Springtime in Fleet: How to prepare your commercial vehicles for spring

At sopp+sopp, we know that keeping fleets moving isn’t just about reacting to incidents or inefficiencies, it’s about staying ahead of them, and minimising the risk factors.

As the seasons shift, so do the challenges facing your drivers and vehicles. While spring might feel like a welcome break after the harsh winter months, it brings its own unique set of risks - from pothole-riddled roads and unpredictable showers, to busier highways and public spaces.

Here, we share some practical tips to help you prepare your fleet and its drivers for the months ahead. From essential vehicle checks, to driver awareness tips, these small actions can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your fleet and its drivers safe, efficient, and fully operational this spring.

How to prepare your vehicles for spring:

As the seasons change, it’s essential to ensure your fleet’s vehicles are safe, well-serviced, and set up for efficient and comfortable driving in springtime. Here are some basic checks to conduct across your fleet as spring beings:

Conduct a post-Winter damage assessment

With salty roads, ice, and harsh weather, winter can often cause damage to our vehicles that goes unnoticed for some time. It’s always a good idea to give your fleet’s vehicles a good check over as spring approaches, including an underbody inspection to check for any new or worsening corrosion.

Switch out winter tyres to optimise vehicle performance

If you’ve switched to winter tyres, now is a good time to have them changed. As the days get warmer, there’s less need for the additional grip they provide, which can even reduce fuel efficiency and accelerate tyre wear.

Keep on top of fluids, and have plenty in stock

Fluctuations in temperature in spring make both coolant and antifreeze a must-have for any driver or fleet. Additionally, it’s a good time to check oil levels, and book the vehicle in for a change if it’s due.

Check pollen filters & air conditioning

As spring rolls in, so does pollen and warmer weather. Now is a good time to replace pollen filters if necessary to protect drivers against allergies, and ensure air conditioning is functioning optimally to ensure their comfort, and prevent costly defects.

Check the battery is still holding charge

Winter can put a lot of strain on the vehicle’s battery. Now is a good time to have it checked, to ensure it can still hold a charge, and won’t leave you or your drivers stranded and off the road.

Make sure wiper blades are in good condition

With roads often still salty from winter, pollen making its first appearance, and frequent spring showers, it’s essential to ensure your wipers and washers are functioning properly to protect visibility. Check that wiper blades haven’t corroded, or come loose, and make sure your fleet has plenty of spares in stock.

Give vehicles a deep clean

Salty roads and mud in winter and early spring can cause dirt to build up all over your vehicle, especially on the underbody. Giving your vehicles a good spring clean isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s also vital for protecting against corrosion, and spotting any hidden damage from the winter season.

Driver Awareness: Tips for safe driving in springtime

Here are some tips to share with your fleet’s drivers to ensure they stay safe and vigilant as spring approaches:

Watch out for potholes!

Winter rain, snow, and ice can cause potholes to form or expand. Stay extra vigilant when driving in spring, especially on back roads, and avoid swerving suddenly to avoid them.

Be ready for sudden rainfall

As the weather gets warmer in spring, sudden rainfall and storms become more common. Make sure to make extra space for other road users in wet conditions, slow down for slippery surfacing, and ensure your wiper blades are in good condition.

Stay aware of busier pavements and roads

As the weather gets warmer, more pedestrians and road users are likely to be out and about. Stay extra vigilant around residential areas, parks, and tourist destinations, and leave extra time to account for holiday traffic.

Daily walkaround: Check your vehicle

Pay extra attention to your vehicle’s tyres, washer fluid, and coolant before setting off on a journey in spring. Top any fluids up if necessary, ensuring you have plenty spare, and check that your air conditioning is working properly to keep you comfortable in the cabin.

Take some in-cabin essentials

Make sure you’ve got some key spring essentials in your vehicle’s cabin or glovebox, such as sunglasses, plenty of water, and spare washer fluid. Hotter, brighter weather can make driving uncomfortable and more hazardous, especially after rainfall, or in high humidity.

Watch for blossoms!

Blossom fall can make roads slippery, and clog your vehicle’s wipers. Take extra care when driving or parking in green spaces near or under trees, and slow down if road surfaces are covered.

In Summary: Preparing your fleet’s vehicles for spring

Spring might feel like a gentler season on the roads, but it still brings risks for drivers and their vehicles. Here’s what fleet operators can do to stay ahead:

• Make sure vehicles are spring-ready by checking tyres, brakes, wipers, lights, batteries, and replacing clogged pollen filters.

• Equip vehicles with seasonal essentials, including sunglasses to combat glare, phone chargers, water, and a basic first aid kit.

• Keep an eye on weather and traffic reports for sudden downpours, roadworks, and busy holiday routes can cause delays or hazards.

• Remind drivers to stay alert for changing road conditions, especially with more vulnerable road users like cyclists and bikers back out in force.

• Ensure lights are used in low visibility and heavy rain, and that all vehicle tech is functioning properly to support safe driving.

For more practical guidance to help reduce road risk across your fleet this spring, visit Driving for Better Business.