Maintenance Tips for Long Term Truck Rental
Companies using a truck rental on a long-term basis to supplement their existing fleet may also have a service person on duty to check regular maintenance issues such as the levels of oil and antifreeze, as well as, the condition of the wiper blades or fan belts. But, for the lone freelancer or contractor, who uses a rental truck for a week or two at a time, maintenance should be conducted regularly to ensure the proper working condition of the truck and to avoid potential accidents when driving the rental truck.
There are many landscapers, plumbers and carpenters who take on extra work making a little spending money on their days off from their regular job. But, they might not own a personal truck that they can use to carry the supplies and tools to the job. A truck rental is handy because they can make better use of their time. Also, contractors who have bigger jobs to complete may keep the rental truck for a week or two or even a month. Because the truck rental is not their personal property, however, does not mean that regular maintenance should not be performed.
To ensure optimum use of the rental truck, and to avoid accidents, a renter should treat the truck rental as if it was his own. Thus, some of the more common maintenance tips are:
1. Check the windshield washer fluid to make sure it is full and remember in the winter to use fluid that is conducive to cold weather temperatures.
2. Make sure the wiper blade motor works and the wiper blades are not cracked or broken.
3. Test the brakes while driving the truck.
4. Check all mirrors on the truck and use them in the proper positioning to make sure they move accordingly.
5. Add air to the tires if required. Make sure the pressure corresponds with the season.
6. Check the antifreeze and use the right temperature rating for the season.
7. Make sure the oil is properly filled.
8. In states where the winter is extreme, check all inside heating and blowers to make sure they are working. Plug in the block heater and battery warmer to make sure both accessories work
9. Check the horn, headlights and signal lights.
10. Do not forget to turn off the lights when rental truck not in use, as a dead battery will not help you.
11. If using a rental truck to carry building supplies or make deliveries to customers, line the floor of the truck to keep your goods clean.
12. Sweep out the rental truck regularly, so that when you load more supplies, they are kept neater and cleaner.
Remember also, that in some instances, if you have not topped up or filled some of the liquids in the truck rental, extra charges can be added to your final bill for any damages. Find out from the truck rental agency whether you must pay to replace broken wipers or whether the company provides reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses.
Further, do not assume that the person before you checked the rental vehicle or even that the truck rental location has checked over the vehicle. Verify the above twelve tips yourself to assure yourself of the truck's safety. Sometimes, though, it is not even a case of safety, but rather, convenience. Having a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid in the truck is much more pleasant than an empty one.
While it is true that the user of the rental truck should check minor things to ensure safety and convenience, the truck rental location must provide actual repairs and regular inspections of the brakes, front end, and suspension. Even if you keep the truck rental on a long-term basis, it is not expected that the user would carry out serious repairs on the rental vehicle. In most instances if something needs replacing, it would be repaired by the rental company.
In addition, you should inquire about the truck rental company's policies concerning towing, minor maintenance, and major repairs while the rental vehicle is in your possession. You might even want to compare the policies between truck rental companies before committing to one business over another, especially when keeping the truck rental for a substantial period of time.
Even before removing the truck from the lot, there may exist signs that the trucks in general are in ill repair. If the vehicles have damages and scratches, are dirty inside, and lacking in fluids, these may be indications that the truck rental agency does not properly inspect their vehicles. There is no point in taking a chance with more serious problems. Find a location or rental dealer that caters to proper customer service and safety.
Some of the major truck rental companies have authorized service centers throughout the country. Obtain a list of garages so in the event that something happens, most likely you can get the l problem fixed rather quickly. Also, some of the companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance, so keep the number and contact information handy for easy reference in a jam.
Damages and scratches from banging into poles, scraping buildings, and dinging other vehicles are not considered maintenance on a truck rental. The responsibility is on you to keep the vehicle free from damage, as the rental location may charge damage fees to repair the vehicle.
Without doubt, truck rental deals definitely come in handy for contractors, landscapers, and companies with large fleets of trucks. Some truck renting companies offer special packages for long-term rentals in the form of leases and even rent-to-own packages, which may or may not contain maintenance contracts.
In summary, while it is true the truck rental agency is responsible for the safety standards on its vehicles, and must provide any necessary repairs, the company or individual using the rental truck should take precautions. In order to avoid potential damages, and also, to avoid costly charges, small preventative maintenance measures such as checking the fluids will benefit the truck renter.