As your service business grows, you may also find yourself responsible for a growing fleet of vehicles.
To keep your vehicle fleet in top condition, it’s essential to perform regular inspections. A few simple steps are all it takes to ensure that your vehicles are running smoothly and safely — which also helps your business run smoothly and safely.
By taking these simple steps regularly, you can keep your vehicles running well for years to come.
Fleet Maintenance Checklist
- Tire pressure & tread
- Oil level check
- Wiper fluid check
- Brake fluid check
- Antifreeze level check
Read on for more detail on each item.
Tire pressure and tread check
Well-maintained tires are vital to keeping your vehicles running smoothly and safely. Luckily, checking tire pressure and tread is a quick and simple process.
All you need to do is check the air pressure in each tire using a tire gauge, making sure that it adheres to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Then, take note of any unusual wear patterns on the tread, such as bald spots or uneven wear.
By performing these two steps regularly, you can ensure that your tires are functioning optimally and help to prevent any serious problems down the road.
Engine oil level check
One of the most critical aspects of fleet maintenance is regularly checking the oil level of all your vehicles.
Oil acts as a lubricant that helps keep all the moving parts of your engine moving smoothly. When there is too little oil in your engine, it can cause severe damage and even lead to the complete failure of the entire system.
To check your oil level, park the vehicle on a relatively flat surface and open the hood. Slide your oil dipstick out of the engine and carefully wipe off any excess with a cloth or paper towel. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the opening and wait for a few seconds before gently removing it again. Check the indicator on the end of the dipstick to determine if you need to add more oil. If it shows that you are low, simply add more through an oil filler cap located near the base of your engine.
Wiper fluid level check
Windshield wipers are one of the most essential aspects of driving, helping your staff to see clearly in difficult weather conditions. Unfortunately, if the fluid level is too low, your employees may not be able to see properly, making it difficult or even impossible to drive safely.
To avoid this problem, fleet maintenance experts recommend regularly checking the wiper fluid level and refilling as needed.
Brake fluid level check
When it comes to fleet maintenance, it is important to keep on top of all the different components and systems in your vehicles. One crucial issue that you should monitor carefully is the brake fluid level.
Here’s how to check the brake fluid in your vehicles:
- Find the reservoir: The brake master cylinder reservoir is typically located on or near the firewall at the rear of the engine compartment, almost directly in front of where the brake pedal is mounted. If you’re having trouble finding it, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for help.
- Check the fluid level.
- Newer vehicles have a translucent reservoir with a line that says “full.” If your car has this type of reservoir, you can visually check the fluid level without opening the tank.
- Vehicles older than the 1980s may have a metal reservoir with a spring-loaded top. Wipe the top clean to keep debris out of your fluid, then pry the clamp to one side to open it. You should be able to see a “full” line inside the reservoir.
- If your brake fluid is low, add more until it reaches the “full” line.
- If your vehicle has a dual-compartment brake fluid reservoir, make sure both are filled up to the “full” line.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling brake fluid. Be careful not to spill any fluid onto your paint or get it into your eyes.
Antifreeze level check
Antifreeze acts as a protective barrier between the delicate inner workings of a vehicle and the harsh conditions outside. Without proper antifreeze levels, your fleet’s engines can be easily damaged by heat and cold, resulting in costly repairs.
First, let the engine cool down before beginning this process – if you don’t, the pressurized liquid can spray out dangerously.
Next, locate the coolant reservoir under the hood by either the front or side of the engine; it is usually transparent with a line labeled “cold” at the bottom and one near the top reading “hot.” Remove its cap and check to see if levels have dipped below the “cold” line; if so, add more coolant.
Low coolant is often due to a leak. Be sure to check your vehicles’ hoses, gaskets, and seals if you find low coolant levels.
ServiceWorks software helps you manage your fleet with route optimization and scheduling, along with features like online scheduling and payment processing. Try our software for free today and see how we can help streamline your business operations.
