Q I am the transport manager of a
Page 45
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
company operating 15 dieselengined 10/15cwt vans. Their average yearly mileage is about 20,000; the vans are maintained in the company's workshops by a competent fitter and are replaced after approximately three years service. My managing director has asked me to assess the possible advantages of reverting to petrol-engined vehicles. What do you advise?
A In favour of the continued use of
diesel-engined vans in your case, is the fact that the vehicles are maintained by a competent fitter and they average more than 15,000 miles a year. Inquiries regarding the operation of diesel-engined vans in place of petrol-engined vehicles have in the past related to the possible advantages of changing over from petrol to diesel. And in such cases the operator has been advised that the diesel is the more economic if the vehicle covers a yearly mileage in excess of 12,000/15,000 given that a skilled diesel mechanic is employed and that suitable maintenance equipment is provided, together with an appropriate range of spares. So long as you can count on the services of a competent mechanic (or of a garage that provides a good diesel service) the continuing use of diesel-engined vehicles is undoubtedly your best policy.