Garage door springs remain as an essential component in letting the door operates smoothly, without encountering problems.
Springs works alongside the lift cables in carrying the overhead door, which means it almost has every weight during the operation: both opening and closing.
Because it is one of the components that are usually functioning and plays a massive role, literally, for sure, it would break eventually.
There are many different reasons why a spring might break.
Nonetheless, if it suddenly snaps, make sure to call Garage Door Repair Pittsburgh or overhead door repair and have them check the problem immediately.
REASON WHY YOUR SPRINGS MAY SNAP
Since it always needs to function every time you operate your garage door, it is only natural that it will wear out.
According to experts, spring can only work 10,000 times, so if you run your door more than four times a day, then its lifespan would probably last to seven years.
The lifespan is not the only issue or factor in the aging of the springs and the lack of lubrication.
Lubrication helps prevent springs from rusting quickly. So without the lubrication, the spring will wear out quickly.Debris can also result in broken springs as it blocks the compression that happens when you operate the door.
That means that the spring cannot correctly function since there is something that jams it.If the item is not removed immediately, then more likely, it will cause damage to the spring over time, and eventually, snap, letting the door suddenly drop.
The last thing that will make your springs break is your irresponsibility in operating the door properly.If you aggressively lift and close the door, then the spring will be under a lot more tension since you are adding more force for it to receive.
That is why, if you have that kind of habit, more or less, the lifespan of your springs will shorten.Now those are the reason that could cause your garage door springs to break. Knowing those, you must do what it takes to avoid having those situations happening to you.
THINGS TO DO IF YOUR SPRINGS SNAP
If ever you have done what it takes to avoid your spring from snapping, like removing the debris, carefully operating the door, or even lubricating it, then the reason behind it would be natural aging.
As said above, a garage door springs have a limited time of compression it can handle, so being beyond the 10,000 will make it snap.There are a lot of ways that you could do to deal with a broken spring, but leaving it alone is not part of it.
If you did not repair it immediately, it could cause many problems and accidents in your garage, things like the door falling, damaging your car or your kids, and something like that.So make sure to have a proper response to avoid the unnecessary incidents from occurring.
The first thing you will have to do is call for a garage door repair company or garage door emergency service, have the springs inspected, and have their crew fix the problems.
It might take something like 30 bucks or so, but it is worth it since it can prevent you from spending a lot more money on compromising accidents.If you think you can handle the repair yourself, then here is the step-by-step guide you should take.
First is to identify the type of spring you need to replace; it should be either the torsion spring or the extension spring.Torsion springs are mostly found above the door as its primary purpose is to store the weight it is carrying in its compression and releasing it once you close the door.
Extension springs are found on the side of the door as it acts as support, so the torsion spring will not need to carry every weight by itself.
The next thing you have to do is, of course, buy replacements.Even if only one of the springs is broken, both of them should be replaced to make the calibration easily.
Lastly, install the springs.
Ensure that the springs you will remove are not compressed so that if you detach it from the rod, it will not release the force and damage you.
flotillaiot
@flotillaiot
Flotilla IoT is a fully integrated and automated telematics system designed to provide accurate GPS tracking and fleet management to businesses.
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Garage Door Spring Repair: What You Need To Know
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How to enhance fleet fuel efficiency
The fleet businesses have a lot of aspects to consider. From inventory management to monitoring daily trips, there is a lot to do. A lot of resources are required to run the day-to-day operations smoothly. Out of all of such resources, fuel is probably the most vital one. Without the availability of an ample amount of fueling, daily operations cannot continue.
Every company has a goal of achieving ultimate fuel efficiency. How to do it? That is one question that arises in everyone's head. In this blog, we will discuss the various ways to improve the fuel efficiency of a fleet.
Training Drivers:
A driver is the captain of the ship in fleet operations and has a massive impact on the overall business outcome. Therefore, every company desires an efficient team of drivers that can help them achieve business targets. However, finding such drivers is easier said than done. There are always certain professional areas that require improvement. It can be done through proper training and guidance.
Conducting a driver training program is a common practice now. From fuel-efficient driving to handling emergencies like accidents or theft, drivers are taught about everything. A well-trained group of drivers not only saves a lot of fuel expense but also ensures safety. Therefore, it is advisable to allocate a budget for driver training as it has long-term benefits.
Focus on preventive maintenance:
The vehicle's health is a vital aspect to consider for a fleet manager. Without it, productivity will drop, and there is also a risk of accidents. So, it is essential to do the regular maintenance of the vehicles to keep their condition good. As a manager, make it your habit of conducting routine vehicle inspections to ensure that everything is fine. It would be best to look for leaks, corrosion, and other factors that can affect efficiency.
