Whether you use a company vehicle, you provide company vehicles, or you’re using your own personal vehicle for work, the ways in which you take care of it remain the same. Keeping up with any repairs or routine maintenance will help you reduce long-term expenses. Know how to maintain your vehicle for work to preserve productivity and decrease maintenance costs.
The Engine
The engine is the beating heart of your vehicle and can be the most expensive piece of equipment to replace. Once your engine dies, then the rest of the vehicle becomes useless, and repair costs may be more expensive than the car itself is worth.
Keep up With Routine Engine Checks
Two of the most important fluids in your engine include the coolant and the motor oil. The coolant is what will keep your engine from overheating. Check the coolant every month to see that it is still adequately keeping your engine temperature low. The motor oil lubricates the engine, keeping it running smoothly, and you should change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Tire Troubles
Tires can sustain a multitude of problems—from loss of tread depth to punctures and misalignment. Each problem is a factor that affects your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and overall safety. You need to closely monitor your tires and determine when it is appropriate to have them serviced or replaced.
Know When To Replace
Do not waste your time and effort attempting to patch up a tire that cannot be saved, and learn the signs when a tire cannot be repaired. Not only will you end up wasting money trying to fix it, but the faulty tire will pose a safety risk to you while on the road. The risk of a major blowout is always present while driving with a compromised tire.
Aging Battery
The battery can be one of the aspects that drivers neglect until it is too late and a serious problem occurs. A faulty battery can leave you stranded anywhere without sufficient warning, so it is up to you to know when a battery is fine and when it is on its last legs.
The Signs of a Dying Battery
The most effective way to test your vehicle’s battery is to use a multimeter to gauge its charge. Use this device to test the voltage every three months to see if it is still in reliable condition. Without that tool, you can also still determine the strength of a battery by how brightly your headlight shine. The dimmer they are, then the closer your battery is to failing.
Be Ready
Always know how to maintain your work vehicle because the consequences of neglecting it are increased maintenance costs and reduced productivity. Remain on top of your vehicle’s health and do not wait to have problems checked out; they may turn into something more serious down the road.