Company vehicles are just another tool to facilitate business, but if they break down or have faulty parts, they have the potential to cause serious harm. The potential danger of failure is why a proper company vehicle maintenance policy is necessary and why it demands strict adherence. Know how to keep your drivers safe while on the job and your vehicles in top condition.
Preventative Measures
The first step is to take preventative measures to ensure that your vehicles are in the best condition possible. These measures include basic car maintenance such as inspections to see if there are any faulty parts, oil changes, and a general tune-up.
Tire Maintenance
Tires present problems of their own and neglecting them can prove to be dangerous. Check for leaks in air pressure, making sure the treads are not too worn down and that the sidewall is still in good condition. Make use of local tire centers when the need for replacements arrives.
Keep Records of Maintenance History
Having a definitive record of when and what vehicles had maintenance performed will help keep them in better condition for a longer period. Without this kind of record-keeping, it’s all too easy to lose track of vehicles that have been serviced, increasing the chance of them failing while on the road.
Keep Track of Problem Vehicles
This will also aid in identifying vehicles that pose a constant problem. If a specific vehicle is always having issues, then that could mean it needs a more thorough inspection and more in-depth maintenance. Problem vehicles may even cost more money in the long-term due to maintenance fees, in which case it may be cheaper to replace them.
Don’t Wait To Repair Vehicles
Never wait for a problem to become serious. Eliminating the threat as soon as it shows up reduces the possibility of more serious repairs due to neglect. Paying for the cheaper repair when it shows up is better than paying for a more expensive repair in the future.
Driver Training
Make sure that your drivers know the responsibility of properly handling and maintaining company vehicles. It’s up to the individual drivers to report any issues regarding a vehicle’s handling and condition.
User Error
Improper use of company vehicles will result in them deteriorating faster. Making sure your employees know how to operate the vehicle they are assigned is paramount in not only the longevity of the vehicle, but important for the company’s brand. If a driver is erratic while on the road, then that will reflect poorly on the company.
Regular and Routine Maintenance
Regular upkeep is the only way to ensure that vehicles are safe for drivers and to diagnose problems when they appear. Neglect could cost your company expensive repairs and potentially result in lawsuits.