Updated 3/11/2023: You are reading a slightly revised version of the original article published 20/04/2020.
Revved up at the thought of getting your assets back into gear? Don’t be too quick to turn that ignition—fleet safety is paramount.
A thorough pre-inspection goes a long way to sparing your vehicles and saving you money!
Here’s a list of safety tips you can’t afford to skip for starting your vehicles after they’ve been standing.
Ensure Engine & Driver Safety, and Avoid Unnecessary Maintenance Costs
A lot can happen to vehicles when they stand. The elements can wreak havoc on a standing car. Tiny chips quickly turn to cracks while sunshine sucks the life out of rubber wiper blades. Rodents often opt for a luxury diesel condo.
These vital fleet safety tips prevent unforeseen repair costs and protect your drivers.
Pre-Trip Safety Inspection
Before you turn the key
Check beneath the vehicle.
Look for:
- Signs of oil or water leaks,
- Obstructions, such a loose or hanging wires.
2. Spot Tired Tyres
- Inflate all tyres to the correct pressure.
- Check the casing and surface of the tyres.
Look out for:- Sign of damages,
- Tread depth below the legal limits,
- Oil or grease.
- Check that all wheel nuts are tightly secure.
- Don’t forget the spare tyre, too!
Fleet Safety Quote: “Safety First is Safety Always.” – Charles Melville Hays (Former president of the Grand Trunk Railway.)
3. Be Upfront
- Check that the windscreen is clean; free of chips and cracks.
- Inspect wiper blades for cracks or signs of perishing.
- Check that the license disc is:
- Still valid,
- Firmly secured and visible.
- Make sure that the number plate is firmly secured and unobstructed.
- Check that the headlight and indicator lenses
are:
- Clean and free of cracks or damage,
- Free from moisture, which causes corrosion and electrical faults!
- Check that the side mirrors are clean and undamaged.
4. Get Back Up
- Check that the rear window is clean; free of chips and cracks.
- Check that the rear wiper is undamaged.
- Ensure number plate is firmly secured and unobstructed.
- Make sure that the taillights are clean, undamaged and free from inside moisture.
- Trucks and Cargo Vans: Ensure that rear doors open freely and close securely with seals intact.
5. Engine and Battery Inspection
Fleet Safety advice to prolong battery life. When you know that a vehicle is going to stand idle for a while, remove the battery or the terminals.
- Check oil and coolant levels. Liquids settle over time.
- Inspect the battery and battery bay for any signs of leakage.
- Connect and secure the battery terminals—first positive, then negative to prevent the chances of arcing or a short circuit.
- If the battery is drained, you may need to jumpstart the vehicle.
“The newest hire coming needs to know from day one that safety is the most important thing. And we’re not just going to talk about it — we’re going to actually live it.” – Jerry Roach (Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America)
6. Take a Brake
The last thing to do before those pistons fire. Test that your brake system is functioning by pumping the brake pedal a few times, it should go hard and hold that pressure.
Once you start the vehicle, the brake pedal should depress normally, meaning your brake booster is functioning correctly.
7. Start Your Engines!
It’s perfectly normal to hear a clicking to tapping noise at first. Oil drains from the engine components while standing. Once the oil warms up and moves through the system, the sound will subside. If the sound persists, your oil level or pressure could be low.
While idling
- Let the engine idle until it reaches the optimum coolant temperature:
- Confirm the system is properly functioning. See that the thermostat opens, allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator.
- Check for any leaks while the cooling system is under pressure (rubber hoses weaken when standing).
- Use the idle time to check:
- The functionality of headlights, taillights (break and reverse) and indicators.
- Trucks: look and listen out for any air leaks along the pneumatic braking system.
- At optimal operating temperature (approximately 90°C):
- Turn the engine off, allow to stand until the oil settles.
- Check oil and coolant level once more.
8. Green Light to Go
If all the checks are passed in good order, it’s safe to proceed.
- Do a small circuit in a safe, quiet area and listen for unusual noises—the wheels, braking and steering system in particular.
- The brakes may make a scraping noise the first few times. If it doesn’t go away, you’ll need to get the brakes checked.
If everything feels and sounds fine, you are good to go onto the open road. Keep listening, and be vigilant of anything that feels out of the ordinary.
We hope the above fleet safety tips keep your vehicles healthy and trouble-free.
