Maintaining your company vehicles is an important part of running a successful business. However, staying on top of the necessary maintenance tasks and keeping the vehicles in good condition can be difficult. To make it easier to manage your vehicle upkeep, here are seven to help you maintain a regular maintenance schedule and ensure your vehicles are always ready for service.
1. Complete Your Daily or Weekly Inspections and Maintenance
The first step to maintaining your company vehicles is ensuring that all daily or weekly inspections and maintenance tasks are done as needed. This includes checking fluid levels such as oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, inspecting tires for wear and proper inflation, testing lights, wipers, and brakes, and cleaning and lubricating parts. Performing these tasks regularly will help you detect problems early, so they can be addressed before they become major issues.
2. Use a Tracking Software
Using tracking software is an effective way to keep track of all the necessary maintenance tasks for your company vehicles. This will allow you to easily view when maintenance is due or overdue and quickly schedule any needed repairs.
It also makes it easy to ensure that all your employees follow the same schedule and procedures for keeping the vehicles in good condition. When choosing a tracking software, make sure it is user-friendly and allows you to set up custom maintenance schedules for each vehicle.
3. Utilize Preventative Measures
Preventative measures can go a long way towards keeping your company vehicles in top shape and reducing costly repairs down the line. Oil changes should happen every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (or as specified by the manufacturer); rotating tires every 7,500 miles and checking brakes regularly are all important preventative steps.
4. Document Everything
Keeping detailed records of all maintenance tasks and repairs is a great way to ensure that your vehicles are properly cared for. By documenting all work done on the vehicles, you can easily track when maintenance is due in the future. It also helps to ensure that any warranties or service agreements are kept up to date.
5. Utilize a Checklist
Using a checklist makes it easier to track what needs to be done each time your company vehicle goes in for service or repair. This will keep you organized and ensure nothing is overlooked during inspections or maintenance.
6. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Sticking to a regular schedule for vehicle maintenance is essential for ensuring that any necessary repairs or inspections are done on time. This will help reduce the chance of running into major issues down the line and make it easier to budget for routine upkeep.
7. Don’t Neglect Minor Repairs
It’s important not to neglect minor repairs, as they can easily become more costly if left unchecked. For example, if you notice a small leak in one of your vehicles, have it inspected and repaired immediately before it becomes more serious.
By following these seven tips, you can ensure that your company vehicles are always well-maintained and running at their best. Regular inspections, preventative measures, and detailed documentation will help you keep up with the necessary upkeep and ensure your vehicles are always ready for service. If any major issues arise, contact a qualified automotive technician.