Preventative Maintenance: Key to Avoiding Winter Breakdowns for Trailers

As winter approaches, cold weather brings unique challenges to fleets, trailers, and refrigerated operations. Freezing temperatures, icy roads, and increased demand on trailer systems can put even the most reliable equipment to the test. That’s why preventative maintenance for trailers is essential to keeping your rental or leased trailer fleet running smoothly throughout the season.

Why Winter Breakdowns Happen in Trailer Fleets

Cold weather can affect trailers in several ways:

• Refrigeration strain: Refrigerated trailers work harder to maintain optimal temperatures, especially when ambient temperatures fluctuate.
• Mechanical stress: Low temperatures can thicken fluids, reduce battery performance, and make trailer components more prone to wear.
• Safety concerns: Worn tires, weak brakes, and compromised door seals increase the risk of accidents on icy or snowy roads.

A single winter breakdown in a lease or rental trailer can lead to lost product, delayed deliveries, and expensive repair costs – impacting your bottom line.

How Preventative Trailer Maintenance Helps

Preventative maintenance for trailers means inspecting, servicing, and replacing key components before problems occur. This reduces unexpected downtime and keeps your fleet running efficiently.

Key winter maintenance steps for trailers include:

• Inspecting refrigeration systems: Ensure compressors, defrost cycles, and temperature sensors are functioning properly to keep refrigerated loads safe.
• Checking door seals and insulation: Proper sealing prevents air loss and protects temperature-sensitive shipments.
• Testing batteries and fuel systems: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency and affect fuel performance in trailers with power systems.
• Examining tires and brakes: Ensure traction and stopping power for safe winter operations.

Why Trailer Leasing and Rental Customers Benefit from Preventative Maintenance

Whether you lease or rent your trailers, preventative maintenance is critical for keeping your fleet operational through winter. At TEN, we provide full-service trailer leasing and rental solutions with comprehensive maintenance programs designed to minimize downtime, protect your cargo, and maximize fleet efficiency.

By proactively maintaining your trailers, you reduce costly winter breakdowns, protect your shipments, and ensure your operations stay on schedule – even in the coldest months.

Winter may be inevitable, but trailer breakdowns don’t have to be. Plan ahead, maintain proactively, and keep your leased and rental trailers moving with confidence.