There is always resistance to change, some companies say they don't have time to adapt to a new fleet management system and some say it is difficult to bring change management due to low acceptance whilst they continue to face higher unnecessary expense and waste more time with its shortcomings.
Here are 4 reasons why vehicle maintenance is important for heavy trucks.
Vehicle maintenance can be of 2 types : Scheduled and unscheduled.
Scheduled are the ones which are planned and undergone to prevent major repair, unexpected downtime and more expensive issues.
Unscheduled ones are the repairs which are usually detected after a major break down and are not planned or expected which will lead to significant down time and high repair expenses thereby affecting business leading to frustration, loss of money and time. Which is why a robust fleet or vehicle maintenance software is required to manage your vehicle's maintenance dues and respective finances. It helps in real time alerts and manages all future and historical data of fleet part changes and vehicle service dues.
Check List for Vehicle Maintenance based on time line :
Monthly
Tire Pressure - It is always good to check the tire pressure and adjust the same depending on highway usage or city usage and also on whether the climate is hot or cold.
Tires - Look for things like uneven tread wear, thin spots or bulges and do something about them, quickly. Here is a list which will help you maintain your tires better.
Belts - Every car has belts that should be checked on a regular basis, to check for fraying and breakage.
Hoses - Sometimes hoses will burst, become brittle or rot, so check them on a monthly basis.
Antifreeze - Also called coolant, check the level and add to it if it's low.
Air Filter - Check this and if needed, replace.
Every Three Months
Oil Changes - Without regular oil changes, the car engine can be negatively affected in many ways, so do this every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Batteries - Check and clean the terminals and cables if they are corroded.
Brake Fluid - Brakes do have a fluid level, so check it, and add to it if necessary.
Steering Fluid - Again, a simple, easy thing to do; add to it if it's low.
Transmission Fluid - To make sure your transmission doesn't break down or there is a situation where you might have to overhaul the entire transmission with replacement of clutch plates, it is important to have a healthy transmission fluid to prevent any breakdown..
Windshield Washer Fluid - Windshield fluid with a soapy texture is ideal because we generally use the windshield fluid when the windshield is dirty , any small dust particle can scratch the glass, soapy texture can prevent the same to an extent.
Learn more about 5 basic fleet management problems and challenges.
Every Six Months
Brakes - Note if they are starting to slip, or show any signs being worn down.
Brake Lights - Ensure that these can be seen at any time of day, by anyone.
Exhaust - Look for visible holes, cracks, or parts that are not tight.
Headlights - Double-check that the brightness, both standard and bright levels, are actually correct.
Horn - Does it work correctly, or does it need some help?
Shock Absorber - Determine whether there are any leaks, visible damage, or if they are too loose.
Spare Tire - You may run into a flat tire anytime that to in a remote area, so it is always important to keep a spare tire in good condition and make sure it is not inflated.
Turn Signals - Ensure that the lights work on the inside, and the outside of the vehicle.
Wiper Blades - These do wear out, tear apart, and even rot, so replace them regularly
Yearly
Tuneup - Once in a year it is necessary for the car or truck to undergo fine tuning and checking of brakes, engine oil and shock absorbers.
Seasonally Check the AC in the spring, and the heat in the fall.
Alignment / Rotation Have your tires rotated and the steering aligned yearly.
Every Five Years
Battery Consider replacing the battery, if it hasn't already been done.
Electrical - Keeping spare bulbs and fuses are very important and replacing the faulty ones periodically.
Air conditioning - Air- Conditioner coils need to be checked for leaks and also complete vacuum of compressor and inlets are good for free flow of freon gas.
Radiators - Radiator is very important in making sure the temperature of the car fluids are under the operational temperature.
Learn more about the different ways of optimizing your fleet life cycle.
Consider Using a Fleet Management Software
Fleet maintenance software helps in keeping record of all maintenance dates and occurred expenses and also helps to plan your maintenance budget effectively. Timely alerts on the platform or email reminds fleet managers of scheduled part replacements and service visits apart from all the other benefits of using a fleet management software.
Contact us to implement a fleet management software in less than 24 hours, our software supports more than 750+ vehicle tracking devices.