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If your employees drive the company’s fleet vehicles long distances every day, chances are one or more of those cars or trucks has needed repair. It’s always good to have a basic understanding of vehicle problems and how to fix them. This is especially true for business owners in your situation. If you’d like to learn more, keep reading.
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There are lots of reasons why a fleet vehicle might break down. The problem could be anything from a faulty battery, to bad tires, to a worn-out hose. Simply having a dirty engine can be enough to keep a vehicle from running properly, or a burnt-out clutch cable could be causing trouble. Moreover, if one of your drivers put the wrong kind of fuel in a car or truck, you could have a major problem on your hands.
While many fleet vehicles run smoothly for months and even years at a stretch, most eventually break down. We discuss some of the most common reasons for fleet vehicle breakdowns here.
Fleet Vehicles Can Have Alternator Problems
The most common problem with fleet vehicles comes from a poorly functioning alternator. However, a problem alternator is easy to fix. In fact, all you need is a little common sense and a little effort to fix it for good.
If you are experiencing an alternator problem in one of your fleet vehicles, you might even be able to make the repair yourself. However, if you lack the experience or inclination to work on the alternator yourself, take it to an expert. Generally speaking, alternator repairs are not very expensive.
All Vehicles Need Strong Batteries
Another thing that can lead to a breakdown in one of your fleet vehicles is a faulty battery. In this case, you might be able to give the vehicle a jump start and recharge the battery. However, it’s probably best to just purchase a new battery for that car or truck
Maybe It’s the Car’s Computer
Sometimes fleet trucks and cars break down because of a glitch in the vehicle’s computer. This could be in the diagnostic monitor, the security system, or some other area of the vehicle’s electronic brain. For example, the monitor might not be working properly or responding the way it’s supposed to. If one of your fleet vehicles is having computer problems, it’s best to get expert help.
Check the Little Things in Your Fleet Vehicles
A worn-out spark plug could keep one of your fleet vehicle from working. Most of the time, this can be repaired easily. Always make it a point to replace spark plugs when they wear out.
Regularly inspect a vehicle’s rearview mirror to make sure it’s not showing any sign of damage such as distortion or scratches. Ensure there is no dirt on the backup cameras, if the car or truck has those. In the same manner, check the spare wheel cover to make sure it is not damaged.
Look to see if there are problems with the starter or the glow plug, which which would make the vehicle difficult if not impossible to start. As always, seek advice from the experts if you don’t know how to fix these sorts of problems.
Also, keep your fleet vehicles clean. Surprisingly, clean cars are safer and they run better than dirty cars, for all kinds of reasons.
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Preventive Maintenance Is Better Than Costly Repairs
Always remember that prevention is better than cure. So learn all you can about fleet vehicle maintenance and other fleet care. Educate yourself so that you can take proper care of your fleet vehicles. However, even when you take all preventive measures, sometimes fleet vehicles will simply break down.
But here, too, you can take measures to safeguard your company’s cash flow. That is, you can keep the cost of repairs down by purchasing an extended auto warranty. Keep in mind, however, that a Subaru’s extended warranty cost will be less than a BMW’s. It can be helpful to understand this so that you can negotiate better terms for an extended warranty. A vehicle’s original warranty covers a car or truck up to a certain number of miles. But an extended warranty will cover your repair costs for the length of the warranty period.
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Conclusion
Whenever one of your fleet vehicle breaks down check to see if the problem is a faulty battery, bad tires, worn hoses, a dirty engine, or any of the other issues discussed in this post.
Finally, when you’re purchasing new vehicles for your fleet, check for problems before you buy. Purchase quality vehicles and you’ll experience fewer breakdowns with your fleet.
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