From Summer Lull to Reliable Ramp-Up: How Preventative Maintenance Keeps Alberta Fleets Moving
As the slower summer season winds down, fleets across Nisku, South Edmonton, and beyond are preparing for one of the busiest stretches of the year. For oil & gas service crews, construction companies, and municipal departments, the shift from lighter summer workloads to high-demand fall and winter operations can put immense strain on vehicles and equipment. The secret to keeping productivity high and downtime low? A solid preventative maintenance (PM) plan.
Planned Maintenance Pays Off
A 2025 industry case study from fleet technology provider Samsara shows just how powerful a preventative approach can be. In their profile of Sterling Crane Canada, the company reported increasing planned maintenance from 20% to 80% in a single year. That shift led to a 14% improvement in uptime and over $4.4 million in maintenance and repair cost savings across roadable and off-road units.
While Sterling Crane operates at a national scale, the lesson applies locally—planned maintenance reduces breakdowns, saves money, and keeps fleets on schedule. (Read the full case study on the Samsara Canada Blog).
Low-Tech Preventative Steps That Work
Even without high-tech telematics, local fleet managers can dramatically reduce downtime by making simple, consistent checks part of their routine:
Seasonal inspections – Check brakes, tires, lights, wipers, and heating systems before the first frost
Fluid checks – Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and hydraulic oil should be topped up and tested for proper viscosity in colder weather.
Battery health – Cold weather is hard on batteries; test charge capacity and replace weak units before winter
Tire management – Rotate tires, check pressure regularly, and switch to winter or all-weather tires early.
Driver walk-arounds – Train operators to spot early signs of wear—fluid leaks, unusual noises, or visible damage.
Why Municipal and Service Fleets Benefit
Municipal snowplows, waste collection trucks, and emergency service vehicles face intense workloads in the colder months. A missed maintenance step could delay critical services and cost communities valuable time. For these fleets, preventative checks mean fewer breakdowns in the middle of a snowstorm or emergency route.
Winter-Prep Essentials
Inspect block heaters and install where needed.
Swap to winter-grade lubricants.
Carry emergency kits in all vehicles.
Schedule repairs before peak winter demand to avoid shop backlogs.
Whether you manage a crane fleet or a handful of municipal trucks, preventative maintenance is your first line of defence against costly downtime. Book your seasonal inspection now to ensure your fleet is ready for the months ahead.