It’s no secret that proactive fleet maintenance saves you money. A well-maintained truck consumes less diesel, breaks down less often, and contributes to reduced operating costs. Taking a proactive attitude also allows you to halt issues in their tracks before they become dangerous.
Of course, like with many things in business, saying it is easier than doing it. Effective action may not always follow good intentions. Human error, rapid, unplanned growth and inadequate driver training can wreak havoc on your fleet's overall health—and as your truck's condition deteriorates, so does your bottom line. So, what can you do to maintain your fleet in good working order?
1. Take care of your tires
The whole driving experience is heavily influenced by tire pressure, and impacts handling, fuel efficiency, and wear and tear in general. Keep in mind that tire wear will vary throughout different vehicles in your fleet. Weather, road conditions, and individual driving habits may influence how rapidly tires deteriorate. As a result, it's critical that your fleet inspector check pressure before and after each trip. Drivers must monitor it while on the road, particularly on longer trips.
2. Ensure that your trucks are suitable for their intended use
You wouldn't dig a home foundation with a toy shovel or create a sandcastle with an excavator. Similarly, every truck in your fleet should be well-equipped for the specific job in which it’s intended. Under-sizing might result in premature wear and tear, and you will incur unnecessary charges if you over-specify. Determine what your truck will be hauling and its operational circumstances before assigning routes.
3. Get driver reports regularly
Consider maintenance as a rotating task rather than a job with a predetermined schedule. With regular inspections, you should communicate with your drivers as frequently as possible. After all, they are the ones that spend the most time with your trucks. By using appropriate fleet management apps, drivers may do regular vehicle inspections digitally via an app that links directly to the office which to save extra administration and delay. This will assist your drivers in developing a set of best practices and establishing constructive working relationships with you and the maintenance team or contractor.
4. Create a role for a fleet inspector
The first step in keeping a healthy fleet is to have a well-defined inspection schedule. Oil changes, tire rotations, and engine maintenance must all be done regularly. Create an alert on your calendar or, better yet, via your fleet management system. If the expense or effort of keeping this plan is too much for you, consider hiring a professional, skilled vehicle maintenance company to do it for you. This gives you more time to concentrate on running your company.
Adhere to these tips and ensure proper maintenance of your fleet at all times.
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