Fleet washing tips from 2 Start Training
Transport training specialist 2 Start has provided advice for operators on the importance of ensuring vehicles are kept clean and well maintained.
“Anyone who runs a fleet will tell you the importance of ensuring your vehicles are kept clean and well-maintained,” said the company.
“Not only will having a clean fleet help to create a great first impression (first impressions count), but it will also help you meet many legislative requirements that you may not be aware of.”
One of the most important reasons for regularly washing vehicle fleets is to protect and prolong the lifetime of trucks and their paint jobs, says 2 Start, which is especially important for those with custom-designed trucks.
“Regularly cleaning your trucks will remove any dirt, salt, and other nuisances that can decay and corrode paint and destroy the look of your vehicles,” said the firm.
“Additionally, ensuring cleaning your vehicle is part of your regular maintenance checks will streamline the whole process.”
2 Start points out that aspects of vehicle cleanliness form part of the daily walkaround checks that need to be completed before undertaking a journey.
The company cites DVSA walkaround checks advice from the gov.uk website, which includes instructions to ensure that all lights and indicator lenses are clean; that there are no objects or debris trapped between the twin wheels; and that brake line and trailer parking brake couplings are free from debris and in the right place.
Walkaround checks should also include ensuring that number plates are not dirty, faded, or covered by anything, says DVSA, and that reflectors, markings and warning plates aren’t obscured by dirt or other objects.
“It is vital that all vehicle safety checks are carried out to ensure that your fleet is safe to drive and to help ensure the safety of your workers, customers, and other road users.,” said 2 Start.
“Not cleaning your vehicle could lead to being pulled over and receiving potential prosecutions such as bans and fines.
“As previously mentioned, first impressions are great, in fact, they’re extremely important and can be the difference between someone using your fleet and services and choosing a competitor because they have ‘shinier’ trucks.
“A clean truck will also help improve people’s perspective of your brand and show that you take pride in what you do and how others see you.”
The company offers a classroom-based Driver CPC one-day (Friday) course which it says can provide refresher training on vehicle defects and driver licensing, and to ensure drivers are fully up to speed with the required checks and how to remain compliant.
