Fleet management: How to keep your fleet in working order

An efficient and well-maintained fleet of vehicles is essential for any business that relies on transportation. Proper fleet management procedures can help maximise uptime and ensure your vehicles are running safely and cost-effectively. This article provides key tips on how to keep your fleet in working order.

Conduct regular maintenance and inspections

The cornerstone of good fleet management is adhering to a comprehensive preventative maintenance schedule. This involves regular inspections, fluid checks, tyre rotations, filter changes and monitoring of parts for wear and tear. Stick closely to manufacturer recommendations for maintenance intervals. Conduct thorough multi-point inspections on each vehicle at least annually. Check tyre pressure and tread depth monthly.

Promptly address any issues uncovered during inspections to avoid bigger problems down the road. For example, if a vehicle check reveals a stone chip in a windscreen, arrange to have it repaired or replaced immediately. Using a local company, such as a windscreen replacement London service, usually means a same-day service at your workplace. This ensures the minimum amount of downtime for any affected vehicles.

Keep detailed records

Meticulous record keeping is vital. Log all maintenance procedures, repairs, costs and compliance checks for each vehicle. Track mileage, fuel usage and maintenance histories. Detailed records make it easier to spot recurring issues and determine optimal replacement schedules. They also provide evidence of regulatory compliance. Maintain thorough documentation in a centralised system accessible by all authorised personnel.

Invest in driver training

Providing ongoing training to drivers improves safety and reduces misuse that leads to unnecessary repairs, such as worn tyres and brake pads caused by late braking and excessive speeds. Training should cover safe driving techniques, compliance with regulations, pre- and post-trip inspections, accident reporting, equipment use and proper maintenance. Many collisions involve inexperienced or improperly trained drivers. A robust training programme pays dividends through reduced at-fault accidents and lower insurance premiums.

Implement a telematics system

Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle location, usage, driver behaviour, maintenance needs and more. The insights they provide can significantly optimise fleet management. Fleet managers can pinpoint inefficient routes, detect unsafe driving manoeuvres like speeding or harsh braking, confirm compliant rest breaks and schedule proactive repairs based on diagnostic trouble codes. The end result is maximised efficiency and uptime.

Replace ageing vehicles

An ageing fleet leads to increasingly frequent breakdowns and rising maintenance costs. While it may seem thrifty to extend the lifespan of vehicles, the repairs, downtime and safety risks often make replacement the wiser choice. As a rule of thumb, vans and light commercial vehicles should be replaced around the 5-7 year mark. Rigorous cost-benefit analysis on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis can determine optimal replacement cycles.

Proper fleet management and maintenance procedures require an ongoing investment of time, effort and money. However, the sizeable long-term savings and optimised efficiency make it well worthwhile. By following these key tips, managers can keep their fleets in peak operating condition while avoiding unnecessary costs and downtime. A proactive maintenance programme is the foundation for a productive, safe and cost-effective fleet.

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