Fleet Maintenance Checklist: Keeping Your Vehicles Running Efficiently in Summer

June 16, 2025

Summer heat isn’t just tough on people, it’s tough on fleet vehicles, too. At Action Supply, we understand how critical fleet reliability is to your operations. Whether you're hauling heavy loads, navigating tight job sites, or servicing offshore projects, extreme temperatures and humidity can take a serious toll on your equipment.



Now’s the time to make sure your vehicles are prepared to handle the demands of summer. Use this practical maintenance checklist to help avoid costly breakdowns and keep your fleet running smoothly all season long.


1. Check and Top Off All Fluids

Hot weather causes fluids to evaporate more quickly, which can lead to overheating or system failure.


Make sure to check:


  • Engine oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Coolant/antifreeze


Keep extra fluid on hand and make topping off a regular part of your fleet inspections.


2. Test the Battery

High heat can shorten a battery’s lifespan by evaporating internal fluids and increasing corrosion. Inspect terminals for buildup and ensure batteries are fully charged and securely mounted. If a battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before summer puts it to the test.


3. Inspect Belts and Hoses

Belts and hoses are especially vulnerable to cracking and failure in high temperatures. Look for:


  • Soft spots
  • Bulges
  • Fraying or cracking
  • Loose connections


At Action Supply, we stock a wide selection of industrial hoses and hydraulic fittings so your crew can get what they need without delay.


4. Ensure the Cooling System Is Working Properly

Your engine cooling system is the frontline defense against heat-related breakdowns. Inspect the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses for signs of wear. Make sure the coolant is clean, filled to the correct level, and mixed according to manufacturer specs.


5. Inspect Tire Condition and Pressure

Hot pavement can cause under inflated tires to flex more than usual, increasing the risk of blowouts. Check:


  • Tread depth
  • Tire pressure (often affected by heat)
  • Sidewall condition


Don't forget spare tires and trailer tires, too.


6. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Every fleet vehicle should carry a summer-ready emergency kit including:


  • Extra water
  • First-aid kit
  • Reflective triangles or flares
  • Jumper cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Portable fan or cooling towels


Need supplies? Action Supply offers PPE and safety gear designed for Texas heat and demanding environments.


7. Schedule Preventive Maintenance in Advance

Don’t wait until a problem arises. Schedule preventive inspections and servicing now to beat the summer rush. Routine checkups can catch small issues before they become major disruptions.


Keep Your Fleet Ready with Action Supply

Your team counts on dependable equipment, and you can count on us. From fleet maintenance products to hydraulic hoses, fittings, and job site essentials, Action Supply is here to support your operation every mile of the way.

Need a custom solution or in-stock parts fast? Call us today or visit ActionSupplyInc.com to connect with our knowledgeable team.


October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.