Regular vehicle maintenance and vehicle inspections can prevent breakdowns

Every company should take road safety seriously and employ different methods to ensure that their drivers can reach their destination safely. Daily vehicle pre-use checks shouldn’t be performed just for compliance. They are an effective and simple way to detect potentially dangerous defects and issues before vehicles get on the road.

With a vehicle inspection checklist, you will have a system of routine daily inspections in place to make sure that your commercial vehicles are safe, in good working order, and fit for use at the beginning of each work shift. As for your company’s profitability, there are many ways in which adequate and regular checks can contribute to your bottom-line.

1. Spending less on gas. In case there are issues that increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption, your vehicle might be operating at a higher cost. Daily pre-use vehicle checks will help you identify those issues.

1. Keeping insurance costs low. Operating a faulty vehicle is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or fatality. Companies should use daily pre-use safety inspection to keep their drivers from operating faulty vehicles, lower workplace injury incident rate, and avoid higher premiums for workers’ compensation and health plans.

1. Extending the life of your vehicles. Vehicles that are regularly and adequately maintained and verified to be in optimal working condition last longer. Inspections reduce the costs of repairs and replacement, maximizing your vehicles’ value and extending their life.

1. Preventative maintenance. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of preventative maintenance. The first significant benefit of preventative maintenance is preventing small problems to grow into bigger (and costlier) ones. Otherwise, vehicles might get damaged to a point beyond repair. Giving your vehicles attention they need will also help decrease their downtime. Instead of having a vehicle sit in the garage, preventative maintenance will ensure that you maximize its service.

1. Limiting liability exposure. Safety laws and regulations require companies to inspect their vehicles before use. Regular inspections will keep the government from penalizing you, but even more important, you will have a document of a pre-use inspection in case of an accident. That document will limit your company’s liability exposure and protect it from non-compliance penalties and fines.

1. Improved customer satisfaction. Excellent customer experience is a huge plus to your company’s reputation. Knowing that your vehicles are in good working condition makes them reliable. There will be less breakdowns on the road, and your services will be delivered on time. That will positively affect the customer’s experience and satisfaction, helping you build a good reputation, which will bring in more customers. Also, showing people a flawless car with your company logo on the streets creates a positive impression of your company. It’s an offline marketing method that indirectly supports your revenue growth.

Takeaway

Safety, protection, and profitability result from diligent safety inspections. When your vehicles are checked every day before use, you will be sure that they are in compliance with regulations, that they will not break down on the road, and that they will keep your staff safe. To ensure a proper vehicle inspection, you can use The Checker inspection checklists or The Checker cloud-based inspection software.

Tags: why inspect?, safety management, inspection management, inspections and profitability, vehicle safety

Maintenance Before and During Driving

Before Driving
Before driving, make a habit of checking your vehicle for any changes in its condition.
Notice the tire inflation. Look for low inflation or flat tires. Do not change your tire if you are not experienced or comfortable with the procedure. Clean the windows and exterior lights if they are dirty. Check wipers, horn, lights, and gauges. If your wipers do not work or require replacement, do not drive in inclement weather until they are repaired.

After starting the engine, check:
Instruments - Ensure warning lights are off.
Fuel gauge - If it is less than half empty, plan to refuel soon.
Brake action - Push down on your brake pedal. If you feel no resistance, there is a breakdown of hydraulic pressure in the brake line. This indicates a possible brake failure. DO NOT attempt to drive. Obtain a professional towing service and have the system repaired
before driving.

If the engine does not start, or if it doesn't sound normal, obtain the services of a professional mechanic. DO NOT attempt to jump start your vehicle if you are not familiar with the procedure and have not read the owner's manual for the specific procedures required for your vehicle.

As you begin to drive, check:
Brake response - The pedal should stay 3"-4" from the floor and feel firm, not spongy.

While driving:
Check instrument panel - Note warning lights
Listen for unusual noises or irregular sounds
Note vibrations and unusual smells
These indications are warning you that your vehicle is experiencing possible system failure. Schedule maintenance and do not drive until the problem is fixed.

Review

All of the different systems in your vehicle require maintenance. Some maintenance or inspections are required frequently and other checks are based on miles driven.
Weekly - Check tire pressure and tread for wear or damages.
Monthly - Check lights, tires, and fluid levels.
Every six months - Check lamps, fluids, connections, belts, wipers.
Before driving - Check the instrument panel. Make a habit of checking your vehicle for any changes in its condition. As you approach the vehicle, look underneath and around it for any leaking fluids.
After starting the engine - Check instruments, gauges, and brake action. If the engine does not start, or if it doesn't sound normal, obtain the services of a professional mechanic.
While driving - Notice vibrations and listen for unusual noises or irregular sounds and smells.
Miles traveled = wear and tear on your vehicle, which requires maintenance.
Approximately every 3,000 - 5,000 miles - Change the oil and oil filter, rotate tires, and lubricate the chassis.
Approximately every 15,000 and 30,000 miles - Conduct maintenance as recommended in your owner's manual.
Use fuel with the octane rating recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Operating instructions are displayed on or near the pump. NEVER SMOKE around the fuel pump.
Select your mechanic before you experience vehicle failure. Ensure your repair facility has the manufacturer's approval to maintain your vehicle. Before you have work done on your vehicle, ask for a detailed estimate. Do not authorize any work to be done that you have not approved on the estimate. If parts are replaced, request the replaced parts be returned to you when you pick up your vehicle. Always keep copies of all service and maintenance records related to your vehicle.