How to Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle Servicing?

By Carl Poole
27 Sep, 2023

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, regular servicing is essential. Not only does it keep your wheels running smoothly, but it also helps to prevent major issues and prolongs its lifespan. In the UK, vehicle servicing is a crucial aspect, ensuring safety and reliability on the road. Having a fleet of commercial vehicles can be both rewarding and challenging. While having multiple vehicles can help in providing efficient services to your clients, their maintenance is vital. Commercial Vehicle Servicing can ensure that your automobiles remain in their optimal condition. If not taken proper care of, it can also result in frequent repairs and breakdowns, making it expensive in the long run.   

By investing in proper maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs, ensure your safety on the road, and get the most out of your vehicle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about vehicle servicing for commercial vehicles in the UK and how to get the most out of it. 

Why is Servicing Important for Commercial Vehicles?

For commercial vehicle owners, keeping your fleet on the road and in good condition is essential for your business operations.  Vehicle servicing is important for several reasons.

  • Safety is paramount when it comes to your commercial vehicles, especially if you’re transporting goods or people. Regular vehicle servicing can identify potential issues before they become a safety hazard on the road. By conducting regular inspections on brakes, tires, suspension, and other vital components, you can be confident that your fleet is roadworthy and safe.
  • Secondly, commercial vehicles are subject to regulations and inspections to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. Regular servicing can help you ensure that your fleet is compliant and meets all legal obligations. This means that you can avoid costly fines and legal issues that could impact your business operations.
  • Commercial vehicles are often used more frequently than regular cars and put under more stress with heavy loads and long distances. Regular servicing can help you identify and fix potential issues, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and repairs. This means that your vehicles will be more reliable and less likely to let you down when you need them most.

What Does Vehicle Servicing Include?

Vehicle servicing encompasses a range of checks, inspections, and maintenance tasks to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition for your business. Here are some of the key components typically included in a comprehensive vehicle service:

Follow a Comprehensive Service Checklist

To ensure that all necessary maintenance tasks are performed during your vehicle servicing, it is important to follow a comprehensive service checklist. Vehicle servicing encompasses a range of checks, inspections, and maintenance tasks to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition. By following a thorough checklist, you can address potential issues before they become major problems. Here are some of the key components typically included in a comprehensive vehicle service checklist – 

Engine Oil Change

One of the essential tasks during a service is an oil change. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, preventing friction and wear. Over time, the oil can become contaminated with debris and lose its effectiveness. During a service, the old oil is drained, and fresh, clean oil is added to the engine.

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter plays a crucial role in maintaining the air quality entering your engine. It filters out dust, debris, and other particles, preventing them from entering the engine and causing damage. Over time, the air filter can become clogged, reducing airflow and engine performance. Regular servicing includes the replacement of the air filter to ensure optimal engine performance.

Brake Inspection and Maintenance

Brake safety is essential in commercial vehicles to ensure reliable stopping power, especially when carrying heavy loads. During servicing, mechanics inspect the brake pads, rotors, and linings, as well as brake fluids and lines, to identify any signs of wear and tear.  Brake fluid levels are also checked and topped up if necessary. Technicians do a thorough brake system cleaning and replacement of all worn-out components.

Fluid Checks and Top-ups

Fluid replacement is a vital aspect of commercial vehicle servicing to ensure optimal performance and safety. Fluids such as coolant, power steering fluid, and washer fluid are essential for various systems in your car. During a service, these fluids are checked for proper levels and conditions. If needed, they are topped up or replaced to ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle.

Battery Inspection

The battery is responsible for providing the electrical power needed to start your vehicle and operate its various systems. During a service, the battery is inspected for corrosion, leaks, and proper voltage. If necessary, the terminals are cleaned, and the battery is tested and replaced if it no longer holds a charge.

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Tires play a crucial role in vehicle safety and performance. During a service, the condition of the tires is inspected for tread depth, wear patterns, and any signs of damage. Additionally, the tires may be rotated to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan.

Suspension and Steering Component Checks

The suspension and steering systems are responsible for maintaining a smooth and controlled ride. During service, these components, including shocks, struts, and ball joints, are inspected for signs of wear or damage. Any worn-out components are replaced to ensure optimal handling and safety.

