FLEETDRIVE
layer not only helps the vehicle’ s paint last longer but also helps to protect the vehicle from sun damage and UV rays, which are especially strong during summer or in tropical regions.
Just like skin damage on humans, UV rays can do a serious number on a vehicle. These hot rays of sunlight can cause paint to fade and oxidize if waxing is not done on a regular basis. This tip is especially important for fleets with livery— where cleanliness of a vehicle and branding are tightly related. Customers will definitely get a better impression of an organisation if its branded fleet were clean, well-painted, and shiny.
❎ Don’ t: Give a quick wash and call it a day.
Warm weather means animals like birds and bugs come out of hiding. Your fleet is dirtied by contaminants such as dust, dead bugs, animal droppings, acid rain, and other pollutants. These small, sometimes microscopic, pollutants can get into the nooks and crannies of a vehicle. Bird droppings, especially, are acidic in nature and damage paint layers if left on for too long. Thus, a thorough and regular wash and wax are absolutely necessary.
✅ Do: Lower the PSI of your tyres to prevent damage.
Extra heat and humidity mean higher pressure for tyres. Higher temperatures cause air molecules to rise and expand, thus, significantly affecting both tyre performance, use, and quality. A good standard to go by is; for every difference of 10 ° C in temperature, lower tyre pressure by 1-2 PSI.
❎ Don’ t: Forget tyre checks!
Tighter tyre inspection is necessary in warmer climates as they become more vulnerable around heat. Not only does the outside temperature affect tyres, but the friction against hot roads too. Furthermore, heavy vehicles that travel on rough or extreme terrain bear even more damage during this season.
Overheated and overinflated tyres are also a risk in hot climates. You’ ll know a tyre is overheated when they’ re hot upon touching. A good way to relieve tyres is to stop the car and let them cool off or relieve them of excess air.
✅ Do: Pay close attention to your air filters.
It’ s a must to change air filters before summer comes along. For countries with sun all year long, air filter maintenance should occur regularly.
ISSUE 53 JUNE 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU 21