One thing to keep in mind is to execute preventive maintenance before it becomes due. The reason for doing so is to ensure that vehicle's service is done before any damage happens. With the help of fleet management software, managers can set maintenance reminders for various aspects. From engine oil to tires, notification alerts can be activated for all maintenance needs, ensuring a healthy fleet.
Use a Fleet management system:
A fleet management system is the once and for all solution to all managerial needs. It covers all the areas of operations, from vehicle monitoring to staff management. These solutions monitor the fuel level of vehicles in real-time. With the consumption of fuel, the monitoring platform shows the levels dropping. This way, the manager can gauge daily consumption and detect any leaks immediately.
The latest fleet management system use various sensors to detect the driver’s behavior during trips. If the driver crosses the speed limit or takes sharp turns, the sensors will show it on the software. Therefore, rash driving can be detected, and the manager can hold the driver accountable for it. With the fear of accountability, drivers will try to drive carefully, resulting in efficiency. In addition to that, these systems also help preventing accidents.
Pay Attention to every factor:
Usually, the casual approach by the drivers is responsible for excessive gas consumption. The little things that are taken for granted can result in a substantial financial loss for the business. For example, the trunk's extra weight can put more pressure on the engine, resulting in more consumption. Air Conditioner (AC) usage also consumes fuel; therefore, it should be only used when necessary.
Like keeping the fuel tanks’ cap on and wheel alignment, several other factors can also result in wastage of fuel. Also, the route taken can also have a significant impact on consumption. For example, if the path is uneven or slippery, the engine uses more fuel. Therefore, a manager needs to consider all these aspects to minimize usage.
Use fuel cards:
A fuel card is an excellent product to solve fueling worries. It provides a quick fueling mechanism where the drivers can gas up their tanks with one swipe. These cards have various reporting tools that provide data on the gas consumption of vehicles. It saves the managers from administrative problems like making fueling receipts as everything is available in one place. The companies can integrate card data with a fleet management system for automating operations.
The managers can analyze the consumption trends of all the vehicles and identify the loopholes. With valuable insights, the company can remove inefficiencies, saving a lot of expense.
The fleet fuel efficiency is the goal of every business, regardless of its scale and scope. The company needs to address all the areas that can be responsible for excessive consumption. By following the guidelines mentioned above, any business can control its fuel expense and enhance profitability.
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Top 10 practices every fleet manager should adopt
Fleet managers are responsible for looking after all the operations. From managing staff to checking the condition of the vehicle, they are juggling many jobs at a time. They have to communicate with all the business departments from lower to higher management.
With a massive amount of work to do, it is hard for managers to maintain efficiency. They are likely to lose concentration due to excessive stress failing to meet the business needs. However, by adopting some simple habits, they can make their job easy.
In this blog, we will discuss ten such practices.
Put a Focus on Fuel Management:
The fuel is one of the essential factors in daily fleet operations. Excessive usage can be very costly, decreasing the overall profitability. Therefore, fuel management holds the key to the success of the business. Using different fuel management solutions can be helpful to gauge the consumption trends and identifying problem areas. Fuel cards are a popular product to monitor the fuel consumption.
The modern fleet management systems also offer fuel management features. They help gauge the daily consumption and compile reports. In addition to that, the usage of sensors helps detect any leaks or inefficient driving.Use Technology:
In this era, technology is the need of every business, and fleet operations are no different. According to an estimate, companies using fleet management software will double their revenue by 2022. Therefore, managers should employ them to facilitate routine operations. Using other systems like management information systems and fuel management systems is also helpful to streamline operations.
Communicate with your Team:
Communication is necessary for running successful operations. The manager cannot only rely on management systems to control daily affairs. There should be an open line of communication between managers and drivers where both can share information in real-time. Modern fleet management systems use black boxes or communication ports for this purpose. The live two-way communication helps resolve problems instantly, facilitating the smooth running of operations.
Emphasize on Reporting:
Reporting helps the managers to check every business aspect at a broader scope. From daily fuel consumption to the drivers’ performance, vehicle tracking solutions cover everything. With monthly reports, the managers can analyze the performance trends helping in detecting the areas requiring improvement. It helps companies choose the best options for themselves, facilitating in generating revenue.Use a Financial Management System:
Many financial transactions happen during daily operations. It becomes challenging for managers to keep track of them. To save and organize financial data, using management systems is a proven technique. They can help record all the transactions with fulfilling other requirements like financial statements and balance sheets. These solutions are also helpful for auditing purposes, ensuring transparency of the business.
