When it comes to maintaining a fleet of vehicles, it takes more than regular oil changes and tire rotations. A vehicle’s glass, for example, is often one of the overlooked maintenance tasks that a business fleet should regularly check.
Cracked windshields, chipped windows, and foggy side mirrors may seem minor, but they pose serious risks to both safety and efficiency. Ensuring smooth operations, maintaining a professional image, and staying compliant are just a few of the reasons for why fleet glass maintenance is important.
Ignoring your fleet vehicles’ glass can result in larger issues. For example, a small glass chip can quickly spread into a major crack, requiring full glass replacement. Taking a vehicle out of service, for any length of time, can lead to costly delays and impact your bottom line.
Below we discuss the role of fleet glass, the benefits of repairing damaged windows, and best practices to avoid future issues.
Role of Glass in Fleet Safety & Performance
In order to provide drivers with the safest navigation, it’s important to make sure the vehicles they’re driving don’t have damaged glass. Vision can easily be obstructed if the windshield is chipped or cracked. At night and when driving into the sun, there’s an increased likelihood of light glare and reflecting happening due to large cracks.
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), along with federal regulations, requires commercial vehicles to meet specific safety standards. As part of these safety measures, mirrors and windows must be maintained. Failure to do so can lead to fines, failed maintenance inspections, and, in a worse case scenario, the grounding of one or more of your fleet vehicles.
Key Benefits of Regular Fleet Glass Maintenance
The benefits of proper fleet glass maintenance greatly outweigh the costs and consequences of neglect, such as expensive repairs, vehicle downtime, and safety risks.
#1 Cost Savings on Repairs & Replacements
Addressing minor vehicle damage early can save your business significant money in the long run. A small chip takes only a few minutes for a professional patch and it costs a fraction of what a full window replacement will set you back.
If you leave chipped glass unattended, it will grow and, eventually, require a complete windshield replacement. Fix your glass chips early and avoid a bigger headache.
#2 Minimized Downtime for Vehicles
We don’t need to remind you that downtime equals lost revenue. Keeping your fleet glass maintenance up reduces the chance of your vehicle ending up in the shop. Addressing minor issues promptly ensures quick repairs and keeps your fleet on the road—better serving your business.
#3 Enhanced Professional Image & Customer Trust
To many of your customers, a well-maintained vehicle reflects the overall professionalism of your business. Cracked, chipped, or dirty glass gives the wrong impression to customers and may even raise concerns about safety and reliability.
Clean, intact windows and windshields demonstrate to others that your business takes pride in its fleet and values attention to detail.
Best Practices for Fleet Glass Maintenance
Here are a few of the best practices for fleet managers who wish to keep their vehicle in top-shape:
Regular Inspections
When it comes to conducting glass inspections, you should conduct them weekly or monthly at a minimum. It takes just a minute to walk around the vehicle and take note of any glass issues.
Drivers should be responsible for reporting new chips or cracks and if there is any cloudiness present on the windows. Don’t forget to give the side and rearview mirrors a look to make sure they function as intended.
Prompt Repairs & Replacements
If you get a chip, don’t wait until it turns into a spidering crack to address it. Small chips can be repaired in a fraction of the time with a resin injection system–saving you time and money over a full glass replacement.
Choosing the Right Auto Glass Partner
Fleet maintenance is an ongoing activity that becomes easier when you partner with the right companies – mechanic, tire shop, and glass repair business, to name a few.
If you are in Flagstaff or a nearby community, turn to Inspector’s Auto Glass for quick, reliable, and affordable glass repair services. Our team has the expertise, the right tools, and turnaround time your business deserves.
Investing in Quality Glass & Protective Coatings
High-quality glass and protective coating can extend the amount of time your fleet stays roadworthy. Enhancing water repellency, reducing sun glare, and preventing chips from happening in the first place is a great way to keep your fleet in tiptop shape and brand reputation positive.
Get Fleet Glass Replacement & Repair in Flagstaff Today
Your company and its vehicle fleet deserves the best possible service. Inspector’s Auto Appearance strives to provide the highest levels of customer care through our team of knowledgeable technicians who bring decades of experience to each glass repair and replacement project we tackle.
If you need a company vehicle windshield repair in the Flagstaff area, reach out to schedule an appointment today. We’re excited to meet new customers and earn new long-term partners.
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