Colorado winters are hard on work vehicles. A truck that will not start at 6:00 AM, a van with a failing heater or a pickup on worn tires during the first snow costs a business far more than an inspection would have. Under the Bus Auto winterizes business fleets on site in Canon City and across Fremont County, ideally in October and November before the coldest weather arrives.
What Fleet Winterization Includes
Batteries and Charging
Cold weather reduces battery capacity at the same time an engine needs more power to start. We load test each battery, clean and tighten terminals, and check alternator output. Batteries that test weak in the fall are the ones that fail in January.
Antifreeze and Cooling System
We test coolant freeze protection, inspect radiator and heater hoses, check belts and look for leaks. Coolant that is diluted or old can freeze or fail to protect the engine.
Heater, Defroster and Visibility
Drivers need clear windows to operate safely. We confirm the heater and defroster work, replace worn wiper blades, and fill washer reservoirs with fluid rated for freezing temperatures. We also check headlights, taillights and marker lights, since winter days are short.
Tires
We check tread depth and pressure, and look for damage and uneven wear. Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, so pressures set in summer are often low by winter.
Brakes
Slick roads leave no margin for weak brakes. Winterization includes a brake inspection. See fleet brake service.
Oil and Fluids
We confirm each engine has the correct oil grade for cold starts and check the other fluids. A fall fleet oil change is a convenient time to complete winterization.
Diesel-Specific Checks
Diesel trucks need extra attention in winter. We check block heaters and cords, glow plug and intake heater systems, fuel filters and water separators, and discuss winter fuel treatment to reduce the risk of fuel gelling. See diesel and work truck maintenance.
A Winter Kit for Every Vehicle
We also recommend each fleet vehicle carry an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables or a jump pack, a flashlight, gloves, a blanket, and traction aids such as sand or traction mats. Vehicles that travel over passes or into the high country should also carry chains or another traction device appropriate for the vehicle when conditions call for it.
Schedule Before the First Cold Snap
Fleet winterization is most effective when it is done before temperatures drop. We can service the whole fleet in one visit or spread vehicles over several visits so your operation keeps running.
For personal vehicles, see winter vehicle maintenance.
Return to fleet maintenance services or see our other fleet services: preventive maintenance, fleet oil changes, fleet brake service, fleet winterization, diesel and work truck maintenance and trailer repair.
Schedule Fleet Winterization in Canon City
Call (719) 964-0522 or send us a message to book service. We work Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Tell us the year, make and model, what the vehicle is doing, and where it is parked, and we will confirm what we can handle on site.