Smooth Operator: 5 Daily Habits that Dramatically Reduce Repair Frequency
Few things are as frustrating in the lives of busy working professionals as having equipment, machines, or vehicles fail or malfunction.
Suddenly, your daily grind has come to a grinding halt, and you must rush around trying to get everything back on track to keep your customers happy.
It can seem like it’s all part of the job - you expect to need to do repairs from time to time. However, what if there was a way to reduce repair frequency and enjoy more uptime and less downtime? Believe it or not, there is.
Here are five daily habits that just might help:
1. Adopt Smooth Operation Habits
Whether you’ve bought a used grape harvester for sale or a brand new one with zero hours on the clock, smooth operation habits can go a long way toward keeping your machine in good working order. The same can go for a vehicle you drive or any other machine or appliance you operate.
Avoid aggressive operations such as sudden starts, stops, and sharp turns, as these can stress engines and transmissions. Sustaining a steady speed and avoiding harsh braking and rapid or improper acceleration may also be helpful for maintaining your engine and its surrounding components.
2. Ensure Appropriate Storage
How you store your machine can make a difference in how frequently you have to repair it to keep it looking and working at its best. Always store machinery in clean, dry environments to avoid rust and wear. If you must store them outside, invest in covers to protect them from the weather. Alongside keeping components working at their best, you may also retain your equipment’s resale value.
3. Perform Daily Inspections
We tend to get into the habit of hopping in our vehicles and going. We don’t always give their inner mechanisms much thought - we just expect them to work perfectly. That can only happen for so long before you start facing frustrating breakdowns and costly repairs.
There are a number of things you can inspect daily to ensure your machine or vehicle will continue working at its best, including:
- Tire pressure and condition
- Engine oil levels
- Coolant levels
- Brake fluid and brakes
- Battery terminals and charge
- Wiper blades and fluid
- Lights and indicators
- Belts and hoses
- Fuel levels
- Exhaust system
Create a checklist with these items and any other relevant ones, and encourage all users to prioritize daily inspections.
4. Maintain Maintenance Records
When you’re so busy every day, it’s easy to forget about the maintenance you’ve performed and what you need to prioritize soon. Before you know it, something has fallen through the cracks, and you’ve experienced a catastrophic failure.
That’s why maintenance records can be so important. Keep a book or log detailing the parts you’ve replaced, when maintenance was performed, and when it’s due next. A digital calendar can also be helpful so you can receive reminders on your mobile device.
5. Operate As Intended
Shortcuts can be a great way to get things done quicker. However, save your shortcuts for everyday business processes, not machinery and vehicles. Always operate them as intended to ensure your safety and that of the people around you. If you’re unsure if something you’re doing is safe or appropriate, refer to the user manual. Work-related transportation incidents are far too common.
In Conclusion
Every vehicle, machine, and piece of equipment will need repairs throughout its lifetime. However, the nature and frequency of those repairs can depend on just how well you maintain your equipment. By prioritizing these actions above, you can dramatically reduce the repair frequency and keep more money in your back pocket.
