When a company vehicle is in good condition, the driver and the vehicle are safe. It also enhances the productivity of the drive thereby increasing sales and meeting the company goals. Whether your company has one or more than 10 vehicles, you need to keep them in tip-top condition. Here are some ways to keep these vehicles performing optimally:
Use Fleet Management Software
If you have a large fleet, you need a dedicated fleet manager. The manager will be in charge of all vehicles, and they will ensure that every vehicle in the fleet is accounted for. In instances where there is no manager, anyone can track the vehicle, and when issues arise, no one may know how to handle them. The manager will be in charge of the fleet management software. Here, they will track and record the most important information, such as the date of the last maintenance routine, costs of ownership, and others.
Fleet management software helps you keep track of the vehicles in a fleet. It can help you save fuel by choosing the shortest routes for drivers and picking routes with the least traffic congestion. The software can also help track the condition of the vehicle and schedule routine maintenance. This will help you save costs on repairs that could have been avoided. By detecting faults in vehicles, you avoid accidents that may put the driver and the vehicle at risk.
Prioritize Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance should be the top priority for every company vehicle. Maintenance lessens the chances of your vehicle failing thereby reducing fleet downtime. During maintenance, the mechanic will perform simple tasks, such as oil changes, tire rotation, replacing brake pads, cleaning or replacing filters, and topping up fluids.
When you observe a vehicle maintenance routine, you prolong the life of a vehicle, enhance the performance of the vehicle, and increase its resale value. You will also save on gas, avoid troubles that may arise on the road, and generally have peace of mind. If you use fleet management software, it will alert you when the vehicle needs maintenance.
Monitor the Cost of Ownership
A company vehicle needs to give a return on investment. If your vehicle does not give you the profit margin you expect, then you need to re-evaluate the cost of ownership. The maintenance costs of aging vehicles can be high beyond the profit you are getting. Check the warranty coverage from the manufacturer and how it affects the profit you are getting from the vehicle. For old vehicles whose cost of ownership is more than the value the vehicle provides, you may need to sell them and get newer models.
Vehicles have residue value. As a manager, you need to understand the residue value of the vehicle and observe brand trends so that you can choose the best time to sell a vehicle for the best returns.
Create a Company Policy and have Trained Drivers
A company policy ensures that every driver takes good care of their vehicle. The fleet manager will keep track of the vehicles and their maintenance routines and ensure that every driver follows the set policies.
For instance, a company can set a policy to replace vehicles after every four years or after 100,000 miles. Such a policy ensures that the vehicles in the fleet are always in good shape. They should also set policies on the amount of load that a vehicle should carry. All drivers should be well trained with refresher courses offered to keep them aware of the trends and needs of different vehicles.
Dedicated Professionals for Large Fleets
Companies with large fleets can employ their own mechanic and detailing experts and buy equipment such as a pressure washer foam gun, other cleaning supplies, and mechanic toolset for the professionals. A dedicated mechanic will understand the needs of every vehicle in the fleet and attend to it when it needs regular cleaning maintenance or repairs.
If you only have one or two vehicles, you do not need a company mechanic or detailer, but you should stick to one mechanic. Doing that allows the mechanic to spend more time with the vehicle and understand its special needs.
As long as you have a dedicated fleet manager, you have fleet management software, and you do not skimp on maintenance, your company vehicles will be in good shape at all times.
Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. She is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around a campfire surrounded by friends, family, and her Dachshund named Rufus.
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