Preventive maintenance is more than a buzzword. It’s a way to make sure your commercial vehicles last as long as possible and are safe and reliable. Even so, many vehicle owners forget important parts of this practise, even though they know how important it is. Today, we’ll walk you through 10 of the most common preventive maintenance mistakes so that your fleet can run better, mile after mile.
Forgetting About Fluid Checks
Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant—these are the lifeblood of your vehicle. If you don’t check and refill these important fluids, your vehicle might not run well. It might break down or even do serious damage to its engine.
Not Rotating the Tires
Tires wear out, depending on their position. If you don’t move them, they can wear out faster, which can affect how the vehicle handles and how safe it is. Make it a point to rotate tires at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
Ignoring Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Vehicle manufacturers spend considerable resources on research and development. So, their preventive maintenance plans aren’t only a list, it is your bible. This will help you keep your vehicles in good shape for a long time. Overlooking these guidelines invites trouble.
Overlooking Brake Maintenance
Brakes are paramount for safety. If you don’t check the brake pads or change the brake fluid, your vehicle might not stop as well. This can turn out to be dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.
Bypassing Air Filter Replacements
Air filters keep contaminants out of the engine. If your filter gets jammed, your engine has to work harder, which can make your vehicle use more gas and run less well.
Disregarding Visual and Sound Signals
Often, our vehicles “talk” to us. The squeaky sound, the vibration, and the warning light are not random things that happen. They are signs that the vehicles are not working well. Ignoring them can turn minor issues into significant problems.
Skipping Wheel Alignments
If your vehicle is pulling to one side, it’s more than an inconvenience. It means the wheels aren’t lined up right. This can make the tyres wear out faster and even affect how well the vehicle uses gas.
Not Checking Belts and Hoses
Worn-out belts and hoses can lead to engine overheating or malfunction. It’s essential to inspect them for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks.
Overlooking the Electrical System
Battery terminals corrode, fuses blow, and connections become loose over time. If you don’t take care of your vehicle’s electricity system, you might get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Missing Out on Professional Inspections
While DIY preventive maintenance is commendable, periodic checks by professionals are irreplaceable. They can identify potential problems that might be invisible to the untrained eye.
To sum up, preventive maintenance is a long-term commitment to the health of your commercial vehicle. By avoiding these common preventive maintenance mistakes, you’re extending the life of your vehicle. Also, it makes sure it runs well and keeps you safe on the road. Remember, when it comes to maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
To avoid these mistakes, you can use dedicated fleet management software. It helps you track and set reminders so that you never skip your maintenance. With integrated options, maintenance automation, and a wide range of features for commercial vehicles, Transportsimple is one of the prime choice for customers in the transport industry.
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