Familiarize with New Trends:
The telematics industry is continuously evolving. Managers must keep themselves updated about the evolving needs of the field. If they rely on obsolete practices, it can hurt the overall business outcome.
One way to keep yourself familiar with new trends is by researching about it. There is a lot of information related to industry developments available on the internet. In addition to that, checking the business model of successful businesses can also be helpful.
Ensure Safety:
A good manager is the one that prioritizes safety over everything. It is essential to protect both driver and the vehicle during trips. The latest management software offer various safety features that can help ensure safety. For example, preventive maintenance, eco-friendly drive, driver verification, theft alarms. All these features decrease the probability of accidents and also improve efficiency.
Make Data-Driven Decisions:
Telematics operations produce a lot of data daily. The managers’ job is not only restricted to organizing and managing it. They also have to analyze it to take important decisions and make a business strategy. Good managers do not take impulsive or emotional decisions; instead, they rely on factual data before making any move. A fleet management system provides real-time metrics and reports helping managers make informed decisions.
Adopt Preventive Maintenance:
Without properly maintaining the vehicles, a business can never be productive. A manager should be proactive when it comes to maintenance. It is an excellent habit to conduct regular inspections to check any issues like corrosion or leaks. The fleet management software assists managers in managing every aspect of the vehicle effectively. They offer notification alerts and maintenance schedules to ensure the timely service of the vehicles.
Set Business Goals:
Without any targets, managers can lose motivation, and business profits can also suffer. Therefore it is essential to set short-term and long-term goals to achieve the desired business objectives. The managers can motivate the team members with rewards to get the best performance from them. They should check the team's daily progress and analyze the requirements to be fulfilled to keep on the right track.
Different managers have different approaches to get the best results for the business. However, following the guidelines mentioned above will help them do their job effectively.
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Top ten GPS tracking devices for vehicles in 2021
GPS tracking devices are the basis for the working of fleet management systems. By mounting them on an object, one can view its real-time tracking. Due to their huge demand in the telematics industry, the manufacturers remain pretty busy all the time.
Different types of GPS trackers are available in the market these days. In this blog, we will discuss the top ten of them in detail.
Americaloc GL 300W:
If you are looking for an example of the latest GPS tracking device, Americaloc GL 300W GPS Tracker is the one. It comes with CAT M1 technology with long battery life and provides one year of tracking history. The tracking can be done through a computer or any mobile device. Its mobile app is available for both Android and IOS. Americaloc GL 300W offers different configuration options with location updating in 10, 30, and 60 seconds.MOTOSafety:
MOTOsafety is a 4G GPS tracker developed for a wide-scale of applications ranging from personal to vehicle tracking. The wireless connectivity feature makes it convenient to link it to any object. It has excellent inbuilt power and does not need extra batteries. A big benefit of MOTOsafety is that its real-time reporting feature. It is preferably used for new drivers to monitor their performance.Zubie GL500C12M:
The Zubie GL500C12M device mainly focuses on ensuring safety and training amateur drivers. It offers excellent monitoring of driver behavior and notifies whenever there is unsafe driving. The best part of this device is its always-on 3G availability that offers convenient connectivity options. You can connect the device with the ZUBIE app to track and monitor the movement of the object.Linxup OBD GPS Tracker:
Linux OBD is a highly economical yet practical GPS tracker with easy installation via the car’s OBS port. Along with the standard tracking features, there is the availability of Google Maps, maintenance tracking, driver performance reports, text and email alerts, etc. Linux OBD is compatible with all the vehicles launched in 1996 and onwards.Vyncs GPS Tracker:
Vyncs tracker is a modern-day device that tracks engine diagnostics, unsafe driver behavior, maintenance requirements, fuel levels, etc. It comes with a tracking app VyncsMiles, that is also compatible with Amazon Alexa. The one-of-a-kind features like roadside assistance and driver scoring system make Vyncs a highly reliable option for ensuring safe driving.Optimus 2.0 GPS Tracker:
Optimus 2.0 is an excellent car tracker with an app for both Android and IOS devices. It has a small size and comes with a twin-magnet case that is great to disguise it. The internal motion sensor puts it on standby mode when not in use, improving the battery timing. It allows notifications via SMS and email on pressing the tracker button. The mobile app for live tracking is also available with Optimus 2.0.Autobrain:
Autobrain is one of the latest tracking devices mentioned in the list. This powerful tracker offers innovative features like trip reports, maintenance alerts, geofence alerts, emergency response, etc. Its mobile app comes with a crash response feature that calls the emergency contact whenever there is a collision. Autobrain has a smart diagnostics feature available that decodes any issues with the vehicle quickly.SpyTec GL300:
SpyTec GL300 is a two-inch tracking device and can be attached to any vehicle ranging from bikes to large commercial trucks. It comes with two-week battery life and has fast-tracking due to 4G usage. The intuitive features like map tracking view, customized boundaries, option to pull historical data make SpyTec GL300 an option to consider. The IOS and Android apps provide real-time notification alerts of the location.The Mileage Ace:
The Mileage Ace uses rapid capture GPS and is custom-built to create accurate mileage logs. It comes with a vast internal memory that can keep a vast amount of data. The automatically-generated mileage logs ensure more accuracy and transparency in the data. The Mileage Ace offers cloud storage, ensuring that there is no loss of useful data.Automatic AUT-450C:
Automatic AUT-450C uses 3G technology to provide live location tracking. The in-built car code scanners help decode different car maintenance issues, including the check engine light. It offers compatibility with IFTTT, Alexa, and Nest, providing several convenient connectivity options. Automatic emergency alerts are a huge benefit to handle accidents effectively.GPS tracking devices are an integral component of modern Fleet Management software. The efficiency of these devices determines operational proficiency. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to detail while selecting trackers, and the information mentioned above can help make an informed choice.
