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keeping them running
Page 61
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Ron Cater How often is the saying "Out of sight, out of mind," relevant in the transport world? Even when this attitude refers to units that can be seen but whose function is hidden, more often than not it results in an increase in costs--and if one is extra unlucky, a failure.
Most of the hoo-ha regarding preventive maintenance since plating and testing was introduced has been largely directed towards the safety aspect, and quite rightly so. But I wonder how often the additional work involved in bringing vehicles up to test standard has had repercussions on general servicing? On how many occasions have vehicles been dispatched from the garage with jobs still needing to be done that, in the past, would have been considered as of prime importance, but now take second place to legislative repair or renovation?
After all, fitters still only have one pair of hands and vehicles are still required to work a full week. And few of the smaller companies have made such significant, financial-. strides ahead as to be ,able to absorb SET, higher road-fund rates, insurance rates, increased wages and subsistence, and make substantial increases in the strength of fitting staff as well.
In the race for an increased share of the market firms manufacturing replacement parts for vehicles, offer services free if their particular products are specified. The system has spread from tyre companies which have long provided such services as a substitute for a small percentage of the discount normally allowed to fleet users, to brake-lining firms who will now reline shoes virtually free of charge in return for one's business, and oil companies who will provide dispensing equipment for use with their lubricants.
The latest offer is that of Fram Filters to give a free inspection of oil air and fuel filters to any fleet operating customer who puts in a request. It is yet another example of free. specialist service which is being made available—and in my opinion operators should take the fullest advantage of such offers. Interested operators should contact Mr Derek Hunt at Fram Filters Ltd, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, Glamorgan; telephone Pontypridd 4411.
Correction
On page 5.9 of our January issue the illustration of the A//chin W5OG oil heater inadvertently appeared on its side.