If you run a business, you need a reliable fleet to keep your inventory current and your customers happy. Aging or troublesome vehicles, however, can disrupt your supply chain and throw your business off balance. That’s why ongoing maintenance and a clear game plan are key to keeping your business operational. Keep reading to learn how to take care of your commercial fleet!
Get Your Fleet a Routine Inspection
When you’re in charge of a commercial fleet, be sure to have a routine inspection penciled into your budget. When you do engine inspections, brake inspections, and other basic repairs, you can keep your fleet on the roads longer.
Check fluid levels to ensure there’s enough engine coolant or windshield wiper fluid. Rotate and align tires to keep vehicles from drifting or pulling to one side. And change the oil!
Getting a routine inspection may need to be a monthly occurrence, depending on how many miles your fleet travels. Find a body repair shop that can help you stay on top of routine and urgent needs. For instance, if several vehicles need engine work the day before a big delivery, you want a shop that will set aside the hours to service your fleet.
Account for Commercial Fleet Wear and Tear
Your budget also should be flexible to accommodate occasional repairs. For instance, you may need to replace lights. Failure to do this could lead to electrical issues down the road.
Account for weather-related wear and tear, too. Driving over potholes during cold weather can damage tires or your suspension system more quickly. If your fleet travels through colder climates, you may need to invest in snow tires, too.
Offer Driver Training
On top of standard driver training, ask your drivers to submit daily or weekly reports to your fleet tracking system. This can include assessing the status of tires and brakes. Drivers should be checking and adjusting tire pressure prior to any long trips.
Your drivers should track mileage, too, to help track efficiency. A vehicle that sees decreased efficiency will become a cost burden. But this problem could be due to tire pressure or air filters, and it could be fixable.
Drivers also should know how to do an oil change or note any unusual noises or changes to the driving experience. Further, you should offer ongoing training to keep drivers fresh.
And you’ll want to keep your eye on your drivers’ habits. Anyone who speeds too often may be reducing gas mileage efficiency and costing you more money. And, of course, they’ll be putting other drivers on the road at risk, which is a bad reflection on your company.
Keep Your Fleet in Good Shape
Managing a commercial fleet requires committing to a routine inspection and ensuring your fleet drivers are prepared, as well. Offer thorough training and give drivers responsibilities for basic maintenance work. And find an auto shop you trust to handle servicing needs for your fleet.
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