When the dependability of your vehicles is an essential part of your business, you need to make sure that each one is safe and ready to drive at all times. Many sudden breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided with a regular service schedule and drivers that are trained to operate the vehicle properly and notice signs of malfunction.
If you plan for routine truck service, you can more easily manage your employees’ hours and jobs so you don’t miss out on work or need to turn down a job. Read on for more tips to manage your fleet effectively so your business runs smoothly.
Choose the Vehicle That Matches Your Needs
Regular use of any vehicle naturally leads to some level of wear and tear. If you try to use the wrong type of truck for the job, the vehicle will experience more stress put upon it, which can lead to it breaking down or needing replacing sooner. Heavy-duty trucks are more rugged and can withstand heavier loads and usage.
Carefully consider the payload, crew capacity, and option to attach a trailer. Driving conditions should also be taken into account. The best truck to frequently travel on rural roads may be different than one that is meant for city driving or higher operating speeds.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Each truck in your fleet needs to have an inspection regularly. A yearly servicing is standard, but monthly checks are encouraged to be sure that all parts are still high quality and don’t pose a risk to vehicle damage or driver safety.
Heavy equipment maintenance should also involve cleaning and replacing filters to prevent dirt and residue from building up and clogging the parts of the engine. A quick check of tire pressure and fluid levels is always a good idea before any long trips. Keep a log of all service dates and details of the maintenance that was done so you know which truck is ready for a check.
Follow Original Equipment Recommendations
You will get the best results from your vehicles and replacement parts when you closely follow the OEM recommendations. The manufacturer may include specific guidelines on the optimal tire pressure for the particular brand, and the type of oil that is best for the vehicle.
These standardized guidelines are also important to make sure that you receive the consistent truck repair. Instead of each mechanic choosing to approach a problem differently, OEM recommendations ensure that a uniform approach is taken. These guidelines are meant to make maintenance easier by providing clear rules to follow while keeping to a high quality and safety standard.
Train Your Drivers
Your fleet of trucks should have appropriate and current registrations and comply with all government rules and regulations. While the condition of the trucks is vital, highly trained and knowledgeable drivers are also vital.
All truck drivers should be licensed and comply with all government and company standards. Some types of equipment and larger vehicles require more in-depth instruction to learn how to operate than regular cars. Each driver should complete a training program, knowledge check, and hands-on driving instruction to demonstrate their capabilities and fulfill legal requirements.
Hire a Truck Repair Service
The best way to have access to the consistent and quality service that you need for your vehicles is to hire a truck repair service. Using the same company allows you to develop a personal relationship with someone who understands your needs.
A mobile truck repair service is an excellent option since the team will come to you equipped with the necessary tools. This will save a lot of time and hassle by eliminating the need to schedule staff to take the vehicle in for servicing. If a truck breaks down on the road, the repair team can also meet them outside of your shop to access the problem and get you back up and running as soon as possible.
While you can’t rule out the occasional unexpected breakdown altogether, preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your truck fleet in good condition so you don’t have to deal with lost revenue, missed or delayed deliveries, and unhappy clients.
The right approach to maintaining your commercial trucks means that you can focus more on the day-to-day operations and growing your business instead of worrying over safety. All it takes is some forethought and attention to detail.
