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Whether they be four-door sedans, trucks, vans, or buses, most company vehicles need service more frequently than personal vehicles. You need to consider the amount of stress they are constantly under and the importance of their being safe to drive. With these things in mind, be on the lookout for signs your company vehicle needs maintenance; ignoring or missing these symptoms can lead to expensive breakdowns or sudden vehicle failure.
Excessive Exhaust From the Tailpipe
A little exhaust from the tailpipe is normal; if you notice a thin white smoke coming out, it may simply be water vapors. But there are several different colors of smoke you need to be wary of; they may be symptoms of a failing engine.
Blue Smoke
Typically, when blue smoke emits from your exhaust, that is a sign of an oil leak in your engine.
Black Smoke
Thick black smoke signifies that your engine is burning too much fuel, a result of malfunctioning fuel injectors or clogged air filters, among other issues.
Constant White Smoke
While some thin lines of white smoke are normal, if your exhaust won’t stop spewing white smoke, it could mean your head gasket has a leak.
Odd Noises From the Undercarriage
Your vehicle can produce all sorts of noise, whether low grinding sounds, high-pitched whines, or creaking springs. None of them amount to anything good. While they may not cause a problem in the short term, they will eventually grow into significant safety risks if left unaddressed.
Metallic Grinding
Sometimes, you’ll hear a high-pitched squeal, which will eventually turn into a low-pitched grind. In most circumstances, what you’re hearing is the brake system failing. The brake pads may have deteriorated, and you’re listening to the sounds of the calipers in direct contact with the rotors. Over time, this will grind down both your calipers and rotors, decreasing your vehicle’s ability to brake until it finally fails.
Creaking Sounds
Your suspension absorbs the shock of the road, but over time, the lubrication can dry out, or components can break. If your vehicle has a consistent creaking sound, it may be due to problems with the suspension.
Increasing Cabin Vibrations
One of the most common causes of vehicle vibrations is due to the drive shaft. Vibrations are just one of several symptoms of a failing driveshaft, and they can mean significant damage to your vehicle in the long run. A broken driveshaft can even total your car, rendering it unsuitable for driving and too expensive to fix.
Take Care of Your Vehicles
Don’t neglect the symptoms and signs that your company vehicle needs maintenance. Immediately taking care of the problems will help you avoid the issues snowballing into something more severe. Holding off on necessary repairs can increase the chances of totaling the vehicle, as well as endanger the employees operating it.