Whether you operate a fleet or are a one-man professional driver driving your pride and joy, keeping your fleet in good working order is the most important thing you can do. It ensures smooth business operations and of course that all-important profit. So to help you keep your fleet in top working condition here are some top tips to ensure your fleet is maintained and running smoothly on the road.
Photo credit; Marcin Jozwiak from Poland
Check your oil levels
The oil in your fleet is the bloodline that keeps it operating smoothly. The role of oil can be greatly underestimated as many do not fully understand exactly what oil does. The oil has multiple functions. The main purpose is to lubricate components within the truck. Without the oil, the components would cause friction resulting in excess heat meaning your truck is liable to overheating. Bring with it potentially very damaging and financially painful consequences. The oil also helps to transfer heat from moving parts to safer areas, protects against erosion, and helps to remove contaminants that could damage the engine.
Ensure you replace components regularly
Certain components of your fleet can get worn down very quickly, especially if it is on the road a lot. Tires and brake pads are a great example of this. Ensuring the sound working order of these essential components is not only required to keep your fleet on the road but is paramount for road safety also. You might think replacing parts on a regular basis will become a costly affair, but it doesn’t have to be. Shopping around for parts or using services such as car wreckers can provide the same high-quality components for a fraction of the cost. Should you notice even minor signs of wear and tear then take the cautious approach, err on the side of caution and replace the parts before more extensive damage can occur.
Check your lights
The exterior lights are especially vital when driving at night. If they are not working properly drivers will not be able to see clearly in front of them or where they are going. This causes an obvious hazard and road safety concern for the driver and other road users. Not to mention will be in contravention of road laws. Ensure the safety of your fleet and its operators by ensuring all lights, both internally and externally are in good working order.
Undertake a professional service, regularly
Undergoing regular service is an incredibly effective way to optimize the condition of your truck. That said, to ensure your fleet is in the best hands possible insist that the service is carried out by an experienced maintenance specialist. A mechanic who does not specialize in the same automobiles as your fleet, for example, is unlikely to possess the same level of expertise and they may not be sufficiently qualified to perform the required tasks, resulting in your fleet undergoing a substandard service. All vehicles will develop problems over time so to ensure they are adequately repaired and potentially avoided in the first place ensure your service and maintenance work is carried out by the right team.
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