Most tradesmen rely heavily on their vehicles on a day to day basis, as not only do they transport them from one job to another but they also carry everything they need to complete each job. This means that the value of their vehicles is usually much more than those who just use them for commuting, and therefore they need to be treated as such.

As tradesmen are required to put extra effort into the care and maintenance of their vehicles it’s a wise idea for them to also get as much value out of them as possible. Investing in your vehicle can not only improve your business but also attract new customers, and here we look at four ways this can be achieved:

Invest in Livery

Whether you own a company or are self-employed, investing in livery for your vehicle is a great way to promote your company and demonstrate that you are a professional business that customers can trust. When looking for a new tradesman one of the first things people think about is names that they have heard of before, so it is of the utmost importance you promote yours as much as possible. Investing in livery can be expensive at times, especially if you require complex designs or have a large amount of vehicles in your company fleet. However, the return on investment can be huge, just as long as you make sure you budget before any work is carried out.

Maintain Vehicles Regularly

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you get the most out of your company vehicles is to carry out regular maintenance. Keeping your vehicles in good working condition means they will last longer and won’t let you down when you need them the most. In order to keep your vehicles well maintained make sure you regularly check the oil and water levels, and don’t forget that during different months the dilution of coolant will need to be altered. It’s also extremely important you check your tyre pressures on a regular basis, as carrying heavy loads can have a detrimental effect on your tyres if they’re not the right pressure. If you own a business it may be a good idea to remind your employees to carry out these checks before they embark on each job, that way you can be safe in the knowledge their vehicles are always in good condition.

Keep your Vehicles Clean

Being a tradesman, you are probably used to being covered with paint, plaster, sawdust and everything in between, and more often than not these substances can transfer onto your vehicle. Even though it may seem futile to keep cleaning your vehicle, the fact of the matter is that a clean vehicle makes your company look more professional to customers. Furthermore, old paint and rust can eventually damage both your vehicle and your tools, which means that you will have to pay out in the long run. In order to keep your vehicle looking good make the time each month to give it a thorough clean both inside and out, that way it will stay in prime condition.

Take Safety Seriously

Whether you are driving to a job or your vehicle is parked up for the evening, safety should always be at the forefront of any tradesman’s mind. Even though some tradesmen liability insurance policies can include cover for vehicles, it’s always better to prevent an issue than to deal with it at a later date. While driving, make sure all your tools are safely secured and that they won’t move around during your journey. At night, remove all your tools from your vehicle, and park it somewhere safe such as a driveway or a locked garage. Trade vehicles are often targeted by thieves due to the fact that tools can be extremely expensive, and so you need to take extra care when it comes to protecting them.

Commercial vehicles used by tradesmen are not usually cheap to buy, and so you want to make sure you receive a good return on investment for each model. Keeping them well maintained, safe and looking pristine at all times is a great way to make the most out of your vehicles, and could even improve your business.