A well-functioning fleet is essential for maintaining efficient business operations, especially for businesses that rely on their vehicles to make deliveries or provide mobile services. When a fleet is running smoothly, it can save the company time and money. However, managing a fleet can be a challenging and time-consuming task.
If you’re responsible for maintaining a company fleet, here are some simple tips to help you keep things running smoothly.
1. Stay on top of preventative maintenance.
Make sure to keep up with regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. These simple measures can help prevent more significant issues and keep your vehicles running at peak performance. Many companies outsource preventative maintenance to a professional fleet management company, but it’s also possible to handle these tasks in-house.
If you choose to outsource fleet maintenance, be sure to work with a reputable company with experience servicing the type of vehicles in your fleet. You want to be confident that your fleet is in good hands and that the company you’re working with will keep your cars running smoothly.
But if you decide to handle maintenance in-house, ensure you have a system to track when each vehicle is due for service. This will help you stay organized and prevent costly repairs down the road.
2. Keep accurate records.
Maintaining accurate records is crucial for keeping track of your fleet and ensuring that all vehicles are up-to-date on their maintenance. Keep a log of all the work done on each vehicle, including when each service was performed and what type of work was done. This information will be essential if you ever need to file a warranty claim or get repairs done.
Additionally, you should keep track of each vehicle’s mileage. This information can be helpful when it’s time to sell or trade in a vehicle. Knowing how much each car has been driven gives you a better idea of its value. To track mileage, you can either use a GPS tracking system or simply have each driver log their mileage at the end of each day.
3. Invest in your parking lot.
You can only keep your fleet running smoothly if your vehicles have a safe and accessible parking place. The condition of your parking lot can have a significant impact on the life of your fleet.
If you have an asphalt parking lot, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance, like asphalt seal coating, to protect the material from weather damage and wear and tear. Neglecting your parking lot can lead to cracks and potholes, damaging your vehicles.
If you have a concrete parking lot, it’s essential to ensure it’s level and free of cracks. Uneven concrete can damage your vehicle’s suspension, and large cracks can cause tires to pop. You should also regularly power wash your concrete parking lot to remove dirt, debris, and oil stains.
4. Store vehicles correctly.
Vehicle damage doesn’t only occur while driving; it can also happen when they’re stored. If you have a facility where you park your fleet overnight or during off-hours, it’s essential to take steps to protect your vehicles. They can include investing in security features like gates and cameras or simply ensuring the area is well-lit.
For example, if you have vehicles with exposed paint jobs, you should cover them with car covers to protect them from the elements. You should also avoid parking vehicles too close to each other to prevent scratches and dents. If you have larger vehicles, like buses or RVs, you should park them on a concrete pad to prevent them from sinking into the asphalt.
5. Monitor your drivers.
Your drivers play a significant role in keeping your fleet running smoothly. They’re the ones who are behind the wheel, so it’s essential to make sure they’re driving safely and taking good care of your vehicles.
One way to do this is to install GPS tracking devices in your vehicles. This way, you can monitor their speed and routes and ensure they stay on schedule. You can also use GPS tracking to detect reckless driving habits, like hard braking or sharp turns.
If you don’t want to install GPS tracking devices, you can also ask your drivers for regular updates on their location and progress. This way, you can ensure they’re staying on track and not taking unnecessary detours.
Following these simple tips can help keep your fleet running smoothly. Regular maintenance, accurate records, and safe storage prevent vehicle damage. Additionally, monitoring your drivers can help you avoid accidents and keep your fleet on schedule. Implementing these tips will help you save money in the long run and keep your vehicles in good condition.
