Prepare vehicles that will be out of service for more than one week

In cases where the operations of the organisation are reduced due the impact of the corona virus pandemic transport demand will decrease. The number of vehicles in operation should be based on the transport demand. Where demand has reduced the fleet size should be scaled down and some of, or perhaps even all, of the fleet grounded until operations resume.

Carry out maintenance and repair

As it will be uncertain when the transport demand will fully resume, the reduction in transport demand provides the opportunity to carry out non-urgent or non-essential maintenance and repair.

All vehicles should be inspected and any remedial work to bring the vehicles to the highest operation standard should be performed.

If the decrease in demand is expected to be prolonged a transport needs assessment should be conducted and the fleet size adjusted to meet demand. This may include the long-term parking of some vehicles. For any vehicles that will be out of service for longer than one week the following steps should be taken to ensure the vehicle condition does not deteriorate and the vehicle will be fully serviceable when operations resume.

Prepare vehicles for long-term storage

It is essential to keep the vehicles in good running order while off the road.There are essential steps to take before you store a vehicle. This will preserve the life of the vehicle and ensure that it is fully operational when transport demand returns and the vehicles is put back in service.

Before parking the vehicle, the following steps are recommended:

• Any pending maintenance and /or repairs should be completed.
• The vehicle should be cleaned thoroughly both inside and out. All non-essential equipment

  should be removed from the inside of the vehicle.

• The fuel tank/s should be filled completely.
• If possible, the vehicle should be parked under cover – in a covered parking area or secure

  warehouse.

• The vehicle should be left with first gear engaged and the parking brake off. For automatic

  vehicles the gear selector should left in Park.

• The battery should be disconnected or connected to a trickle charger. In cases where the

  vehicle is fitted with a tracking system or other non-standard electrical equipment this is

  particularly important.

• The windscreen wipers should be extended so that the blades are not in contact with the

  windscreen

• Ideally, the vehicle should be started and driven for a few kilometres on a weekly basis. This will address the risks of the battery going flat and the tyres deteriorating. Tyres may suffer from fat spots if the vehicle is left without moving for prolonged periods.

Prepare vehicles to re-enter service.
Once transport demand returns and the vehicle is required for operational service the following checks should be conducted before use:

• Check under the bonnet for any evidence of animal infestation. Look for chewed belts, hoses, wires or nests.
• Check the windshield wipers to see if the rubber is cracked or brittle.
• Check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended pressures.
• Check the brakes. Rust may have accumulated on the discs. In most cases, it should go away

  after you drive the vehicle for a short time.

• Check all fluid levels to make sure there have been no leaks and that they are at the

  recommended levels.

• If the battery cable has been disconnected, make sure that you reconnect it and that the

  battery terminals are clean.

• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt that may have accumulated.

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