If you are in the shipping and transportation industry, having access to a reliable fleet of trucks and other vehicles is extremely important. When you have a quality fleet, it can ensure you can meet your shipping commitments, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime. A big part of caring for your fleet is maintaining it properly. For effective fleet service in Maryland, fleet owners should be aware of various common maintenance mistakes and learn how to avoid these issues.
Waiting too Long
One of the mistakes when it comes to their fleet is waiting too long to maintain the fleet. Similar to any other type of vehicle, commercial trucks need to be maintained regularly. Some common types of maintenance can include cleaning, oil changes, tire rotations, fluid flushes, and tune-ups. Each of these forms of maintenance needs to be completed routinely. If you wait too long, it can start to put too much strain on your vehicle. To avoid this mistake, you should ensure you know the prescribed schedule and follow it to the best of your ability.
Letting It Get Dirty
Another mistake that can be made when it comes to maintaining your fleet is not cleaning it. Most people do not think about how important it is that your truck remains properly cleaned, both inside and out and under the hood. If your trucks or fleet is not properly cleaned, it can lead to corrosion, damage to interior mechanicals, and make it a less enjoyable vehicle to operate. You can avoid this mistake by completing a deep cleaning and power washing service regularly, or as needed depending on weather and road conditions.
Ignoring Warning Signs
When you are operating a truck or any other type of commercial vehicle, there are bound to be warning signs that there is something wrong. This can include odd noises, weird smells, or warning lights on your dashboard. When you notice these signs, it is important to bring the vehicle in for service as soon as you can. This can help you avoid more serious repair needs and ensure the operator of the truck remains safe when behind the wheel.
Lack of Communication
A commercial fleet and trucks will be used and touched by many people. All people may have different obligations and tasks involved with the truck. This can include driving, loading, cleaning, and repairing the vehicle. If there is no proper communication, past repair and maintenance records could get lost. If this occurs, you may not know when repairs and maintenance are past due. This could lead to delayed maintenance, which can cause damage. Instead, you should ensure you have a clear communication plan and repair schedule for everyone to follow.
Not Planning for Maintenance and Repairs
While it is important that you are able to take care of your fleet when necessary, it is also important that you have a plan when last-minute maintenance or repairs are needed. If you do not have a backup plan for your fleet, you will either experience downtime or will use the fleet when you otherwise shouldn’t. This could then result in more damage and disruption to your shipping business.
Keeping your fleet in good condition is very important. While there is some maintenance that you may be able to handle on your own, there are other services that should be handled by a professional. When in need of fleet maintenance in Delaware, give us a call. We offer a wide range of fleet maintenance and repair services that can help ensure your fleet remains in good condition and is available for your use when you need it.
