Purchasing fleet vehicles for your business is an important investment. Although they have a limited lifespan, you want to make sure that they last as long as they can. If you’re new to managing a commercial fleet, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can start by following these tips for managing a commercial vehicle fleet:
Tip #1: Create a Preventative Maintenance Schedule
The best way to extend the life of your fleet is by ensuring that they don’t need any major repairs. You can do this by doing regular preventative maintenance. Although it may be a challenge depending on the number of commercial vehicles you have, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Create a detailed schedule that outlines the dates and mileage markers when service is required for each vehicle.
Tip #2: Adjust Maintenance Schedules Based on Driving Conditions
Commercial trucks that are constantly towing or hauling a lot of weight will need to be serviced more frequently. The same thing applies to vehicles that are being driven in dusty, off-road settings. If your commercial vehicle fleet is being used to do things like this, set up regular maintenance services to ensure that they keep working properly.
Tip #3: Communicate Expectations
One of the biggest problems with commercial vehicle fleets is having drivers who don’t know anything about the vehicle. Recent studies have shown that, on average, 20 percent of your commercial vehicles will be down because of negligent maintenance or accidents. By clearly communicating expectations for the vehicles and teaching them how to drive the vehicles properly, you can protect your commercial vehicle fleet and keep them on the road longer.
Tip #4: Perform Pre and Post OP Inspections
Develop a system for drivers to perform a thorough inspection before and after their assigned jobs. An inspection ensures the safety of the vehicles and protects the driver and everyone else on the road. By not doing this pre-job inspection, you’ll risk mechanical problems, as well as risk endangering the company’s welfare. Starting a pre-job and post-job checklist is easy to do and will go a long way toward keeping your commercial vehicle fleet well-maintained.
A Trusted MD Commercial Vehicle Mechanic
You need a trustworthy Maryland mechanic to look after your commercial vehicle fleet. That’s where General Automotive comes in. We’ve been a trusted local mechanic since 1979. Give us a call now at (301) 926-4600, or click here to schedule an appointment.
