Similar to the damage done to paint, animal droppings, bugs, dust, dirt, and other debris impede air from reaching the engine. This causes the engine to exert more effort to compensate.
To ensure a smooth drive and maximum fuel efficiency, check with your manufacturer how often you should change your air filter. Generally, it’ s recommended to change air filters every 10,000 – 20,000 kilometres. Doing this regularly will help fleet owners save costs considerably.
❎ Don’ t: Leave radiator inspection and maintenance to the last minute.
We can’ t say it enough— inspection is crucial, especially for a vehicle’ s radiator. A hotter environment makes for a hotter engine. The inside of the radiator should be scrutinised for signs of rust and corrosion, while the coolant needs to be checked for debris. Don’ t forget to drain and flush the fluid regularly.
✅ Do: Invest in training your team for weather-related vehicle maintenance.
Training and education are key to preparing your team for any occasion, especially if vehicles or equipment breakdown unexpectedly. Education can help anyone in your team adapt to new circumstances, devices, and even environmental changes. The effects of weather can’ t be controlled, so the best you can do is to prepare your team.
❎ Don’ t: Assume there’ s nothing more to learn.
There’ s no such thing as a ceiling on knowledge. New vehicles, products, and solutions are released regularly and there’ s always a new way to do something. Fleet managers, owners, technicians, and drivers need to evolve alongside their organisation, the industry, and the world— lest they are left behind.
22 ISSUE 53 JUNE 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU