Your fleet of vehicles moves your business forward so it’s crucial to treat it accordingly. In this blog post, we outline four basic tips to ensure that your fleet vehicles are always in top shape and ready to take your business where you need it to be.
1. Make a Smart Purchase
There are many pitfalls to avoid as you try to find the vehicle that works for you. Trying to cut corners is an obvious mistake that can lead to higher expenses down the road. However, purchasing vehicles with specs that exceed your needs can be equally damaging to your bottom line. Here are some questions to help you make an informed purchase decision:
- What do you need the vehicle to do, exactly?
- Is the vehicle fuel-efficient?
- Are replacement parts easily available?
- What is the Total Cost of Ownership (CTO)?
2. Establish Preventative Policies (and Stick to Them)
Create clear management and maintenance policies for your fleet. Remember that policies mean little if they are not enforced, so determine how you are going to ensure and monitor compliance.
Implement rules that make sense and are easy to understand. Consider installing monitoring devices on your vehicles—they make it easier to manage your fleet and your drivers by providing accurate data that can help you with everything from reducing fuel consumption to improving driving behavior and route optimization.
3. Educate Your Drivers
At the end of the day, your drivers are the ones behind the wheel. Educating them on best practices benefits your company and ultimately boosts your bottom line. For example, safe driving courses contribute to avoiding accidents and help you save on repairs. Also, taking the time to explain to your drivers the capabilities of the vehicles they use will make their lives easier and your business more effective.
4. Be Diligent With Maintenance
The final piece of the fleet puzzle is diligent maintenance. Here, being proactive instead of reactive is key. Waiting until a vehicle breaks down to make repairs is inefficient and leaves your business at the mercy of chance. Instead, take the proactive approach: get on the driver’s seat of your fleet by scheduling regular maintenance. This way, your vehicles will be out of circulation only a predetermined times and you will avoid the major costs that come with inefficient (or inexistent) maintenance.
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint: Fleet Maintenance Services in Southern California
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc. is a family-owned business that specializes in collision repair and custom paint.
We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California. Call us (951-465-7350), contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.