While running a service-based business that requires your employees to travel around town, or even across state lines, it’s essential to maintain your fleet of trucks. Whether your fleet is made up of vans, sedans, or pickup trucks, each vehicle requires special attention that should be factored into your business plan.
Properly maintaining your business’s fleet means you’ll save on business expenses when it comes to repairing any vehicle issues, you can factor in expenses to your yearly budget, plus you’ll know that your fleet lives up to the reputation of your business.
Below are some ways you can maintain your business’s fleets to ensure your drivers are safe and your business thrives.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
You may not want to pay the upfront costs of having regularly scheduled maintenance done to your business’s fleet, but it’s an investment that can save you a lot of money in the long run. With regular maintenance, you can catch seriously expensive problems before they rack up a huge bill.
It’s also a great way to prevent issues from arising that could put your vehicle out for a few weeks, costing your business even more money and headaches.
Pay Attention to the Tires
If you pay attention to anything on your fleet’s vehicles, it should be the tires. Having the correct tires, especially during the winter months, is essential for keeping fleet costs down and your drivers safe.
Routinely check your tire pressure and the treads. Make sure to also check the wheels for any damage. If a wheel must be replaced, many truck owners rely on the Enkei RPT1 because it’s lightweight and comes in different sizes.
Communicate with Your Drivers
Before you put a new employee or driver behind the wheel of your fleet, communicate your business’s policies with them. Make sure they understand the importance of driving safely, abiding by the speed limit, and what they should do in case of an accident or damage.
Keep the line of communication open between you and your drivers. Ask your drivers for a routine vehicle report. This should include any issues they may be having with the vehicle and what they think should be checked out. As someone who doesn’t sit in these vehicles for hours, you may never know if there’s an issue with one of them. Your drivers will know firsthand.
Keep Them Clean
It’s amazing what a little spring-cleaning can do for your fleet’s vehicles. Keeping your vehicles clean, inside and out, can make all the difference when it comes to practising good maintenance.
Cleaning the engine every so often will prevent rust, which can cause major issues for you if left untouched. Keeping the inside of the vehicle clean not only keeps away critters from burrowing where they aren’t supposed to, but it also makes a more comfortable environment for your driver.
Washing the outside of your vehicle is also necessary! You don’t want potential customers to see your vehicle on the highway with scratches, mud, and dirt. A clean and sparkling vehicle better represents your business and your brand, attracting new clients for you.
