As we write this from Houston, Texas, it's pretty darn hot outside and hard to imagine that winter's just a few months away. Despite the heat, we think it's important to have a year-long plan for the maintenance and protection of your valuable equipment. So, we thought we'd offer you some suggestions to help you prepare your equipment for freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and some of the other challenges winter brings. Here are nine things you can do this year to avoid trouble when the coldest season arrives:

1. Top off fluid levels. Freezing temperatures can affect the fluid levels of your machinery, so it's best to make sure you aren't low on anything vital before winter.

2. Make any necessary repairs.  Inspect all of your equipment and machinery and make repairs before winter brings harsh weather that further affects the performance and compromises the safety of your crew.

3. Swap out weak batteries. Cold weather drains batteries faster. Check the charge of any and all batteries and change any batteries that are having trouble holding a charge.

4. Appropriately store any equipment you don't plan on using.  Avoid leaving it outside and exposed to the elements if you can, and opt for indoor storage if possible. This will help prevent unnecessary wear, rusting, and damage.

5. Change engine oil and filters. If your equipment runs on an engine, consider changing oil and oil filters at the start of winter. Your machinery has to work a bit harder when it's freezing outside, and freezing temperatures often drain oil prematurely. So, oil changes are a great idea. If you're going to be working in arctic temperatures, consider using artic oil instead of hydraulic oil in your equipment.

6. Plan on running your equipment periodically when you aren't using it. Running equipment every once in a while when you aren't using it can help prevent it from breaking down when you need it later in the winter.

7. Inflate tires. Tires can quickly deflate when temperatures dip. So, plan on inflating all of your tires at the beginning of the season, and plan on regularly checking their air levels throughout winter.

8. Clean windows and mirrors. Fog and ice will both cause problems in these areas during the winter. So, set them up for success by cleaning them at the beginning of winter, and plan on cleaning them periodically throughout.

9. Winterize your equipment's tires.  If you know you'll be driving equipment through snow and ice, consider getting some winter tires for equipment, if they're available. These can make a big difference.

As you make a plan for your equipment for winter, make sure you also keep these OSHA winter safety tips in mind. We also suggest that you stock up on things like snow shovels and sand that you'll need if your crews will be working in areas that are hit particularly hard by winter weather.