To ensure that commercial vehicles meet safety standards, essential maintenance checks should be completed before long journeys, in addition to regular fleet management inspections, servicing and maintenance. These routine checks are crucial for vehicle and lorry safety and preventing unexpected issues on the road.
Read on for a guide to recommended pre-journey checks that will help ensure your vehicle is safe and fully prepared for travel.
Oil and Coolant
Check the engine oil and coolant levels to ensure they fall between the minimum and maximum markers for safe operation. For specific guidance, refer to your vehicle’s handbook.
Battery
Car batteries need changing every few years and are one of the leading causes of breakdowns. During a service, your battery will be checked by a qualified technician who will tell you if your battery needs replacing.
Fuel
Before setting off, even if you have a full fuel tank, you should check where you could stop for petrol along the way. Knowing where you can refuel helps ensure you won’t run out of fuel between petrol stations.
Windscreen Wipers and Fluid
Check wiper blades for any signs of damage and ensure the windscreen washer fluid level is sufficient. Test the washer jets to ensure they are working properly and not blocked. A screen wash additive is recommended to keep the windscreen clear of dirt and road salt. In winter, an anti-freeze screenwash should help prevent the windscreen from freezing.
Fan Belt
Get the fan belt regularly checked by your fleet servicing provider to ensure it is correctly tensioned and in good condition. A worn or damaged auxiliary belt can cause the engine to overheat or other components to fail.
Lights
Check all vehicle lights before starting a long journey, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights and fog lights. Turn on your lights and hazard lights, then walk around the vehicle to ensure all lights are functioning properly. If you’re travelling abroad, research the specific lighting regulations for that country,
Tyres
Check the condition of your tyres and any spares for the correct tyre pressure and acceptable tread depth. For cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg), a minimum of 1.6mm is accepted. As a legal requirement, failure to comply results in a fine of up to £2500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
Warning Lights
Check your dashboard for any warning lights, which alert you to potential issues. Warning lights can vary between manufacturers so you can check your car manual to check how lights should appear on the dashboard.
Wheel Changing Equipment
Check if your vehicle has a jack, wheel brace and spare wheel. If your vehicle has one, check its condition and tyre pressure. If your car has locking wheel nuts, ensure you know where the key is stored. It’s also a good idea to practice changing the wheel in case you have to replace the tyre out on the road.
If you don’t have a spare tyre, familiarise yourself with a tyre repair DIY kit and ensure you have an appropriate breakdown cover.
Commercial Fleet Management
Transcare offers expert fleet management services to ensure lorry safety and reliable fleet servicing. Contact us to keep your vehicles in top condition with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
