Beyond the Schedule: Identifying Early Warning Signs of Vehicle Problems

Handling mechanical problems is key in the fleet operation world. Fleet managers are very aware that routine maintenance is very important. However, understanding your vehicle and what you're noticing can lead to recognizing a warning sign that points to a mechanical issue that will be an easy fix. Kooner FMS maintains that proactive management of your vehicle's needs is an important part of putting together an efficient fleet management solution. In this talk, we will review how to recognize a problem before it disturbs your operation.

Listen Closely: Your Vehicle is Talking

Many vehicles seem to express issues or problems before there is an absolute catastrophic breakdown. That horrible squeal when you brake or that funny vibration when going highway speeds is not the truck happily singing happy birthday to the driver; the vehicle is crying for help. Fleet maintenance and repair professionals recommend developing a good ear for mechanical whispers.

One should take heed of funny sounds—grinding, whining, clicking, or knocking sounds should always raise a red flag. That rattling noise that does not seem like a big deal today could, by tomorrow, leave your driver stranded on an extremely desolate highway and potentially require heavy-duty roadside truck assistance.

Dashboard Warnings: More Than Just Pretty Lights

These days, commercial vehicles are rolling around in a basket of advanced diagnostic technology. (Probably just like the vehicle you're operating right now.) And when the warning lights light up on the dashboard display, it's not just adding mood lighting to the cab, it's delivering quality information.

"Many drivers disregard the warning lights, how many operators have turned the dashboard light of their worry O-D-I-C lamps into wind and angling excuse patterns after previously deactivating their dashboard lighting for driver distractions?" said our lead technician. "But treating these indicators seriously can prevent the need for emergency roadside assistance later on."

Some warning lights indicate a need for urgent attention, and some can be deferred to scheduled service. Understanding the difference is important to truck management and a company trying to maximize uptime.

Fluid Leaks: Spotting the Drips

Stumbling across strange puddles under your vehicles? That surely can't be a good thing. Every liquid has its unique color and a quality regarding how it feels:

• Engine oil can be dark brown or black

• Transmission fluid is generally red

• Coolant is often green or orange

• Brake fluid is often clear to amber

Inspecting under the vehicle should be part of your operation's routine inspections. Many of the fleet maintenance and repairs start with small leaks that can lead to more extensive and expensive system failures, provided they are not repaired quickly enough.

Performance Changes: The Subtle Shifts

Skilled drivers frequently discover performance issues before trouble codes register through diagnostics. A truck that is suddenly generating reduced power, cannot maintain speed easily, or is idling roughly indicates it has problems ahead.

"We train our drivers to report any changes in performance, even the smallest," says a fleet manager whose organization utilizes Kooner's truck roadside assistance services. "What may just seem like a bad day for the vehicle could be the beginning of very serious mechanical issues."

Another means to reveal developing problems is fuel efficiency. A vehicle that was previously efficient and now displays increased fuel utilization without an explanation in efficiency usually indicates that mechanical problems are developing.

Unusual Smells: Follow Your Nose

Smells inform problems: their intensity and placement indicate the problem and how urgent it is. Moldy smell, chemical smell, or burning smell may indicate a type of mold, leaks, overheating, or some other type of problem. For Example:

• Burning rubber might signal belt issues

• Sweet smells could indicate coolant leaks

• Burning oil suggests oil leaks onto hot components

• Rotten egg smell often indicates catalytic converter problems

These aromatic alerts usually precede visual symptoms. The smells can help the fleet maintenance and repair team diagnose these problems before they advance.

Key Statistics on Vehicle Problems in U.S. Fleets

To highlight the need for proactive maintenance, here are three credible U.S. statistics concerning the consequences of vehicle issues for fleet management:

• Cost of On-the-Job Crashes: For each on-the-job vehicle crash, employers pay an average of $16,500. If an injury results, costs rise to $74,000, and fatalities can exceed $500,000. Proactive monitoring of vehicle health can reduce these incidents.

• Vehicle Breakdowns are a Major Risk: A busy 14% of U.S. fleet managers reported vehicle breakdowns and mechanical issues as a high operational risk, where warning signs should be monitored.

• ROI from Fleet Management Solutions: 45% of U.S. fleet managers indicated positive return on investment of operations in 11 months or less from fleet management solutions, including those that help identify vehicle issues on a proactive basis.

Implementing a Proactive Approach

For any truck management company, creating a culture of vigilance is essential. Consider these approaches:

1. Develop driver checklists that include sensing unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues

2. Create easy reporting systems so drivers can quickly communicate concerns

3. Track and analyze patterns across your fleet to identify recurring issues

4. Partner with reliable heavy-duty roadside assistance providers who understand your business

When Prevention Isn't Enough

Breakdowns can happen even with good maintenance and training - this is why a fleet needs to have reliable emergency roadside truck assistance. Kooner FMS has 24/7 complete support for truck drivers - from jump-starting to tire changes to fuel delivery or towing. This level of service reduces interruptions, minimizes downtime, and increases efficiency. With Kooner FMS, help is always available at a moment's notice, allowing businesses to return to their main business.

The Bottom Line

In the competitive environment of logistics today, every minute of vehicle downtime impacts your bottom line. If your team can learn the early signs and symptoms of vehicle problems, and you also work with a fleet management solutions provider like Kooner FMS with experience in the industry, you can significantly reduce the costs of breakdowns and the subsequent costs involved.

Keep in mind, the most expensive repairs are often the ones you weren't aware of. But stay on top of your vehicle's warning signs, and you will change reactive maintenance to proactive maintenance, which means less time, money, and stress.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to break your budget. Partner with Kooner FMS and keep your fleet running smarter, longer.

Contact Us Now