Fleet Managers: Why Winter Servicing Proves Wise

The colder, darker months put extra strain on all of us in one way or another and it places added pressure on fleet vehicles.  Companies will be expected to make deliveries and undertake other journeys with minimal delays.

Postponing a vehicle’s scheduled service is never a wise move, especially during autumn and winter, so taking advantage of a garage’s free winter health check is prudent.

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicles.  Ensuring the correct levels are present and that its condition looks good are the primary building blocks of a thorough fleet service in readiness for the winter, along with replacing the oil filter if necessary.

The levels of anti-freeze and windscreen wash also need checking and topping up if necessary.  This ensures that your vehicles’ radiators will function as they should and that your drivers stand a better chance of keeping their windscreens clean at a time when roads are quite dirty.

As Fleet Managers, you are often responsible for arranging new windscreen wipers.  However, your drivers can help keep their windscreens safe and wipers as smear-free as possible by using a clean cloth from time to time.

Tyres are another important part of your vehicles.  If one or more tyres do not meet the recommended winter tread levels, they should be replaced.

Pressures should also be maintained in accord with the vehicles’ handbooks.  Your drivers can play their part by inflating tyres when necessary and taking care not to kerb wheels or damage tyre sidewalls.

Battery condition and voltage need to be monitored approaching and during winter months as cold weather puts pressure especially on modern vehicles that are full of electrical systems. Batteries tend to last between three and five years and should really be replaced once they exceed this. If any of your vehicles have trouble starting, your drivers should be informing you.

Lights matter in the darker months more than ever.  All front, rear and side lights should be clean, bright and in good working order.  Bulbs are cheap to replace and a simple step like this can save lives.

Cambelts and accessories belts will also be checked during a service and the garage will advise you if one or both need changing. It’s a worthy investment to save a potentially much higher repair bill arising – which applies to routine servicing in general.

There will be added pressure on you, during the autumn and winter months, to keep your fleet on the road.  Educating your drivers to assist in small ways and to promptly report any symptoms their vehicles may be exhibiting can help to ease that burden.

To find out about AYCEN’s Fleet Maintenance Benefits, call us on 0161 223 5335