drivers as they can provide feedback about the system’s performance.

ADAS Training for Techs

Are your technicians up to speed on ADAS? Fleets must ensure their technicians are trained on the latest ADAS technology, including diagnostic software, OEM and aftermarket systems, and how the system interacts and communicates with the truck. Fleets should add ADAS to their preventive maintenance schedules to mitigate potential issues.

Itemize M&R Costs to Plan for Preventative Maintenance

It’s important to itemize M&R costs as they can be costly for fleets, but having the visibility to breakout line-item costs allows the operations department to align strategies to preserve the bottom line. Fleets can go line item by line item to review efficiencies and the type of lease structure utilized can further impact costs. 

 

Drivers should be included in safety initiatives and acknowledging their input is important for safety and retention. Replacing aging trucks with newer, safer equipment will keep drivers and others on the road safer, retain drivers, and reduce accident and litigation costs as well as lower maintenance and repair expenditures.

Sources:

https://www.fleetowner.com/perspectives/ideaxchange/blog/21258733/the-importance-of-maintenance-flexibility-and-adding-adas-to-fleet-winterization-plans