25 Jun How heat affects the performance of urban industrial vehicles
How heat affects the performance of urban industrial vehicles
With the arrival of summer, high temperatures not only affect people, but also the performance and reliability of industrial vehicles operating in urban environments on a daily basis. In cities where mobility is constant – especially in sectors such as logistics, technical maintenance and transport – high temperatures represent a major technical and operational challenge.
At Consman, we know that a failure in the middle of the summer campaign can lead to significant financial losses. That’s why we explain how heat affects urban industrial vehicles and what measures can be taken to minimise risks and extend the service life of each unit.
Most common heat-related problems in industrial vehicles
1. Engine overheating
Intense heat increases the coolant temperature and reduces the ability of the cooling system to keep the engine stable. This can lead to:
- Increased engine wear
- Loss of power
- Risk of serious breakdown if not detected in time.
Recommendation: Check the cooling system, inspect the condition of the coolant and test the operation of the fan.
2. Increased pressure on batteries and electrical systems
High temperatures accelerate the evaporation of electrolytes in batteries, which reduces their performance and lifetime. In addition, heat can adversely affect:
- Electronic control units (ECU)
- Climate control system components
- Cabling and connectors.
Recommendation: Regularly inspect electrical connections and replace batteries with signs of fatigue.
3. Risk of failure in air-conditioning systems
In summer, air conditioning systems work at maximum load, especially on urban roads with dense traffic, where the vehicle spends more time at a standstill.
Poor air conditioning affects not only comfort, but also driver performance and safety.
Recommendation: seasonal check of the HVAC system (gas pressure, filters, compressor) and performance test under real-life conditions.
4. Tyre pressure and accelerated tyre wear
Extreme heat increases internal tyre pressure and accelerates tyre wear, especially in urban delivery vehicles or vehicles with frequent variable loads. The risks are:
- Reduced grip
- Increased likelihood of blowout
- Uneven wear.
Recommendation: Check the tyre pressure when cold, check the tread and have the axle regularly aligned in specialised workshops.
5. Driver fatigue and mechanical stress combined
Heat does not only affect the machine: it also affects the driver. Overheating causes:
- Fatigue more quickly
- Reduced concentration
- Errors in driving or in assessing the condition of the vehicle.
Combined with heat-stressed components, the risk of an incident or breakdown is multiplied.
Recommendation: ensure proper ventilation in the cab, regular breaks, and vehicles in perfect technical condition.
How to deal with mechanical problems due to heat?
At Consman, we recommend our customers in the industrial and urban mobility sector to reinforce preventive maintenance during the summer months.
This includes:
- Specific pre-summer checks
- Protocols adapted to urban use
- Specialised technical assistance
- Control of critical points according to fleet type.
Extreme heat is a real risk factor for the operability of industrial vehicles. Acting in advance and relying on technical maintenance professionals like Consman is the best way to avoid unforeseen costs, increase safety and improve the efficiency of the entire fleet.
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