Lights and Electrical System Inspection

Proper functioning lights and electrical systems are essential for visibility and safety on the road. During a service, all lights, including headlights, indicators, brake lights, and interior lights, are checked for proper operation. The electrical system is also inspected for any faults or issues.

Exhaust System Inspection

The exhaust system plays a vital role in reducing emissions and removing harmful gases from your vehicle. During a service, the exhaust system is inspected for any leaks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Any necessary repairs or replacements are carried out to ensure optimal performance and compliance with emissions regulations.

Safety Checks

Safety checks are a critical part of any vehicle service. These checks may include inspecting seat belts for proper operation, examining the condition of wiper blades, testing the functionality of the horn, and ensuring that all doors and locks are working correctly.

Tips for Maximising the Value of Your Commercial Vehicle Servicing 

Owning a commercial vehicle can be a sound investment, but it also comes with a set of responsibilities such as regular servicing and maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably. As a commercial vehicle owner, you want to get the most out of your vehicle servicing experience. You want to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition and that you are getting maximum value for the money you are spending.

Servicing involves adjusting essential vehicle systems like the air/fuel ratios, ignition timing, and idle speed. This maximises the vehicle’s fuel economy, reduces emissions, and enhances overall performance. Technicians also tune other areas such as the engine’s electronic control systems, steering alignment, suspension settings, and tires to maintain optimum handling and safety.

To get the most out of your vehicle servicing, consider implementing the following tips:

Stick to Regular Service Intervals

Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals is crucial for keeping your vehicle in peak condition. Regular servicing allows technicians to identify and address any signs of wear, replace worn-out parts, and perform essential maintenance tasks. Skipping or delaying scheduled service appointments can lead to increased wear and tear, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential breakdowns. Make it a priority to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle.

Communicate Your Concerns and Needs

When you bring your vehicle in for servicing, it is important to communicate any specific concerns or needs you may have. For example, if you have noticed a strange noise or experienced a decrease in performance, be sure to inform the service technician. Clear communication helps the technicians diagnose and address specific issues, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective service.

Opt for Additional Inspections

In addition to routine maintenance, consider opting for additional inspections to get a more comprehensive assessment of your vehicle’s condition. PMI (Preventive Maintenance Inspection) and VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) inspections can identify potential safety concerns and provide recommendations for additional repairs or maintenance. These extra steps can help catch minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Stay Informed with Service Reports

Ask for detailed service reports after each servicing appointment. These reports provide valuable information about the work performed, parts replaced, and any additional recommendations made by the technicians. By reviewing these reports, you can stay informed about the condition of your vehicle and make more informed decisions regarding future maintenance and repairs.

Maintain Consistent Vehicle Care Habits

To extend the benefits of your vehicle servicing, it is important to maintain consistent care habits between service appointments. This includes regularly checking and maintaining fluid levels, tire pressure, and other basic maintenance tasks. Additionally, practising safe driving habits, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, can help reduce wear on your vehicle’s components.

Commercial Vehicle Servicing – How to Choose a Trusted Service Centre?

Investing in vehicle servicing is essential for commercial vehicle owners who want to keep their fleets in good condition.

Selecting the right service centre is crucial for the quality of your vehicle servicing. Look for a provider that specialises in fleet services and has a track record of delivering high-quality maintenance and repairs. By choosing a reputable service provider, you can have confidence in the expertise and professionalism of the technicians working on your vehicle. Regular servicing not only gives you peace of mind but also helps to maintain the value of your vehicle throughout its lifespan.

Premier Logistics offers comprehensive vehicle servicing to keep your fleet in optimal condition. We have qualified and experienced technicians who are knowledgeable about various vehicle makes and models. 

 If you haven’t had your commercial vehicles serviced in a while, now is the time to book an appointment and give your fleet the attention it deserves. Contact us today to schedule your next servicing appointment and ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of your vehicles. We ensure transparent pricing for their services. This includes detailing the cost of parts, labour, and any additional repairs or replacements. We provide free detailed consultation to help you make an informed decision and avoid any unexpected charges.