6 Tips for Running Your Company Vehicles More Efficiently
Whether you run a single company car or you have a whole fleet of vehicles dealing with the logistics of your business it is sensible to see what you can do to run them more efficiently because every cent saved is another cent to add to your bottom line right? Well, read on for some top tips on how to do just that.
1. Choose the Right Vehicle
Okay, so before you do anything else, you are going to want to start out right by choosing the right vehicle or vehicles for your business’ needs. Many people think that choosing a bigger vehicle will automatically make their company seem more professional, but the thing is, as long as your vehicle is clean and presentable, no one will care how big it is, and you can save a bundle by going for a smaller, more efficient auto. So, choose vehicles that are no bigger or smaller than they need to be to get the job done.
2. Maintain Like You Mean It
Let’s face it: maintenance is about as glamorous as flossing your teeth. It’s not exactly the highlight of your day, but neglect it and you’ll soon be dealing with painful consequences—and, in this case, expensive repair bills. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, fluid checks, and brake inspections aren’t just recommended, they’re essential if you want your vehicles to run smoothly for the long haul.
But here’s the twist: it’s not just about avoiding breakdowns. Proper maintenance also helps your vehicles burn fuel more efficiently, reducing waste and saving you money. A well-maintained engine purrs contentedly and sips fuel rather than guzzling it. Think of it like giving your car the automotive equivalent of a spa day—fresh oil, a clean air filter, and properly inflated tires can do wonders for performance. Plus, there’s nothing quite like driving a vehicle that doesn’t squeak, shudder, or threaten to explode when you hit a bump in the road.
Pro Tip: Keep a digital log of maintenance schedules. If you rely on Post-it notes or your memory alone, prepare for comedic levels of confusion and probably a lot of “uh oh” moments.
3. Train Your Drivers (Because Common Sense Isn’t Always Common)
You’d think that once someone passes a driving test, they’ve got it all figured out. But as anyone who’s driven behind that one car that forgot how to merge can attest, even licensed drivers need refreshers. When it comes to company vehicles, how people drive has a direct impact on efficiency. Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and ignoring speed limits are surefire ways to turn your MPG (miles per gallon) into MPGL (miles per gallon lost).
Invest in driver training that emphasises smooth driving techniques, defensive manoeuvres, and a dash of mechanical sympathy—treating the vehicle gently rather than running it ragged. Not only can this cut fuel costs and wear and tear, but it might also lower the risk of accidents. If nothing else, your drivers will stop frightening the daylights out of fellow motorists on the road. And hey, fewer accidents mean fewer calls to your insurance agent, who’s probably already on a first-name basis with your entire team.
4. Embrace Telematics (Because Data Never Sleeps)
Think of telematics as the private detective of the automotive world—a relentless gatherer of data, peering into every corner of how your vehicles are being used. That might sound ominous, but trust me, telematics is a boon to anyone managing a fleet. It can tell you everything from real-time fuel consumption to driving behaviour, letting you pinpoint where inefficiencies are creeping in.
It’s not about turning into a dystopian overlord who monitors every single lane change. Instead, telematics helps you identify patterns. Maybe one driver consistently leaves the engine idling for 15 minutes each morning while checking emails. Perhaps another is the reigning champion of abrupt braking. These may seem like small quirks, but collectively, they can contribute to unnecessary fuel consumption, higher maintenance costs, and increased wear and tear.
Once you’ve got the data, you can address issues head-on. Proactively coaching drivers to reduce idling times, plan routes better, or avoid slamming the brakes every time they see a yellow light can lead to significant savings. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing your overhead shrink all because you harnessed the power of data to create better habits.
5. Mind Your Fuel (And Not Just the Price at the Pump)
Your relationship with fuel goes beyond simply cringing at the display at the petrol station. High-quality fuel can actually make a difference in how efficiently your vehicles run. Yes, it costs more upfront, but sometimes that “premium” label does more than just lighten your wallet—it can reduce engine deposits, improve MPG, and keep your engines running longer. On the other hand, cheap, low-quality fuel might seem like a bargain, but if it leads to clogged injectors or a sputtering engine, those short-term savings can morph into long-term headaches.
Also, consider using fuel cards for easier tracking of who’s buying what and how often. This can help you spot inconsistencies like suspiciously high fuel purchases that might indicate the fuel’s going somewhere it shouldn’t. (We’ve all heard horror stories of unscrupulous employees fueling up their personal rides on the company dime, right?)
In short, choose wisely, track thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to explore alternative options like electric or hybrid vehicles if your routes and budgets allow. The future may be closer than you think, and you don’t want to be the dinosaur stuck with fossil fuel—literally.
6. Route Planning: Get There Smarter, Not Harder
Picture this: your driver is on a delivery route that zigzags across town like a toddler hopped up on sugar—backtracking, duplicating efforts, and racking up miles for no good reason. With so many route-planning apps, GPS technologies, and real-time traffic updates available these days, that kind of inefficiency might as well be theft—from your own bank account, no less.
By systematically planning routes, you can minimise time spent idling in traffic, cut back on unnecessary detours, and increase the number of deliveries or service calls completed in a day. Not only does this save fuel, but it also reduces vehicle wear and tear and, crucially, improves customer satisfaction. (No one likes hearing “Sorry, we’re late again” for the third time this week.)
From high-revving to high-performing!
