Operating a VTC is subject to much stricter standards than those for private individuals. Your vehicle must meet specific criteria: it must be at least 4.50 metres long, 1.70 metres wide and have a power output of at least 84 kW (around 115 hp). However, hybrid and electric engines are exempt from these size and power requirements. You should also bear in mind that the age limit for operation is generally set at 6 or 7 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main obligation remains the annual roadworthiness test from the first year of registration. Legislation has become stricter: strict attention is now paid to manufacturer recall campaigns classified as \u00abserious\u00bb. If your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall and has not been repaired, it will undergo a critical secondary inspection. The consequence? The vehicle may no longer be driven after midnight on the day of the inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Urban traffic, with its traffic jams and constant restarts, puts the mechanics to a severe test. Manufacturers' standard recommendations are not suited to your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lubrication and fluids<\/strong> Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. In town, it quickly becomes contaminated. An oil change every 10,000 km (or even 8,000 km in the city centre) with a high-performance synthetic oil is vital. Don't neglect the other fluids: coolant loses its properties and becomes corrosive, requiring regular draining. Brake fluid, which absorbs moisture, must be replaced every two years or 50,000 km, or you risk losing all braking efficiency in the event of heavy use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filtration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Filters are your engine's shield:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drive train<\/strong> Contrary to what some manufacturers promise, the oil in an automatic gearbox (BVA) does not last \u00abfor life\u00bb for a professional. An oil change every 60,000 to 80,000 km is essential to avoid jerking and breakage. As far as the engine is concerned, you should pay close attention to the timing belt replacement schedule (often around 120,000 km); a broken belt will destroy the engine in a fraction of a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going electric simplifies the mechanics, but shifts the financial risk to the high-voltage battery, which often represents 30 % to 40 % of the vehicle's value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To minimise chemical stress to the cells, apply the golden rule: keep the charge level between 20 % and 80 % for your usual rounds. Only charge to 100 % before a long journey, and leave immediately afterwards. Give preference to slow charging (AC) as much as possible, as fast charging (DC) generates a lot of heat, which accelerates the ageing of the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, take advantage of regenerative braking to relieve the strain on your mechanical brakes. But be careful: brake discs can rust if they are used less. A simple annual visual check is all you need to prevent this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your customers rate their runs largely on ride comfort. Under-inflating your tyres by just 0.5 bar increases your fuel consumption by 2.4 % and degrades steering precision. Remember to check your tyre pressure monthly when cold and rotate your tyres every 10,000 km to even out the wear, a practice that is all the more important on electric vehicles because of their instant torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to suspension, bear in mind that shock absorbers start to lose their effectiveness significantly after 80,000 km. Tired shock absorbers extend braking distances and transmit road vibrations to the passenger compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way you drive has a direct impact on the mechanics. A few simple reflexes can make all the difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A neglected passenger compartment is the number one cause of bad marks. Shake out your floor mats and ventilate the cabin between journeys. Every three months, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rubber seals on your doors to prevent them from cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the time comes to replace your vehicle, a clear history will make all the difference. Using a certified digital service book reassures the buyer and can increase the resale price by 10 % to 15 %. When it comes to repairs, avoid cheap adaptable parts for safety components and insist on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts: they prevent a cascade of breakdowns. Finally, having your vehicle scanned every six months via the OBD2 socket allows you to spot minor electronic faults before they trigger an engine warning light.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our maintenance tips to maximise the life of your VTC vehicle, reduce breakdowns and optimise your profitability.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1056485,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1694080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vehicule-technologie"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
\n\n\n\nElectrics and hybrids: Protecting your battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSuspension: Tyres and shock absorbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEco-driving and preventive actions in everyday life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nBrand image and resale value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n