🕒 Updated November 2, 2025
When the temperature drops, your forklifts don’t just face tougher working conditions—your entire operation does. Cold weather impacts battery performance, tire grip, fuel storage, and even operator safety. The warehouses that thrive in winter aren’t the ones that react when problems show up; they’re the ones that prepare in advance.
Here’s how to get your fleet winter-ready and avoid costly downtime when the snow starts to fall.
1. Battery Care in Cold Conditions
Batteries are particularly sensitive to the cold. A lead-acid battery that performs reliably in summer may lose up to 30% of its efficiency once temperatures dip.
Smart prep includes:
- Performing a full inspection and cleaning before the season.
- Topping up electrolyte levels and ensuring proper charging routines.
- Checking charger health—cold batteries demand longer charge cycles.
- Storing units indoors whenever possible to prevent deep discharges.
👉 See our guide on Lead-Acid Battery Care for a deeper dive.
2. Tire Swaps for Better Traction
Slippery floors, icy dock plates, and outdoor yards make tire choice critical. Worn or summer-grade tires can turn a forklift into a hazard.
Best practices include:
- Inspecting tread depth before winter starts.
- Swapping cushion tires for pneumatic or solid pneumatic if outdoor use is common.
- Keeping spare sets on hand so downtime doesn’t drag out.
- Monitoring air pressure closely, since cold weather causes fluctuations.
3. Safe Propane Storage & Handling
For propane-powered forklifts, cold weather creates new challenges. Tanks stored outdoors are prone to pressure drops, which can cause inconsistent performance.
Prevent issues by:
- Storing propane cylinders in a well-ventilated, covered area away from snow and ice.
- Rotating tanks regularly to prevent uneven pressure.
- Training operators on cold-weather cylinder changes, including checking for frost buildup.
- Scheduling deliveries earlier in the season to avoid mid-winter supply shortages.
4. Cold-Weather Service & Inspections
Preventive service before winter is non-negotiable. Small issues magnify quickly in freezing conditions, where fluids thicken and moving parts face extra stress.
Key prep steps include:
- Switching to winter-grade fluids where applicable.
- Testing block heaters and glow plugs on diesel units.
- Inspecting hydraulic hoses and seals for brittleness.
- Scheduling CSA/MOL-compliant inspections to ensure everything meets safety standards.
👉 Read more in our MOL Inspection Prep Guide.
Final Word: Plan Ahead, Stay Ahead
Smart warehouses don’t wait until the first snowstorm to think about fleet reliability. By preparing your batteries, swapping tires, handling propane correctly, and staying on top of service, you’ll minimize downtime and keep productivity steady all winter long.
At Premier Lift, we’re here to help you build a proactive plan that keeps your fleet compliant, safe, and running strong—no matter the season.
👉 Reach out to our team today.
👉 Find out why lack of maintenance is the biggest threat to safety in your warehouse.