Diary of a fleet manager
Supported by
Diary of a ... fleet manager I
Our anonymous insider gives the lowdown on getting a fleet in shape.
have said many times before that tyres are one of my biggest headaches and it seems a never-ending problem for us. I read recently that a tyre fitting company – can’t say who they are, but apparently they have some quick fitters – say recent data has shown that pothole damage to vehicles is on the increase again. But it’s not only tyres that are costing money, but also mechanical parts too, such as suspension and wheels. Many cars need wheel alignment, plus the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) also need attention.
I know from our own experience that potholes are burning a big hole in our service and repair budget. But it’s not just the cost of repairs and replacement, it’s the inconvenience and time lost by our drivers. I would think the vast majority, if not all of our vehicles don’t have a spare wheel – they rely on the temporary fix kit, that often doesn’t work, or faces a hole too big to repair. Then they try to get someone out, or get it to a tyre fitter, and hope they can either repair it, or can quickly get a new tyre. And all of this is wasting the driver’s valuable time.
I have also carried out some intensive research on this subject, I called to see our small, local tyre shop, and asked him if the problem was growing. He too confirmed that business was great, and
getting better, due in part to potholes. I’m so glad somebody is happy about it.
As the weather is improving, it is noticeable that many of our office staff are now going outside for their morning and afternoon tea and coffee breaks. And pleased to see our EV charger is being used – it is the perfect shape and size to put a few mugs on, they all love it. But would love it even more if we could connect one of those heaters to it, like they have in pub gardens.
Our charger is operated via an app – you start the charge and finish it, or put on a timer all
a ‘low’ day under 100g, a ‘high’ day 219g, and a ‘very high’ day 318g. But these figures do vary wildly between different areas.
There will be areas where a lot of wind and solar is used, and there will be EV owners who produce their own means to get green electricity, so it’s not the same for everyone.
Now, I’m not bright enough to work out what all this means. I’ve tried looking it up, and trying to understand it, but to no avail. But the point is, do these figures mean there is more CO2 being produced to make the electricity, a lot less, or
“I know from our own experience that potholes are burning a big hole in our service and repair budget.”
using a mobile phone or a PC in the office. But recently I found on the App something called the “Grid CO2 Insights’ that tells you what the day’s forecast will be for CO2 emissions in your area. It does advise to charge during lower CO2 periods to reduce your footprint.
On a ‘moderate’ day it shows 132g CO2/kWh,
similar? I, unfortunately don’t have the answer, but it’s a really good idea to be able to see at a glance when it is a good, and bad time to charge a vehicle.
The trials and tribulations of the fleet manager (with light fleet duties) continue in the next edition of Business Car.
14 | May/June 2025 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
