A fleet of vehicles is a necessary part of many businesses, but the cost of maintaining that fleet can be significant. Here are some tips on how to reduce the cost of maintaining a business fleet.
Review Your Maintenance Policies
The first step in reducing the cost of maintaining your business fleet is to review your maintenance schedule. You may be surprised to find that you are performing some maintenance tasks more often than necessary. For example, most vehicles only need an oil change every 5,000 miles or so, but many fleets have a maintenance schedule that calls for an oil change every 3,000 miles. Reviewing your maintenance schedule and making changes accordingly can save you significant money over time.
If you have a mechanically inclined staff member or two, you may want to consider having them perform some basic maintenance tasks on your fleet vehicles. This can save you money on labor costs and may even allow you to extend the intervals between major service appointments. Just be sure that anyone who works on your fleet vehicles is properly trained and has the necessary tools and equipment. With these in place, your vehicles will last longer, and you can save money in the long run.
Troubleshoot Common Vehicle Problems Yourself
A fleet of vehicles is a necessary investment for many businesses. But with this investment comes the responsibility of keeping these vehicles running smoothly. That’s why it’s important to have a basic understanding of vehicle troubleshooting. By knowing how to identify and fix common problems, you can keep your business’s fleet on the road and avoid costly repairs.
There are a few common problems that can afflict any vehicle, regardless of make or model. Learning to troubleshoot these problems can save your business time and money.
Flat Tires
One common problem is a flat tire. If you find yourself with a flat, the first step is to locate the spare tire. Once you’ve found it, you’ll need to jack up the car so that you can remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this, as jacking up a car incorrectly can cause serious damage or injury.
Engine Won’t Start
Another common problem is an engine that won’t start. If your engine won’t turn over, the first thing you should do is check if you have fuel. If you do, next, check the battery terminals to make sure they’re clean and free of corrosion. If they look good, then the next step is to check the spark plugs. If they’re fouled or damaged, they may need to be replaced. Again, consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for help with this.
Other things that may prevent your engine from starting may include problems with wiring and your starter. In this case, you’ll need more help from a mechanic.
Overheating
If your car gets too hot, don’t pop off your lid like your radiator cap soon will— there are still things you can do to bring it back to normal. First, pull over or coast to the side of the road, and make sure the engine is turned off. If it’s already off, push the vehicle. Turning the engine off will help prevent further damage and allow the car to cool down. Once it’s cooled down, check the radiator cap to make sure it’s on tight and hasn’t been damaged. If it has, replace it with a new one. Next, check the hoses that attach to the radiator. Make sure they’re not cracked or leaking, and if they are, replace them immediately. If there is any sign of fluid leakage under the car, have it towed to a mechanic for repair. Finally, check the level of coolant in the radiator and add more if necessary. Be sure not to overfill it, as this can also cause problems.
By familiarizing yourself with basic vehicle troubleshooting, you can save your business time and money. By knowing how to identify and fix common problems, you can keep your business’s fleet on the road and avoid costly repairs. So next time one of your vehicles has a problem, don’t panic—just troubleshoot!
Improve Fuel Efficiency
One of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency for a business’s fleet of vehicles is to keep them properly maintained. This includes making sure the tires are properly inflated, the engine oil is at the correct level, and all the fluids are topped off. You should also have your vehicles serviced regularly by a professional mechanic.
You can also add additives to the fuel. Adding fuel additives to your car’s fuel tank can provide a number of benefits, including increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved engine performance, and reduced engine wear and tear. There are also additives for eliminating or treating water in gasoline or diesel, which can damage your vehicles’ engines.
Another way to improve fuel efficiency is to choose the right vehicle for the job. If you only need a vehicle for short trips, consider choosing one that gets good gas mileage, like a hybrid or electric car. If you need a vehicle that can carry heavy loads, consider choosing a truck or van instead of a smaller car.
Finally, make sure your drivers drive efficiently. Avoid speeding and braking harshly, and try to maintain a consistent speed. Also, avoid carrying unnecessary cargo or driving in bad weather. All of these things can reduce fuel efficiency.
Canvass for Parts and Service
Another way to reduce the cost of maintaining your business fleet is to shop around for parts and services. There is a lot of competition in the automotive industry, so you should be able to find good deals on parts and services if you take the time to compare prices. You can also save money by using aftermarket parts rather than OEM parts when possible. Aftermarket parts are often just as good as OEM parts but much less expensive.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a fleet of vehicles can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. One way is to familiarize yourself with basic vehicle troubleshooting so that you can identify and fix common problems yourself. You can also improve fuel efficiency by keeping your vehicles properly maintained and choosing the right vehicle for the job. Finally, make sure your drivers drive efficiently. All of these things will help reduce the cost of maintaining your business’s fleet of vehicles.