Fleets urged to ensure grey fleet drivers conduct SMR checks

Employers are being encouraged to educate grey fleet drivers – people who drive their own vehicle for work purposes – on the importance of regular service, maintenance and repair (SMR) checks. 

It comes after a survey, from Venson Automotive Solutions, revealed that more than a fifth of drivers admit to neglecting safety-critical vehicle checks like tyre tread depth and overall condition, and oil levels, relying instead on their annual MOT or service to pick up any problems. 

Encouraging routine checks and keeping to regular maintenance schedules, can help improve vehicle safety, reduce risks on the road and maximise vehicle uptime, says Venson.

Its survey examined how often motorists carry out 12 different maintenance checks, and whether they handle them personally, rely on family or friends, or just wait for the annual service/MOT.  

Of the 12 checks surveyed the least likely to be checked by the driver themselves was battery health, checking for corrosion, leaks or loose fittings, with only 27% of motorists inspecting battery health personally.  

This was followed by coolant and antifreeze levels, which just 51% felt confident enough to inspect. 

Motorists, however, were more proactive with windscreen wipers (64%), washer fluid levels (70%), clean headlamps (67%) and number plate visibility (81%) suggesting a disparity in maintenance knowledge and awareness.

Two-in five (42%) young drivers sought help from family members, compared to just 27% of 25-34-year-olds.

“Driver education, whether by a fleet management provider or in-house, is fundamental to effective grey fleet management,” said Lee O’Neill, operations director of Venson Automotive Solutions. 

“Our survey indicates that while many of the simpler SMR tasks like checking washer levels and number pate visibility are being done regularly by the drivers themselves, tasks like inspecting tyres can easily be neglected.”

He added: “By educating drivers on how to carry out all of the routine vehicle inspections, drivers can pick up on small problems before they become big issues. 

“Employers who combine this education and have defined policies in place to ensure advance bookings for services and MOT by their grey fleet drivers can really make a huge impact on driver risk management and road safety.”

Read how to protect your business reputation and costs by controlling your grey fleet.