Don't stop once you get started again

Don’t stop once you get started again

Being parked up isn’t good for anyone, and that includes trucks too

Flat batteries and low-pressure tyres are just a couple of things that might stop your business driving forward after the Christmas break.

Tips to ensure your fleet is road-fit and on high-alert this Summer

We asked Steve to provide some advice to make sure your trucks are ready to roar:

Steve Fielding, EROAD’s Head of Growth & Retention (and former Fleet Manager) has an International CPC in Transport Management and was an operator’s license holder (UK version of a TSL). Before joining EROAD, Steve ran the maintenance schedule for a fleet of 600 heavy trucks and walking floor trailers.

Check the basics

Have mice nested in your Refer motor or wheel hubs?

Seriously now, you don’t wasn’t the hydraulics to fail as the pressure comes up, so a quick once-over should include:

Under the bonnet for oil and fluid levels etc
Visual check of your wheel nut indicators and look for flat tyres
Check all your visual safety equipment is working and clear of spider webs – lights, brakes, windscreen and mirrors
Complete a connection and lubrication check
Walk around the vehicle looking for body damage and removing any debris that may have blown in or lodged itself while the vehicle has been stationary

Bearded worker of technical service using electric instrument during work

Start your engine

If the vehicle ignitions on – yay! If not, you will have to call in some help to either change the battery or charge it up and get it tested.

Allow the vehicle to run up to the recommended operating temperature while you:

Check steering and suspension give the horn a blast
Check tyre pressure, lifting equipment and legal signage.
Torque up wheel nuts to the recommended setting with a certified torque wrench
Check vehicle Registration

Making it real easy

Identify defects early, and fix them fast

EROAD Inspect lets you carry out pre and post-trip vehicle inspections on a mobile app – and record any defects to be fixed, or maintenance to be completed. Track all vehicle defects on an easy to manage visual board, ready for you to prioritise and take action.

Benefits:

Full visibility
Save time
Eliminate downtime
Improve safety

To find out how it works, check out our short video:

The Inspect app is now part of Conroy’s daily routine.

“We’ve made the inspections standard,” says Kingsley. “You have to do it before you hop in the truck. It’s part of the process, like grabbing the keys, seeing if the vehicle needs fuel and checking the job in the back of the truck.”

Kingsley Gordon, Conroy Removals

On the road again

Be mindful, as you get back behind the wheel other Australians are still enjoying their Summer break. As Steve puts it, “people who don’t regularly drive long distances are all having a crack at it”. Poor planning and overly optimistic travel times put pressure on people schedules. Pressure that results in speeding and risk-taking which can lead to accidents.

Keep your drivers safe

Bushfire season can be a dangerous time on the roads, MyEROAD Fleet Map gives you up to the minute information of where your vehicles and drivers are. You can alert drivers to a nearby fire or hazard, helping them get home safely.

It’s peak summertime, and it’s hot! Remind your drivers to wear sunblock, while it’s true that you can’t get sunburnt through a car window, the sun’s rays can still damage your skin.

Enjoy driving with the window down and your arm out? Watch out for drivers arm – it’s not a good look on anyone. Air conditioning the cab is a safer way to keep cool.