Running a fleet in Bristol? When it comes to keeping your vehicles reliable and road-ready, expert insights can make all the difference. At Chandler Motor Company, your trusted Fleet Maintenance Company, we’ve compiled the most common questions we hear from fleet managers — and provided real, honest answers.
📘 Table of Contents
- ⚠️ 1. What do dashboard warning lights really mean?
- 🛠️ 2. How often should fleet vehicles be serviced?
- 🔋 3. When is it time to replace vehicle batteries?
- 🛞 4. How do I manage tyres across the whole fleet?
- 👨🔧 5. What checks can drivers perform themselves?
⚠️ 1. What do dashboard warning lights really mean?
Dashboard lights are your first warning system — don’t ignore them.
- 🔴 Red lights: Critical issues — pull over safely and call for assistance.
- 🟡 Amber/yellow lights: Defined service soon — book a diagnostic scan.
- 🔵 Green/blue lights: Informational status (e.g., traction control, lights on).
💡 Tip: Include dashboard checks in driver pre-trip routines and report lights immediately.
🛠️ 2. How often should fleet vehicles be serviced?
Regular servicing is the backbone of fleet reliability.
- 📆 Standard service: Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
- Heavy usage? Use 6,000-mile interim checks
- Keep a maintenance log (use Google Sheets, fleet software, or paper log)
🛡️ Pro fleet tip: Stagger service appointments to avoid all vehicles being off-road at once.
🔋 3. When is it time to replace vehicle batteries?
Battery failure = roadside breakdown.
- Average lifespan: 3–5 years
- Schedule annual battery tests after the 3‑year mark
- Replace weak batteries proactively to avoid vehicle downtime
🎥 Video: “Battery Lifecycle Check”
🛞 4. How do I manage tyres across the whole fleet?
Tyre maintenance is a major safety & cost factor.
- 🔧 Pressure checks: weekly
- 🔄 Rotate tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles
- 📏 Replace tyres when tread depth ≤ 2 mm or any damage detected
👨🔧 5. What checks can drivers perform themselves?
Empower your team to catch issues early.
- ✅ Check tyre pressure & tread
- ✅ Inspect lights & indicators
- ✅ Top up oil, coolant, and wash fluid
- 📡 Report any odd smells, noises, or warning lights
🚀 Ensure drivers use a checklist at the start of each shift — early detection saves big in the long run.
📍 Why Team Up with Chandler Motor Company?
As Bristol’s go-to Fleet Maintenance Company, we offer:
- ✔️ Professional diagnostics & servicing
- ✔️ Tailored fleet plans by usage and mileage
- ✔️ Clear pricing — no surprise fees
- ✔️ Decades of local service & fleet expertise
📞 Call: 0117 971 6070
💻 Book online: www.chandlermotorcompany.co.uk
🚚 On-site inspections available for larger fleets