VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

Well managed maintenance programs are extremely important in any business where the operation of motor vehicle is involved.  Reduced operational costs reduced accidents from vehicles defects and are direct results of a well implemented maintenance policy.  The program should include:

§         Selection of vehicles is the first step.  Analysis should be made to insure the vehicle meets the needs of the expected task.

§         Preventive maintenance for minimum maintenance requirement should be in place. With scheduled maintenance work flow can be arranged around the fleet availability. 

§         Preventative maintenance may be performed on either a mileage or time basis, depending on vehicle usage

§         Vehicle inspections program to assure the vehicles is in safe operating condition.  A systematic approach with written records will confirm that all critical components are examined.

§         Maintenance records should be kept on each vehicle. This allows analysis of the overall expenses and provide clues to help determine the source of problems which might have been overlooked in routine maintenance or identify equipment that is not being operated correctly by a driver.

A well implemented vehicle maintenance and inspection program will provide information to management, prolong the life of equipment, eliminate road failures, reduce accidents due to mechanical failure and improve driver attitude.