Description: Do you have a company fleet? Here are ways to keep the company vehicles in top shape.
How can business owners and managers keep company vehicles in excellent condition? The good news is that you need not be a licensed automotive mechanic to do so. It takes a few simple techniques to get the most out of a business fleet, whether it consists of one or one hundred vehicles.
For example, it’s crucial to follow manufacturers’ maintenance milestones to the letter. Additionally, for fleet operators, using the right programs and software can help keep essential equipment in the best condition. Something as simple as performing daily visual inspections of cars, trucks, and vans helps spot small problems before they become big ones.
Owners should institute a schedule that includes weekly washing and routine under-the-hood checks. Don’t forget to keep a detailed written record of anything drivers have to say about potential engine trouble or body damage. The following tips offer a starting point for every company that uses motorized transport on a regular basis.
Meet or Exceed Manufacturers’ Maintenance Schedules
Don’t be satisfied with meeting the minimum maintenance benchmarks in the manufacturer’s official manual. Many of those suggestions are based on average driving under ordinary conditions. Consider adapting your maintenance schedule to include more frequent check-ups, diagnostic testing, oil changes, and other routine services.
Use Fleet Management Programs
Preventing accidents is a central aspect of most fleet management systems and programs. For example, transport companies that use high-quality AI (artificial intelligence) dash-cams can collect worthwhile information and enhance the safety of drivers, vehicles, and cargo. That’s because dash cams that are equipped with AI technology can capture critical incidents in real-time and create an evidence file for future use. The best-case scenario is that an AI dash cam will actually alert the driver of an unsafe situation and thus prevent an accident or mishap.
Do Daily Visual Inspections
One of the easiest, no-cost ways to keep tabs on general body condition and spot small issues like nicks, paint damage, dings, cracked light covers, and excessive tire wear is to do a daily walk-around of every vehicle in the fleet. There are a few at home car repairs that can be done on the spot when quickly identified through these visual inspections. Pay special attention to windshields and other windows because you should patch small cracks as soon as you see them. Take close-up photos of everything you discover and store the pictures for future reference.
Wash Weekly
It seems almost too simple, but weekly washing is an excellent way to prevent corrosion, paint damage, and grease buildup on undercarriages. Opt for touchless, automatic wash services, and don’t neglect to clean the interior as well. If you want to add protective wax, only do so once per month. Regular cleaning helps paint jobs last longer and keeps tires free of embedded stones and debris.
Respond to Drivers’ Concerns
Drivers are in the best position to know whether a vehicle is performing as it should. Always note driver comments about performance or other issues. This is especially important for preventing engine breakdown which can be costly to say the least. If a driver notices a strange noise or sluggish engine pickup, look into the situation immediately. The good news is that most vehicle breakdowns can be prevented with proper maintenance.