How to Care for a Company Car
Whether a car is yours or not, it’s essential to look after it. This is because keeping a car in good working order is an integral safety feature. From working for a luxury chauffeur service to being an estate agent with a company car, there are many professions in which employers provide their employees with transportation. Despite this, it’s the responsibility of the employee to perform maintenance on the vehicle, as this prevents the likelihood of something going wrong in the future. If your job requires you to be in a vehicle for most of the day, you want to ensure it’s safe and comfortable.
Listed below are just some of the ways you should be caring for your company car.
Create and Follow a Vehicle Checklist
Forming and following your very own checklist for your vehicle allows you to perform daily maintenance that keeps your car in working order. Some things that your checklist might include are checking the battery, air filter, brakes, tire pressure, hoses, belts, and oil level. Once these have been checked daily, you can rest assured that the vehicle is fit to take you through the day. Performing daily maintenance allows you to identify any issues as soon as they present themselves, giving you a comprehensive view of your vehicle’s condition. As a result, you’ll be left with the confidence to proceed with your day.
Keep the Vehicle in the Shade
Harsh weather conditions aren’t kind to your vehicle, which is why cars that are shaded will stand the test of time better than cars that aren’t. If you don’t have a garage or a canopy for your vehicle, you might consider using a car cover instead. Not only do car covers keep your vehicle clean, but they also protect it from dings, dents, and scratches. You can’t go wrong with a protective cover if your vehicle is small enough to accommodate one. They’re quite inexpensive when considering the positive impact they play in regard to your vehicle’s well-being.
Put Together Regular Driver Reports
Putting together regular driver reports for your employer allows your employer to understand the condition of the vehicle you’re driving. This way, they’ll be notified of any potential repairs that need to be executed, allowing them to account for the finances. Similarly, providing your employer with these reports allows you to create a trusting relationship with them, which is essential when they’re placing their property under your care. You’re responsible for driving safely and sensibly, and part of this means ensuring the vehicle is in a drivable condition. Don’t be afraid to flag problems with your employer; it’s often cheaper and easier for them to know about car issues sooner rather than later.
Follow Tire Maintenance and Care Procedures
Tires are among the most important features when it comes to the maintenance and care of vehicles. They’re always on the move, meaning they can become worn down, which presents a safety issue. The type of tires required and the frequency of which they’ll need changing will depend on your working conditions. This is more of a requirement of your employer, but knowing the different environmental factors and types of roads your car will find itself on is essential. As the driver, though, you should check your tire pressure each day, as thisallows you to determine whether your vehicle is fit to see the roads for the day ahead.
In addition to the above tips, you should also take your vehicle in for regular services. This way, a professional will be able to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your car’s condition.