If you own a fleet of business vehicles, it is essential to keep them in the best condition to protect the safety of both vehicles and drivers. A well-maintained fleet is productive and protects sales, service goals, and delivery service. Keep your fleet in good condition to protect your business. 

Use preventative maintenance to keep costs low

A well-maintained fleet of business vehicles will lower the risk of unexpected repairs and downtime of the fleet. Preventative maintenance should include things like regular oil changes, an inspection of the tires and other vehicle safety checks. You can change the oil at set mileage intervals or use an oil life monitor. Make sure that you also keep up tire rotations and proper vehicle inspections of all kinds. 

Pay attention to the total cost of ownership

Make sure you keep an eye on vehicle maintenance costs so you will know if they begin to go up based on the age of your fleet. Properly check the manufacturer’s warranty coverage so you know how it will impact your total cost of ownership. Fleet management software can help you to keep an eye on these costs, and understand the right time to sell a vehicle to recoup the costs and protect your investment. 

Spec vehicles properly

It’s important to properly understand the demands of each vehicle in the fleet so you can make sure they’re correctly maintained. Outline vehicle usage accurately, as taking the time to correctly spec your vehicles should reduce the cost of running them. If you under-spec, based on usage and load, then this is likely to lead to maintenance issues down the road that could cause your budget to go up. If you are using a fleet that is over-spec, then this can increase the cost of running. Work with your fleet management company to make sure vehicles are to proper spec based on your fleet usage, what you will be carrying and operating conditions. 

Communicate company policy with drivers

It is your responsibility to make all your drivers are aware of any responsibilities they have and any company policies on vehicle usage. Your drivers should have a total understanding of your company schedules, maintenance policies and will need to know what they are expected to do if their vehicle needs repair or is involved in an accident. 

Check tire pressure frequently

It’s important to monitor tire pressure, but this is a task that is often forgotten. Tire pressure can change the way that a vehicle handles, and will also have an impact on tire wear and fuel mileage. All of these also contribute to the safety of both your driver and the vehicle. 

Develop a partnership with your fleet maintenance provider

If you run into problems with your fleet, you ought to work with your fleet management provider to solve the problem. If a vehicle is being repaired and a setback happens, make sure you notify your fleet maintenance provider. They can step in and handle the repair on your behalf.