Maintaining a fleet of vehicles is no easy task. You have to keep up with the regular maintenance, but you also have to make sure that your drivers are taking care of the vehicles properly. Your company vehicles are expensive equipment that you need to protect to avoid losses.
So here are a few tips to help you keep your fleet well-maintained and protect your investments in the long run.
1. Keep up with the regular maintenance.
Every vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. It’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance, especially in a business where you’re putting a lot of wear and tear on your cars. This includes tune-ups, tire rotations, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.
A mobile oil change service is also necessary to ensure your vehicles are getting their regular oil changes without taking them out of service. This can help you save time and money in the long run. You should also regularly check the fluids and brakes to avoid any issues.
Whenever you bring a vehicle to the shop for maintenance, ask for a detailed report of what was done and what needs to be done in the future. This will help you keep track of the maintenance schedule for each vehicle. Consult with your mechanic about what maintenance schedule is best for your cars.
2. Inspect your vehicles regularly.
In addition to regular maintenance, you should also inspect your vehicles regularly for any potential problems. This includes checking the tires, fluid levels, brakes, and engine for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, have it fixed as soon as possible.
You should also perform a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of each vehicle. Look for any signs of damage that could cause problems down the road. You may find minor issues that you can fix yourself, but it’s best to take the vehicle to a shop if you notice anything significant.
Always keep a record of the inspections and repairs you’ve done on each vehicle. This will come in handy if you ever need to file a claim or sell the car.
3. Train your drivers on proper vehicle care.
Your drivers are the ones who will be using the vehicles regularly, so it’s essential to train them on proper vehicle care. Teach them how to perform basic maintenance tasks and inspect the cars regularly. Show them what to look for when inspecting the vehicles and how to fix minor issues.
It’s also essential to train your drivers to operate the vehicles properly. They should know the weight and size limits of the cars and how to use them safely. This will help avoid any accidents or damage to the vehicles. Defensive driving courses are also a good idea to help your drivers stay safe on the road.
When hiring drivers, always do a background check to ensure they have a clean driving record. You don’t want to hire someone who has a history of accidents or tickets. You should also require your drivers to have insurance.
4. Invest in GPS tracking.
Any business that uses vehicles should invest in GPS tracking. This technology can help you keep track of your cars and ensure that they are correctly used. You can see where your vehicles are and receive alerts if they deviate from their routes.
GPS tracking can also help you monitor your driver’s behavior. You can see how fast they’re driving and when they make sudden stops. You can also track their routes to see if they’re taking the most efficient way. This information can help you improve your business and save money on fuel costs.
5. Use quality parts and products.
When performing maintenance on your vehicles, be sure to use quality parts and products. This includes oil, filters, brakes, and tires. Using cheap or counterfeit parts can cause more problems down the road and cost you more money in the long run.
It’s also essential to use the right products for each type of maintenance. Using the wrong oil or filter can damage your engine and void your warranty. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or mechanic to find the right products for your vehicles. Whenever possible, buy products in bulk to get a discount. This is especially true for oil and filters that you need to replace regularly.
Maintaining your fleet of vehicles is essential for protecting your investments. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your vehicles are well-maintained and safe to use. When you take care of your vehicles, they’ll be able to provide you with reliable service for many years to come.
