It's okay to ignore the dreaded noise the car makes occasionally, right? Wrong. During the colder months, it is critical to keep vehicles running smoothly and efficiently. On a rainy December night, the last thing you want is to get stranded on the side of the road in a storm. Vehicle maintenance should be taken seriously, otherwise it may put you at risk. Interestingly, one of the most frequently asked questions when buying a vehicle is its maintenance costs. No wonder vehicle owners are never-ending discussions about improving fuel mileage and reducing maintenance costs. That's why we've put together some tips that can help you get more out of your fleet and improve your productivity.
Monitor fuel and oil consumption
Avoid excessive idling
Take care of your tires carefully, which will help you go further.
Sudden acceleration, while fun, can take a toll on your vehicle in the long run.
Vehicle breakdowns are silent alarms that should be dealt with as early as possible.
It is essential to have an inspection report so that the vehicle is properly assessed and strangled in the cradle before the problem causes a malfunction.
Pre- and post-row checks can help catch any performance issues early.
Fuel additives can damage the engine by jeopardizing the life of the system.
Reduce costs with efficient route planning and load optimization.
Increase accountability by understanding the transport chain.
Be prepared for contingencies so that you can adjust your delivery schedule accordingly.
Educate and train drivers in driving habits and emergency handling.
In addition to these issues, the overall health of the fleet can be taken care of by keeping the following points in mind.
The most important thing on the road all year round is that the braking system is in good working order. Any neglect of the brakes is dangerous. My father once told me that brakes are the easiest to maintain; If there is a problem, they will talk to you. Therefore, any squeaks, grinding sounds or pressure differences when braking need to be checked. Modern braking systems are sophisticated and easy to maintain, equipped with electronic sensors and interconnected safety functions. Therefore, it is important to have a manufacturer-trained service technician perform brake maintenance on your vehicle.
One item that is often overlooked is windshield wipers and wipers. These items should be inspected and replaced/replenished as needed to help your windshield avoid cracks and debris.
A good battery can make a big difference to your vehicle. Since your battery will work harder during the colder months, it needs extra care. The difference between a car starting immediately and a car starting on the side of the road is a dead battery. It is always a good idea to check regularly and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Visibility on the road is an absolute must, so headlights, taillights, fog lights, parking lights, and reversing lights are all important. Make sure they are all working properly and replace any damaged lights.
When these problems arise, management intervention is required. The key is to report problems as they occur. Does the company have a system in place to help communicate these issues to authorities in a timely manner to help prevent damage? Is it reliable? This is where fleet management software comes in.
Regular maintenance may sound time-consuming and a bit cumbersome. However, in the long run, it will be cheaper than a failure of your vehicle that threatens the safety of your fleet.
A strong vehicle maintenance program looks like a miracle after 5 years and will pay for itself. Getting repairs early is critical, and Cartrack can help you avoid trouble with upcoming vehicle maintenance alerts. Cartrack's fleet management software will help you keep track of everything from idle time, mileage, fuel and oil consumption, and keep you informed of upcoming maintenance.
