While the predicted late summer heatwave may be good news for those wishing to top up their tan, it is far from a holiday for fleet-reliant businesses.

High temperatures can cause no end of hassle for vehicles, drivers, dispatchers and many more. Everything from fatigue and discomfort to vehicle breakdown can potentially interrupt service and leave customers and staff feeling hot and bothered.

But while there is little we can do to keep temperatures down, several simple steps can help you keep your fleet moving over the summer months. Here are a few to help you get started.

Be prepared
Proper preparation can help you avoid many of the pitfalls associated with summer driving. Start with the basics by reminding your drivers to stay hydrated and dress appropriately as they take on their daily routes. Shorts, caps and loose clothing can all help to keep field workers cool while they’re hard at work.

On top of this, issue regular reminders to carry out vehicle checks at the start of the day. By checking fluid levels, tyre pressure and other basic vehicle functions, drivers can reduce the chances of breakdown – and avoid being stuck in the sweltering heat by the side of the road.

Manage your vehicle maintenance
Minor defects are not the only reason why vehicles may struggle in warmer weather. Excessive heat can also take its toll on hoses, belts and other vital parts.

A GPS fleet management solution can help you stay on top of routine part replacement, servicing and repairs with less effort. Simply set reminders for scheduled maintenance based on time, engine hours and other metrics to reduce excess wear and tear on your vehicles.

With live location and status data on every vehicle in your fleet, you can also find and send assistance to stranded drivers in the event of a breakdown.

Only drive the miles that matter
Unnecessary miles can quickly impact your bottom line at the best of times, increasing fuel consumption and wear and tear on your vehicles. But during hot weather, it can leave your drivers feeling tired and frustrated, too.

With a fleet tracking solution, you can account for factors like customer requirements, vehicle type and more to plot each day’s routes efficiently – giving you peace of mind that every mile you cover is necessary. Thanks to live location data, you can also quickly find the nearest driver to any new customer request and reroute drivers as required.

Keep your customers happy
As much as we may not want them to, stress levels tend to rise alongside the temperature. A simple miscommunication or a few minutes delay can quickly escalate to a complaint in the 40° heat.

Of course, sometimes delays are unavoidable, but fleet management technology can help you mitigate the impact when they occur. With an at-a-glance view of your mobile operation, you can monitor potential service interruptions, keep customers informed and manage expectations. Should any queries arise, you’ll have the information at your fingertips to respond faster and more accurately.

Easy access to GPS data also allows you to improve your service by providing live tracking information straight to your customers.

Stay calm, cool and in control – whatever the weather

A comprehensive GPS fleet management solution can help you monitor and manage your fleet all year round. But it certainly comes into its own in warmer months when soaring temperatures may be leaving their mark on your drivers and vehicles.

With masses of fleet data at your fingertips, you can make faster, smarter decisions, helping you keep your vehicles moving and your customers happy. And that’s not all. GPS fleet management technology can help you increase efficiency, boost profitability and promote safe driving across your fleet, come rain or shine.

Want to see how our fleet management applications could help your fleet this summer and beyond? Arrange a free demo to find out.