04/09/2017
It is of paramount importance that your vehicles are kept well maintained from grille to boot. Be sure to keep up-to-date with your checks and not let them slip.
On-going maintenance to reduce the likelihood of accidents
Fleet operators have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and well maintained. If critical components such as brakes and tyres are not kept in good repair then the results can be potentially devastating.
Tyre care
There’s a lot riding on them. So constantly check them for uneven wear, cracks in the sidewall, or other issues that may require rotation, alignment, or replacement.
Check all fluids
Oil, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Many newer cars have clear or opaque reservoirs for brake and power steering fluid, making it easy for you to check the fluid levels. So make sure you keep an eye on things regularly - once a month is advisable.
And keep things clean too. Dirty oil can affect how your engine performs and lead to premature wear.
Check your brakes
Worn brake pads and fluid leaks can result in catastrophic brake failure and a potentially deadly accident. Second only to worn tyres, defective brakes are the most common vehicle defect contributing to serious crashes.
So get them checked regularly and look out for any of the following warning signs:
- Having to press much harder than usual on the brake
- The vehicle taking longer than usual to stop
- The brake pedal sinking right down when you put your foot on it
- The brake pedal becoming very stiff and hard to push down
- The handbrake not releasing, or moving up and down much easier than usual
You can conduct your own brake test on a safe, empty, flat stretch of road, early in the journey, once a week and before long journeys. If you discover any problem, make sure you resolve it as soon as possible.
Check the electrics
A flat battery can leave your drivers stranded, and a faulty electrical system can also cause major problems. So keep an eye on your battery terminals for corrosion and look for any cracks in the wiring.
Inspect your car’s wiper blades
They do tend to wear out over time. So look out for cracks, stiffness or general wear and tear. Remember to keep your wiper fluid topped off with windshield washer fluid, designed to help remove bugs and eliminate streaking.
Air filter replacement
A dirty air filter results in poor engine performance and lower mpgs.
Spotlight on lights
Headlights, taillights, and signals are also critical to avoiding accidents. Burnt-out bulbs, misaligned headlights, and malfunctioning brake lights are a recipe for trouble. Do a walk-around of your vehicle at least once a month.
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