WORKSHOP WAYS
Page 52
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
RENAULT TRAFIC 'A' SERVICE
FAST distribution companies such as London-based Churchill Express rely on speedy yet effective maintenance programmes to compete in the hectic business of 24-hour deliveries.
Most commercial vehicle manufacturers recognise this and constantly seek ways to make services easier and further apart. Scaled-for-life components, such as steering hall joints, propeller shaft universal couplings and swivel pins, eliminate greasing, and good access also helps to reduce down-time.
Apart from initial services at 800 and 3,200km (500 and 2,000 miles) for its diesel Trafic van, Renault insists on an A service every 8,000km (5,000 miles) up to the major B service at 64,0(X)km (40,000 miles) intervals. Providing no extra work is found, the A service can be completed in 1.5 hours, while the more extensive major service can take up to 2.5 hours.
Renault is soon to introduce a service "menu" for vans, similar to its car maintenance programme, which will let customers know at a glance exactly what his service consists of and the cost.
Our subject vehicle, one of Churchill Express's high-mileage fleet, was a T10001) front-wheel-drive Trafic van with 12,000 miles up in just two months on the road. We followed it through an A service in the workshops at Renault's London headquarters in Western Avenue — on the busy shop floor where not so many years ago saloon cars such as the Dauphine were built. Now, five small maintenance teams carry out preparation, service and repairs on Renault cars and light commercials for new and existing customers.
• by Bryan Jarvis. Pictures by Cohn Sowman