A simple plan for investigating sales
Whether you're carrying flowers, blood or other perishable items, your refrigerated van is a crucial part of your business. Mechanical problems while you're on the road can spell terrible results, both for your client and for you., from minor ones like delayed deliveries to major problems like spoilage due to a broken cold chain. To ensure that your goods remain cool all through the journey, follow these essential maintenance pointers to keep your refrigerated vehicle in excellent condition:
1. Set constant professional inspections.
Scheduling regular routine "checkups" for your refrigerated vehicle is a critical part of preventative maintenance. Newer models can typically go about 100,000 miles between inspections, but if you're driving in notably harsh conditions, you may space them closer to every 25,000 miles. Professional mechanics have expert eyes and ears for trivial problems that can escalate if left unattended, and play an important part in keeping your van running well.
2. Perform regular tune-ups.
Another essential maintenance routine is checking if your oil is clean, and whether or not your oil and coolant levels are fine. Oil must be changed around every 3000 miles to maintain optimal performance. Refrigerated vans are specially sensitive to dirt, dust and water, which can hamper their ability to keep to a constant temperature. During tune-ups, ensure that no contaminants end up in the refrigeration unit. Remember that any maintenance that demands dismantling components of the refrigeration unit needs to be performed by an experienced pro.
3. Perform pre-trip inspections.
Before every trip, perform a speedy check of your refrigerated van or truck to ensure that things are running well. A loaded vehicle on the road is way more expensive and tougher to repair compared to an one sitting in your garage, so you'll actually save money and time if you do an inspection prior to cargo loading.
Before every trip, you must clean the vehicle's interior and see if the insulated area's walls have any cracks. Also, you'd like to check:
> the door's lock and seals;
> temperature as well as fresh air settings;
> drains; and
> oil and coolant levels.
4. Observe for warning signs.
Skilled refrigerated van operators are well aware that keeping an eye and ear on any changes to their vehicles is their first line of defense against mechanical issues. Anything that deviates from normal performance should be taken note of. For instance, if the refrigeration unit is taking longer than usual cool down, or if you're hearing strange noises, schedule a visit to your mechanic right away.
Indeed, keeping your vehicle in stellar condition is critical; otherwise, your perishable goods could easily be rendered useless, leading to a loss of income on your part and frustration for your customer. As the business owner, it is your responsibility to avoid these two scenarios.Source: mercedes sprinter refrigerated van