If you’re in the logistics and transportation industry, you know that your business operations significantly rely on vehicles. Fleet managers should not treat their vehicles as a means to just travel or transport goods from point A to point B because even one small vehicle problem can disrupt business operations.
Hence, car repair and maintenance is critical to keep breakdowns at bay, whether it is electric car maintenance or van maintenance. Some fleet managers assume that running a vehicle for extra miles even when the servicing is due will not do any harm, but they get into trouble and end up spending even more on repairs.
Some of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns;
Flat tyres are one of the leading causes of vehicle breakdowns, as potholes or debris on the road can affect your tyres. Make sure to regularly check tyres and their alignment, and keep them inflated at the specified pressure.
If the vehicle engine is not starting or takes quite some time, the battery is faulty or worn out. Fleet managers should ensure that vehicles are running on the road regularly to keep the battery charged and have a set of jumper cables to give batteries the necessary charge to tackle road failures.
Electrical problems are increasingly rising, and the outcomes are pretty strange–drained headlights, incorrect warning signals, etc. If you encounter anything unusual that cannot be fixed temporarily, it is best to get the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Apart from idling when stuck in traffic, vehicles often go through overheating. In this case, ask your drivers to observe the coolant level and ensure the coolant system is working correctly.
Clutch problems are pervasive when the wear and tear of vehicles increases. If drivers notice something unusual when they press the clutch, you should get the vehicle serviced because it can be a problem if clutch cables break while driving.
Fleet managers should run vehicle checks daily before drivers start their duties and ensure no vehicle problems. Hence, regular fleet vehicle maintenance assures that all vehicles are running in good condition and prevents unnecessary troubles.
Improve Vehicle Performance
If fleet vehicles are not performing well due to increased wear and tear, it can affect your business profitability.
Regular vehicle maintenancefixes problems before they worsen and helps improve vehicle performance.
Even frequent oil changes can increase the vehicle’s longevity and maximise the return on investments.
Reduce Costs
Unexpected downtimes can burn a hole in pockets with high repair costs and increase your maintenance budget.
When not addressed, a small vehicle problem can affect other vehicle parts’ functioning and increase the overall cost of repair.
Putting vehicles under regular maintenance checks prevents vehicle breakdowns, controls costs, saves time and ensures smooth operations.
Lowers Fuel Costs
Poor-performing vehicles consume more fuel than usual, increasing fuel expenses.
The Department of Energy states that even a slight tyre pressure decrease can lower the vehicle’s fuel economy by 0.2%.
Vehicle parts may corrode when not appropriately serviced, engines don’t work smoothly, and vehicles consume more fuel.
Proper fleet maintenance, along with proper driving behaviours, increase fuel efficiency.
Ensures Safety
Vehicles with problems can increase the chances of accidents and result in reduced driver safety.
Vehicle checks can help you know if there are any issues, like poor brakes. Giving you the information to get it fixed immediately.
Vehicle maintenance detects issues or the need to change parts to avoid potential hazards that can put people’s lives at risk.
Highest Customer Service
Preventing breakdowns can go a long way in retaining your customers.
Fleets can deliver goods without any delay and enhance customer satisfaction.
However, fleet managers can find scheduling maintenance along with other fleet management tasks challenging and stressful. Our fleet tracking software helps with preventive maintenance car schedules and ensures that fleet managers never miss any schedule, running well-maintained vehicles on the roads.
The tracking software updates the odometer readings of vehicles and sets automatic service reminders.
The software notifies fleet managers about upcoming motor vehicle maintenance, helping them to plan their workflows accordingly.
The software also notifies fleet managers of any unexpected vehicle issues so they can address them immediately.
During breakdowns, our software notifies fleet managers with real-time location details of the vehicle to send road assistance help as soon as possible.
Fleet managers can eliminate manual paper-based maintenance processes; our vehicle maintenance tracker monitors vehicle health, accurately records all data in a centralised database and automates service reminders.
Conclusion
Shifting from a reactive to a proactive maintenance strategy helps fleet managers to stay on top of maintenance-related processes. Vehicle preventive maintenance can prevent breakdowns, increase vehicle uptime, and ensure compliance. Since efficiency is the key to a successful fleet business, our streamlined fleet tracking system helps run efficient vehicles, foster safety, and improve your company’s bottom line.
