Service Tips for Fleet Managers and Commercial Truckers
As a commercial truck driver, you understand how important regular maintenance is meant to preserve and protect your truck’s performance.
Now, imagine if you were a fleet manager. The service repairs on one large truck alone can cost thousands of dollars, and when you’re managing upwards of five, ten, or even fifty units, the service bill can end up looking pretty ugly.
Maintaining a regular maintenance schedule on your commercial truck, or fleet, almost guarantees that you’ll avoid costly repairs in the long run. Big trucks are an investment, for both your career and your company profile, and it’s important to care for these vehicles the best you can.
Regular maintenance is simple enough, but things can get complicated if you fall behind schedule. To make your journeys on the road easy and stress-free, we’ve created a handy reference guide for all of your truck’s maintenance needs.
Preventative Maintenance is Key
Recognizing a small problem before it becomes a major ordeal is one of the best ways to save your truck from costly repairs. All of your businesses’ operating costs, number of breakdowns, and overall trips to the service department all reflect how you, as an operator or independent owner, value your truck.
The starting point is to check out your owner’s manual and take a good look at suggested maintenance. Most manuals will outline when specific parts need replacing or testing. Do a complete shakedown on each vehicle, and prioritize your older models first, or those which require immediate attention. A faulty set of brakes in your new 2017 Hino 195, for example, takes precedence over that chipped windshield on your older 2015 Hino 338.
If you know what to look for, it’s a smart idea to do a complete once-over on your truck or fleet every three months, especially at the start of a new season. Check your fluid levels, test your brakes, look at your engine’s performance, and keep an eye out for any strange sounds or smells. Many companies now have online databases that keep track of maintenance. Even a basic Microsoft Excel sheet can be a great way to track what maintenance needs to be done, and when and where it was completed.
Check in With Your Drivers
If you’re a fleet manager, the knowledge you have regarding the status of your vehicles is only as strong as what your drivers are telling you. When you drive your own truck, you know right away if and when something requires attention, because you get familiar with the vehicle. As a manager, you’re not behind the wheel of those commercial trucks everyday.
It’s a great idea to check in with each and every one of your drivers at least once a week, and have them fill out a weekly report on their activities, any changes they have noticed, and any suggestions regarding the truck’s performance. It’s also a good idea to take each truck for a drive at least once a month, if possible, so you can be sure that they’re in the best possible condition. It’s also vital that all of your new drivers go through vehicle handling training so they are familiar with how the truck should operate, and are not the cause for premature wear and tear.
Follow the Rules
When it comes time for service repairs or regular maintenance, it’s important not to cut any corners. If your commercial truck requires a specific brand or part, it’s likely not a good idea to use aftermarket parts in the hopes of saving money. At Somerville Hino, our Service Centre is fully-stocked with genuine OEM Hino parts and accessories. Any service repairs, upgrades, or maintenance is conducted by our fully-certified Hino technicians, who are familiar with every make and model of the Hino brand, as well as other light duty trucks. A well-serviced truck is the key to any successful business and career, and staying on top of a maintenance schedule is the most sure way to enjoy a safe, economical, and stress-free drive.
Is your truck or fleet in need of some TLC? Call Somerville Hino today at 1-(877) 650-6296 or contact us online to book your service appointment.
