4 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUR BUS FLEET

Vehicle maintenance is the first step to be taken by managers to avoid the occurrence of losses and accidents. More than just taking care of the fleet, it is a strategic measure, since, with the preventive maintenance of vehicles, it is possible to identify in advance which are the likely problems that could become a major inconvenience in the future.

In today's post we will suggest 4 tips on how to keep bus maintenance up to date, avoid these risks and additional costs (in addition to making your company save). Check out:

1) VEHICLE MAINTENANCE IS NOT EXPENSES, IT'S INVESTMENTS!

First, managers need to keep in mind that performing periodic maintenance is not synonymous with “unnecessary expenses”. As much as there are costs involved, these maintenances ensure that vehicles are able to run normally, without risk of mechanical problems or even causing accidents.

The problem is precisely when the investment in periodic maintenance of the fleet is not made. The costs of accidents and serious mechanical problems are considerable losses, as they could have been avoided.

2) INVEST IN QUALIFIED LABOR

Another important point for bus maintenance is being able to count on qualified and trained professionals. This is because vehicle maintenance involves certain particularities that a professional who does not have the proper qualifications may not be able to see.

In addition, it is also important to have qualified drivers, who know the importance of taking good care of the vehicles and avoiding behaviors that could cause mechanical problems or the early replacement of certain parts or accessories.

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3) TRAIN THE MAINTENANCE TEAM

Monitoring and closely monitoring your maintenance team is essential for good work and cost prevention for the company. Even if you have a qualified team, it is always important to keep this team trained and updated regarding the maintenance of the bus fleet.

A maintenance checklist can considerably help the work of your team of mechanics. It helps to better understand what should be done to check the quality of the vehicle before your journey, as well as check the right time to carry out repairs and replacements. Questions such as tire calibration, oil check, brakes, among other things, can be included in the checklist.

4) BUY PARTS ONLY WHEN YOU NEED IT X KEEP A STOCK

The manager should consider the best format for acquiring parts: whether to buy only when necessary, or to acquire and maintain a stock.

In the case of keeping a stock of parts, it is possible to negotiate volume discounts with the supplier, in addition to having these parts available immediately, as soon as it is necessary to carry out an exchange - which reduces the idle time of the vehicle in maintenance.

As for the purchase of parts only when necessary, there is no cost of maintaining stock or the work of evaluating when replacement is necessary, but the vehicle must be unavailable until the part is received for maintenance.

It is up to the manager to assess which measure best suits his operating routine and apply it. This will also depend on the company's availability to spend on inventory or to allow vehicles to be idle during the maintenance period.

With these tips, it is possible to have greater control over vehicle maintenance and avoid unnecessary costs with the replacement of parts and the repair of buses. In addition to keeping vehicles safe for travel. As we said earlier, preventive maintenance can help detect possible failures that could become problems in the future. Therefore, the ideal is that they are carried out periodically, in order to avoid unforeseen costs.

How is your vehicle maintained at your company? Share your experiences with us and join the conversation!