Back To The Basics
I was explaining some of the simple facets of caring for a vehicle to my teenager and it occurred to me that sometimes we forget about some of the basics. In today's high-tech, data driven world, some simple things may be the easiest ways to improve our fleet (or personal vehicle) efficiency. The same advice my teenager was given can work as effective reminders for corporate drivers as well.
Tire pressure is at the top of my maintenance checklist. With a strong cold front arriving this week, I made sure we were properly inflated based on the manufacturers door tag. A rule of thumb is there is a loss of one pound of air pressure for each ten degree (F) drop in temps. Pressures will increase likewise when temps go back up.
Waiting for the TPMS sensor is not recommended. Proactive tire care will help your tires last longer and ensure good traction when you need it.
While checking the air pressure it is a good time to look at the tires themselves. Make sure the tread is wearing evenly, and keep track of when the last rotation was done.
Regularly rotating will help ensure the tires last
to their full potential and can also contribute to better fuel economy when combined with proper inflation. If at all possible I recommend fleets offer access to a free tire gauge and compressor for drivers so this is as convenient as possible.
If you don't have a pre-trip inspection for the light duty vehicles in your fleet it is something that should be implemented. The simple reminders and accountability that it provides makes keeping up to date with preventive maintenance much easier. Including simple checks of lighting and safety items can have a huge impact on overall safety culture and often results in a reduced cost of insurance.
Oil. Other than looking at the sticker on the windshield for the next oil change date, how often do you look at the oil level in your vehicle? An occasional glance can help stay ahead of issues, particularly in areas where there are extreme temperature variances or unusual duty cycles.
In modern cars we tend to think nothing goes wrong, but a simple look can keep you from ending up alongside the road with a problem.
Likewise, when you are under the hood, take a look at the battery terminals. Are they clean and securely fastened? A poor connection can prove to be a major problem when temperatures drop, or when the battery starts to age. Keeping the receipt for your personal vehicle purchases like battery and tires can also prove helpful later on if you want to claim a warranty credit.
While some of us may take these simple maintenance items for granted, we more than likely have drivers in vehicles at work or at home that are not as familiar with some of these routine checks. Be proactive, help your family or your staff help themselves - and you. Preparing ahead is much easier than responding to a broken down vehicle at the most inopportune time.
Finally, one of my personal pet peeves; windshield wiper blades and clear windows. Making a quick visual inspection of the windshield wipers before heading out on the road is one of the simplest safety practices you can make, along with clearing the windows before you pull out of a parking spot. There is never such a need to hurry that it warrants driving with obscured vision. Clear the windows, or wait for the vehicles defrosters to clear them of all precipitation or frost before you put the car in gear.
What do you do to stay safe on the road? Is a proactive preventive maintenance plan and inspection program part of your regular routine? What does it include? Starting a new year is a great time to review and update these plans.
Waiting for the TPMS sensor is not recommended. Proactive tire care will help your tires last longer and ensure good traction when you need it.
While checking the air pressure it is a good time to look at the tires themselves. Make sure the tread is wearing evenly, and keep track of when the last rotation was done.Regularly rotating will help ensure the tires last
to their full potential and can also contribute to better fuel economy when combined with proper inflation. If at all possible I recommend fleets offer access to a free tire gauge and compressor for drivers so this is as convenient as possible.
If you don't have a pre-trip inspection for the light duty vehicles in your fleet it is something that should be implemented. The simple reminders and accountability that it provides makes keeping up to date with preventive maintenance much easier. Including simple checks of lighting and safety items can have a huge impact on overall safety culture and often results in a reduced cost of insurance.
Oil. Other than looking at the sticker on the windshield for the next oil change date, how often do you look at the oil level in your vehicle? An occasional glance can help stay ahead of issues, particularly in areas where there are extreme temperature variances or unusual duty cycles.In modern cars we tend to think nothing goes wrong, but a simple look can keep you from ending up alongside the road with a problem.
Likewise, when you are under the hood, take a look at the battery terminals. Are they clean and securely fastened? A poor connection can prove to be a major problem when temperatures drop, or when the battery starts to age. Keeping the receipt for your personal vehicle purchases like battery and tires can also prove helpful later on if you want to claim a warranty credit.While some of us may take these simple maintenance items for granted, we more than likely have drivers in vehicles at work or at home that are not as familiar with some of these routine checks. Be proactive, help your family or your staff help themselves - and you. Preparing ahead is much easier than responding to a broken down vehicle at the most inopportune time.
What do you do to stay safe on the road? Is a proactive preventive maintenance plan and inspection program part of your regular routine? What does it include? Starting a new year is a great time to review and update these plans.
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