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Advantages of Using Fleet Management Software
Fleet management is a detailed subject encompassing various aspects. There is a lot to handle from managing and monitoring vehicles to taking care of the staff activities. In such a hectic routine, a fleet management software emerges as a blessing. They not only help perform tasks quickly but also ensure efficiency.
Nowadays, most companies deploy monitoring solutions to handle their transportation operations. It helps them enhance their productivity resulting in more profits. Let us look at the benefits of vehicle management systems in more detail.
Makes the Manager's job easy:
Managers have the most important role to play in fleet operations. They are responsible for looking after all the affairs ranging from vehicle tracking and maintenance to driver management. It can become hectic for them to juggle so many tasks at once. However, the fleet management software makes their life easy. They allow them to conduct all the jobs much efficiently and conveniently.The managers can use the monitoring software to their advantage and conduct operations much quicker. For example, they do not need to compile lengthy records on paper as management solutions allow them to organize everything. They can assign the task to the drivers and check their performance through a single click.
Helps in Effective Maintenance:
The condition of the vehicles determines their efficiency. Regardless of the size, if a vehicle is maintained effectively, it can enhance productivity and profitability. The different parts of the machinery are prone to wear and tear, resulting in a bigger technical issue. Therefore it is essential to adopt a proactive approach like preventive maintenance to avoid such situations. It involves inspections and quick repairs to keep a healthy running fleet.A fleet management system help managers schedule the service and repair requirements in preference order. They can check the maintenance jobs after completion to keep their track. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the monitoring solutions informs the managers about the spare parts that need replacement. This way, the automobiles are kept in a mint condition that helps improve their effectiveness.
Provides Data Insights:
Telematics processes produce a massive amount of data. This data is used for the betterment of daily operations. As management software keep a record of every little move, they can generate different time-based reports. Whether you talk about the engine running and idling time or the fuel consumption, you can generate all types of reports through a management system.With modern GPS tracking systems, you can view the graphical representation of various operational aspects. The comprehensive data charts give managers an overview of the various working trends. It helps them make data-driven choices that prove to be beneficial for the business in the long run. The managers can gauge the performance patterns through the data insights that can help boost efficiency.
Ensure Vehicle and Driver Safety:
The vehicle and driver safety is the biggest concern for every company. Modern monitoring solutions remove the risk element from daily operations. They come with driver identification feature that ensures that only authorized person is in the driving seat. Theft alarms and locks also reduce the risk of theft. However, in case of theft, the monitoring software's live GPS tracking ensures that the vehicle is under surveillance at every instant.The Eco-driving feature analyzes the driver's performance on the road strictly. From harsh braking to over speeding, everything is monitored. It minimizes the probability of accidents as the drivers are more careful during trips. If the drivers do not follow the safe driving guidelines, the managers can hold them accountable. Preventive maintenance is another essential element that ensures fleet safety.
Saves a lot of Operational Costs:
There are many expenses included in the overall operational cost. From the daily fueling expense to other logistic requirements, a business bears a lot of financial burdens. The presence of a seamless working mechanism can help cut down these expenses. Using a management solution helps a company organize its daily affairs. Whether we talk about vehicle acquisition and dispatching or trip allocation, monitoring systems cater to everything.With latest fleet management software, managers can control fuel consumption. The tracking devices have sensors that detect subtle changes in the fuel levels and display it on the software. This way, the managers can detect any drop in the fuel levels, including leakage immediately. With lesser fuel consumption, there is a considerable decrease in the overall operational expense.