What to Include in a Fleet Inspection Checklist

A comprehensive fleet inspection checklist is crucial for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your vehicles. While this list and its use cases are not exhaustive, it should give you a good idea of where to start and what you might add to fit your car.

General Information

• Vehicle ID
• Odometer Reading: Taken at the beginning of each day to understand mileage and utilization.
• Driver Information: Name, employee number, and any other pertinent information.

Interior

• Cleanliness: Drivers should keep the cabin clean to maintain the interior condition and ensure a comfortable driving environment, especially if drivers swap vehicles.
• Horn: Horn sounds should be clear and immediate.
• Brakes: Brakes should operate effortlessly both in the cabin when the driver presses the brake pedal and externally to ensure lights are working.
• Seatbelts: Seatbelts should fit properly, move smoothly, latch without catching, and release immediately when the button is pressed.
• Fuel Level: Fuel levels should be consistent with the previous day’s report to indicate no leaks or gauge malfunctions.
• Documentation: Ensure insurance, fuel cards, certifications, and other necessary documents are in the cab.
• Emergency Equipment: Include vehicle-specific equipment (jumper cables, spare tire, jack, lug wrench, flares, reflective triangles, coolant, motor oil) and driver safety items (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, pocket knife, toolkit, flashlight, chargers, water).

Exterior

• Lights: Ensure all lights are working properly with controls inside the car.
• Tires: Check for signs of excess wear, protruding objects, holes, or tears.
• Body: Assess cosmetic conditions (paint and decals) and structure (dents, scratches, or other defects).

Mechanical

• Oil Level: Schedule an oil change if the oil level is low ahead of its anticipated maintenance timeline and inspect the engine.
• Battery: Check mounting, terminals, and cables before each ride, and report signs of corrosion or any voltage/connection issues.
• Engine: Inspect all hoses and tubing, ensure fluid reservoirs are not leaking, and document any signs of wear.
• DTC Codes: Check and report DTC codes daily to monitor for any changes.
• Sounds: Note any changes in the vehicle’s sounds as they could indicate an issue under the hood.
• Leaks: Investigate any pooling under the vehicle that occurred while it was parked overnight.

Your fleet’s safety and operational efficiency depend on regular and thorough inspections. Use this checklist as a starting point to customize your own inspection routine to fit your specific needs.

Stay proactive and ensure your vehicles are always in top condition.

For all your fleet maintenance and servicing needs, contact us at +254 759 115 253 / +254 700 949 906 or book online at https://automotivedoctor.co.ke/book-appointment.