Regular Maintenance: The Backbone of Great Fleet Management
There's a lot to keep track of when you work in fleet management - but few things are as important as vehicle maintenance. For your fleet to function and deliver consistent value, the vehicles must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired whenever there are signs of trouble.
Prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to maintenance. Small, cheap repairs and replacements will save a lot of money in the long run by preventing big, expensive breakdowns. Your drivers will also appreciate being sent out in safe, well-maintained vehicles.
So, when you're maintaining your fleet vehicles, focus on these key elements:
Tire Condition
Tires on vehicles should be inspected regularly for any signs of physical damage, cracks, bubbles in the sidewall, or embedded objects. Also, check the treads regularly, and be ready to install new tires if the old ones are looking bare - especially if your drivers are going to be on slick roads. Finally, make sure the tires' pressure is always up to the manufacturer's spec, to minimize the chances of damage on the road.
Fluids
Have a full list of every fluid the truck needs, along with the recommended fluid levels. They should be checked and refilled,if needed, before every run; to be sure the vehicle is in top condition.
Electrical System & Lights
There should be regular checks of the vehicle's battery, to ensure it's still holding proper charge. This should be combined with a quick two-person check of the lighting system and signals. Be sure to swap out any dead lights before leaving the bay, or it could be an excuse for police to pull the vehicle over.
Brake System
Take any reports of flaky brakes very seriously and follow up on any driver complaints. This includes slow stopping, along with issues like squealing or scraping sounds when braking. Of course, brake fluid should be included whenever you check the fluids.
Windshield Wipers
Are the wipers still capable of properly cleaning the windshield? Swap them out once they get start smearing, rather than wiping. Also, keep the season in mind: make sure to use anti-freeze wiper fluid in the winter.
Safety Equipment
Around once a month, there should be a thorough examination of all the safety equipment in the vehicle: seatbelts, airbags, driver assistance systems, etc. Never let any of these systems fall out of repair, or else it could put your drivers in danger in case of an accident or near-miss.
Also, be sure they have a full emergency kit on hand, including tools, jumper cables, reflectors or flares, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and anything else a driver might reasonably need if they get in trouble on the road.
Mainline Keeps Your Fleet Running!
If the pressures of fleet management are piling up, Mainline RV & Truck Service can take away the burden! Our contract maintenance packages cover all necessary maintenance on your vehicles. We even handle vehicle pickup and delivery.
Contact us to learn more about our maintenance programs.
