If you are responsible for a fleet, you’re painfully aware that any time all vehicles are not up and running means that you’re losing money. That’s not a good business practice, anyway you look at it. Ideally, you want to keep your trailer running for longer, ensure that they are in top working condition, full of products, operating efficiently, driven by competent staff, etc. That’s good business.
To ensure more trailer uptime and less downtime, a combination of advanced conductivity, inspections, and scheduled maintenance help keep fleets on the road. It is inevitable, of course, for wear and tear to occur. But to reduce time spent in the shop and improve vehicle longevity, one must proactively manage the condition of the fleet. The following are some tips as to how uptime can be maximized by both drivers and fleet managers.
Maintenance on a Regular Basis
Equally as important as fixing something when it breaks, and possibly more important (because by catching issues early you can avoid serious costs and extended downtime), is preventative and regular maintenance. The most effective manner in which to prevent major failures is by performing routine and preventative truck/trailer maintenance. This can include the following:
- Brakes
- Fuel vent
- Tire pressure
- Radiator
- Oil filter and oil
Remote Updates to Keep Your Trailer Running for Longer
Technology is incredible. If it weren’t for technology we wouldn’t have things like remote diagnostic services (see below) and remote updates. The latter of the two helps to keep your truck on the road by doing away with the need for you and your vehicle to stop in and physically touch base with a service center or shop. Engine parameters can be modified by fleet owners for any number of trucks. That means that, at the same time, your entire fleet can be updated.
Remote Diagnostics Service
In days of old, engine lights were how we were alerted to trouble. The problem was, of course, that they are so extremely vague and by the time they come on, the damage has probably been done. Currently, however, an end has been put to the guessing game thanks to remote diagnostic services. For analysis and recommendations, critical information is sent to a support center. Drivers can then be notified as to whether they can continue on their trip or pullover ASAP to avoid a breakdown. This helps keep fleets on schedule and limits downtime.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspections
Truth be told, vehicle inspections are supposed to be done after every rest period and before any trip begins, according to FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This limits the safety risk to drivers and helps prevent unnecessary stops on the road. For each inspection, the following should be included:
- Emergency equipment
- Coupling devices
- Rear vision mirrors
- Windshield wipers
- Horn
- Rims
- Wheels
- Tires
- Reflectors and lighting devices
- Steering mechanism
- Parking brake
- Service brakes on trailer and truck
With new technology, once again, just by the flip of a switch, all of the lights can be checked if you have one of these newer systems. It saves a little time.
Mickey Genuine Parts Certified Service Centers
We have service centers located throughout the United States which are conveniently located – probably somewhere along your route! We are happy to perform emergency repairs, upfits, regularly scheduled maintenance, and more. If you’d like to discuss what a Mickey certified service center can do for you and your fleet, contact us. Remember… No one does it better than Mickey Genuine Parts. For over 100 years, our customer service, safety, and workmanship standards have set the bar in the world of transportation. Find out today what so many in the industry have already learned – The Mickey Way is the way to go!