Vehicular maintenance is a big deal for haulage companies, which is why it pays to learn a few handy tips to help keep your lorries in tip-top shape.
Haulage companies invest a lot in properly maintaining their fleet, as the condition of the vehicles can mean the difference between smooth operations and catastrophic failures that could sink even the most stable company.
Yet it can be surprising how even the smallest measures can help lower maintenance costs in the long run, while reducing the chances of a major breakdown affecting your operation.
1. Prepare a Kit – Every haulier needs to have some duct tape, electrical tape and spray-on lubricating oil. A multi-tool screwdriver along with an adjustable wrench and locking pliers will also go a long way in dealing with minor emergencies while on the road. Haulage companies can benefit even more from ensuring their drivers have this tool kit if they are versed in basic vehicular repairs or at least have a knack for patching things up quickly.
2. Use Paint Thinner on Graffiti – Unfortunately, graffiti is a big problem on lorries, but it's easily removable with some paint thinner, and gasoline is a decent replacement on short notice. Thinner will work if you are able to apply it within two days of the graffiti being done - any longer, and the graffiti will settle. Do remember to wipe away the solvent immediately after use, otherwise it’ll eat away at the paintwork finish of your lorry.
3. Leaf Blowers Clean Out Dirt – Drivers often find themselves strapped for time, with basic cleanliness sometimes neglected as a result. Using a leaf blower inside the cabin, inside the trailer or in the gaps between the tyres is a great insider tip to quickly get rid of dirt – at least until there’s enough time for a big clean-up!
4. Take Note Of Wiper Blades – If your wipers take more than three passes to clean the windshield, the blades need cleaning. If this doesn’t work and the blades still need more than three passes, it’s time to consider tossing them out for new ones. Working wiper blades can mean the difference between getting through a storm intact and ending up in a ditch somewhere.
5. Collect Data On Fuel and Oil Additives – Haulage companies often use diesel and oil additives to help increase the performance of their fleet’s engines. But do these additives really work? The best way to check is to compare the litres consumed per hundred kilometres between lorries that use them and those that don’t. The results of the yearly maintenance reports should also be monitored. It’s a tedious and time-consuming process, but it is an effective way to check if the additives really work as advertised or if it’s time to start shopping around for other brands.
These simple yet practical tips can to help the management of small and large haulage companies improve the performance and longevity of their fleet.
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