Implement these simple maintenance practices during the winter to help maximize your uptime

When temperatures drop, construction grinds to a halt — but winter weather doesn’t have to mean wasted time. January through March is the perfect window for fleet managers to make repairs, trade or buy equipment, take care of regular maintenance work and reevaluate the products they use. 
 
With proper preventative maintenance, equipment will be ready to go as soon as construction season starts back up in spring, meaning minimal in-season downtime for repairs and maintenance. Mobil Delvac™ lubricants experts know the best maintenance practices to prioritize during the off-season to help ease your transition once construction resumes.

1. Identify products that will take you through the next season

In the window after maintenance crews return from their winter hiatus but before construction begins, consider taking the time to identify the products that will help maximize your uptime when fleets are on the road. When you’re up against tight deadlines, every day on the job counts. You need high-quality, weather appropriate products that will help you avoid unplanned maintenance and dreaded downtime. 

In cooler climates, this often means switching to synthetic products with higher-quality base oils than conventional oils. These products are more chemically stable and less likely to oxidize and break down over time while maintaining an effective pour point and flow in cold weather – especially during start-up. When you’re over 320 kilometers from home base, a reduction in the number of oil changes needed in the field can be a lifesaver. Plus, higher quality products often allow for easier product consolidation, meaning you won’t have to track, handle and store excess inventory far from home.   

2. Consolidate your products where possible

Most construction fleets are hardly uniform, tending to include equipment from a variety of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This can mean an overcomplicated maintenance plan and a slew of products that perform the same job in different equipment.  
 
In the off-season, take the time to work with your lubricant supplier to audit your current products—keeping in mind OEM specifications to ensure your equipment stays in warranty—and determine where you may be able to share products between components and various equipment to simplify your maintenance program. When you do have to perform routine maintenance mid-season, you’ll thank yourself for simplifying the process and reducing the downtime.   
 
We know that consolidating products can be daunting, but our regional experts can apply their knowledge of equipment builders and understanding of your business, environment and needs to create a simpler system of products for your equipment — making things easier on the job with the latest Lubricant Technology.

3. Keep your fluids as clean as possible

Because of the dangers contaminants pose to equipment health, keeping fluids clean is critical to maximizing equipment life, minimizing downtime, and reducing maintenance costs — especially during the off-season, when equipment and lubricants are stored until weather conditions improve.   
 
In storage, lubricants are vulnerable — even a sealed container can be susceptible to ingress contamination of particles and water as air temperature around the container rises and falls. We recommend storing lubricants in sealed containers in a sheltered room or building, storing drums horizontally, and closing bungs properly after use.   
 
By working with your regional Mobil Delvac™ lubricants expert, not only will you get a customized recommendation for the right fluids, but they will also work with your local distributor to optimize your storage and deliver your products seamlessly. These measures help maximize the ability of the fluid to help protect equipment and extend the oil life, ultimately boosting your uptime and making your day that much easier.
 
Ready to get ahead? Our Mobil Delvac lubricants experts can help you pick out the right products, consolidate your products and manage storage and handling logistics to streamline your maintenance program.