Happy Holidays from Fleet Services Quarterly! (Q2/FY16)

Fleet Garage

Time to Winterize

With the changing seasons, the Fleet Garage is offering a winter special. Our service professionals will provide a full inspection of all fluids and antifreeze, tire pressure, brakes, belts, hoses, battery and charging system - all for just $38.59! If repairs, replacement parts, or additional service time is needed, an estimate will be provided before servicing.

Please contact the Fleet Garage at 515-281-3162 to schedule an appointment or request an estimate before having your vehicle serviced elsewhere.

Off-Site Repairs and Tires

All vehicles should be serviced by the Fleet Garage. However, if repairs are needed off-site, you or the service provider must contact Fleet Services for approval prior to beginning repairs.

For Ford and Chrysler vehicle repairs, a Master Agreement (MA) exists with Ford and Chrysler dealers statewide. If repairs are needed, please visit the Fleet Garage or nearest area dealer.

Tires for Fleet vehicles must be purchased through any of the three (3) NASPO MAs posted on the DAS website: Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone/Firestone.

Purchases must be made through an authorized dealer participating in the NASPO MA agreement for one of the three listed tire brands. The MAs provides special pricing for state vehicles.

A list of authorized dealers for each tire brand is available from the Current Contracts list on the DAS website. (Type “tire” into the keyword search field to display the (3) tire contracts. Select the desired contract, and the dealer list will be shown as an attachment in the Contract Documents/Attachments section of the screen.
Tire repairs and services such as replacing an old tire stem, repairing a flat tire, etc. are also covered by the tire MAs. Any garage or service station may perform the work, but quotes over $100 must be approved by the Fleet Garage.
No payment is needed at the time of service. In addition to negotiated pricing, this is another advantage of purchasing from an authorized tire dealer. Tires may be acquired, installed, and balanced without paying the dealer directly. Upon completion of services, the dealer will send the tire and service cost to their corporate headquarters, who will then invoice DAS Fleet. NEVER use a WEX card or Pcard to pay for tires or tire services.

Glove Box Management System

Updated "glove box management packets" have been completed and are being distributed to all agencies. Please make sure these packets are stored in the appropriate vehicles.

They contain important service-related information that drivers may need while out on the road - whether emergencies, accidents or mechanical issues.

It includes an insurance card, accident form, a list and statewide map of contracted autobody shops, Fleet contact information, a map of E85 locations and common FAQs.

Accident Reporting/Insurance Information

In the event of an accident involving a state vehicle, please follow the instructions on the Vehicle Accident Report Procedures and Form and report all accidents DAS Risk within 24 hours. Do not speak with other insurance companies or provide accident information or a statement to any other parties (unless to an officer). Refer all calls to Jeannie Adams. at 515-725-2243 (daytime number), or 515-897-8728 (after hours).

Remember, contracted body shops are always the first choice, and repairs cannot begin until approval has been given by the manager of Fleet Services.

AVOID ACCIDENTS - Follow these Winter Driving Tips

Be aware of poor visibility
Slow down if you can’t see well. Rain, fog, and falling leaves can obscure your vision. If in doubt, turn your headlights on.

The end of Daylight Savings Time means shorter days. Shorter days mean it is getting darker earlier, which makes it difficult to see children playing or people walking and riding bicycles.

Clean your vehicle’s lights, mirrors, and windows weekly.

Watch out for children
Children love to play in leaves. Use extra caution where leaves are piled by the curb. Watch out for the school bus. It’s important to educate children about safety, but stay vigilant as a driver.

Slow down on wet pavement
Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, especially on rainy days. Wet roads make it difficult to stop. Wet leaves can make the pavement slippery and difficult to get good traction.

Be prepared for bright sunlight
A sunrise occurring later in the morning can present driving challenges. Keep sunglasses in the vehicle to wear when the sun is bright. If bright sunlight or glare impair your ability to see, pull over until you can see again.

Watch out for ice
Nighttime temperatures that are dropping mean a driver will need to spend extra time scraping frost off their vehicle in the morning. Be aware of shady spots on the roadway. They may be home to black ice.

For additional DAS Fleet Services assistance, call 515-281-5122,
or contact Jeannie Adams or Ron Christensen.

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