Winterizing Your Fleet: 10 Things to Do Before Storing Equipment

When the busy season winds down and colder weather sets in, your equipment deserves a little extra attention before going into storage. Preparing machines properly not only helps protect your investment, but also ensures a smoother start-up when Spring arrives. Here are ten important steps to take before putting your equipment away for the winter.

1. Clean Your Equipment

Dirt, mud, and debris left on equipment can trap moisture and accelerate rust. Make sure to give your machines a thorough wash and dry to help protect metal surfaces and moving parts from corrosion.

2. Inspect for Damage

Small cracks, leaks, or worn parts can turn into costly problems if ignored. Take this time to walk around your machine, check hoses, fittings, and welds, and address any repairs now rather than later.

3. Change Fluids

Old oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid can break down or collect contaminants over time. Fresh fluids reduce the risk of corrosion, freezing, or sludge buildup while your equipment sits idle.

4. Drain Fuel or Add Stabilizer

Fuel left sitting for months can go stale and clog your system. Either drain the tank completely or add a quality fuel stabilizer to prevent breakdown and ensure easy starting come spring.

5. Grease All Moving Parts

Lubricating joints, bearings, and pivot points creates a protective barrier against rust and keeps parts moving freely once you’re back in action.

6. Check Battery Health

Batteries are especially vulnerable in cold weather. Disconnect and remove them, or connect to a trickle charger to prevent discharge and extend lifespan.

7. Protect Tires

Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and, if storing for a long time, block equipment to keep weight off the tires and avoid flat spots.

8. Cover & Seal

A weatherproof cover shields equipment from snow, ice, and moisture. Sealing off entry points also discourages rodents from making a home inside your machine.

9. Update Maintenance Logs

Record the service steps you’ve taken so you or your team knows exactly what was done when it’s time to bring the machine back into service.

10. Store in the Right Location

If possible, keep equipment indoors. If outdoor storage is the only option, place machines on blocks, cover securely, and keep them away from standing water.

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Keep Your Equipment Spring Ready

Taking the time to prepare your equipment for winter storage pays off with fewer repairs, longer lifespan, and less downtime when work picks back up. But just as important as the physical steps is keeping your maintenance history organized and easy to access.

That’s where eBS Next comes in. With built-in preventative maintenance scheduling, digital service logs, and equipment history tracking, eBS helps dealerships and equipment businesses stay on top of every machine in their fleet. No more lost paperwork or forgotten service dates, everything you need is in one place, accessible anytime.

Ready to simplify your operations and keep your customers’ equipment running smoothly all year long? Discover how eBS can help your business stay connected and prepared. Schedule a demo today.