EN 
ZH It's okay to ignore the horrible noise your car makes once in a while, right? wrong. During the colder months, it's crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. On a rainy and snowy 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 could put you at risk. Interestingly, one of the most frequently asked questions when purchasing a vehicle is how much it will cost to maintain. It's no wonder that vehicle owners have never-ending discussions about improving fuel mileage and reducing maintenance costs. So we've put together some tips that can help you get more from your fleet and improve your productivity.
Monitor fuel and oil consumption
Avoid excessive idling
Taking good care of your tires will help you go further.
Sudden acceleration, while fun, can cause harm to your vehicle in the long run.
Vehicle trouble is a silent alarm and should be addressed as early as possible.
An inspection report is essential so that the vehicle can be properly assessed and problems nipped in the bud before they lead to failure.
Pre- and post-trip inspections can help identify any performance issues early on.
Fuel additives can damage the engine by jeopardizing the life of the system.
Reduce costs through efficient route planning and load optimization.
Increase responsibility by understanding the transport chain.
Be prepared for emergencies so that delivery schedules can be adjusted accordingly.
Educate and train drivers on driving habits and emergency handling.
In addition to these issues, you can also look after the overall health of your fleet by keeping the following points in mind.
The most important thing on the road all year round is that your brake system is in good working order. Any neglect of the brakes is dangerous. My dad once told me that brakes are the easiest to maintain; if there's a problem, they talk to you. Therefore, any squeaking, grinding, or pressure differences when braking need to be checked. Modern braking systems are complex and easy to maintain, equipped with electronic sensors and interconnected safety features. That's why it's important to have your vehicle's brakes serviced by a manufacturer-trained service technician.
One item that is often overlooked is windshield wipers and wiper fluid. These items should be inspected and replaced/replenished as needed to help your windshield avoid cracks and chips.
A good battery can make a big difference in your vehicle. Since your battery works 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's always a good idea to perform regular inspections 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 promptly when they occur. Does the company have a system in place that can help communicate these issues to the appropriate 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 of a hassle. However, in the long run it will be cheaper than having your vehicle break down which threatens the safety of your fleet.
A strong vehicle maintenance plan will look like a miracle after 5 years and will pay for itself. Getting repairs done early is crucial, and Cartrack can help you avoid trouble with alerts about upcoming vehicle maintenance. Cartrack's fleet management software will help you track everything from idling time, mileage, fuel and oil consumption, and give you timely reminders of upcoming maintenance.
