For over five years the size of fleets has been increasing. At the same time fleet managers worry that their vehicles need to be properly maintained to remain competitive. Fleet managers also worry that their company’s fleet vehicle maintenance budget might not be deep enough to meet the next year’s business needs and the needs of their customers. All of this comes from a report put together by Government Fleet.
The Facts about Fleet Vehicle Maintenance
About two out of five fleet managers said that their biggest concern was an aging fleet and shoring up enough money for fleet vehicle maintenance or scraping together enough money to replace fleet vehicles that were no longer making the grade.
All Around Auto Repair can put each of your fleet’s vehicles through a rigorous 13-point inspection that looks at things like brake, belt, and tire wear.
Fleet vehicle maintenance at All Around Auto Repair starts with a full battery of diagnostic tests followed by a check of your transmission and steering. Checking for and fixing problems can lead to less downtime, fewer accidents, and more efficiency when it comes to fleet management.
The motto with the trained mechanics at All Around Auto Repair is “test, don’t guess.” Testing your engine, fluid, and transmission can actually help when it comes to energy efficiency and saving on fuel costs.
That’s obviously important for your bottom line. That Government Fleet report mentioned above found that 30% of fleet managers said green initiatives and getting better fuel economy were super important.
Simple Preventive Maintenance can Help You Go Green…and Save Green!
Something as simple as making sure your oil is changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles can vastly improve the fuel efficiency of your fleet’s vehicles. That’s what fleet vehicle maintenance is all about.
The tests and fleet vehicle maintenance at All Around Auto Repair are designed to give you more miles on the road both by increasing your fleet’s fuel economy and the overall longevity of your fleet’s vehicles.
By making sure that your fleet’s vehicles have optimal tire pressure, checking the engine filter, changing spark plugs, and getting an oil change you can put your fleet’s drivers in a position to really succeed. And when your fleet’s drivers succeed so does your business.
A lot of times fleet managers hear from their drivers than the fuel needle is dropping far faster than it used to. Sometimes your fleet’s drivers even put on their scientist’s hat and compare odometer readings to guesstimate fuel economy.
The truth is that the only way to really test these things is for a trained, experienced mechanic to check under the hood and, where required, tune up or swap out parts for more efficient hardware.
Remove the Doubt with Diagnostic Tests
Poor fuel economy could really be chalked up to a number of issues (a gunked up fuel filter, bad fuel injectors, bad motor oil, emissions issues, etc.) but the only way to know for sure is for a trained mechanic to complete a thorough, multi-point inspection of all of your fleet’s vehicles.
Ensuring that your drivers are picking the right fuel grade and filling up their tires is a great start. There’s more that you can do, though, to get the most out of your fleet’s performance.
The fleet management experts say that improving fuel economy, reducing lifecycle costs and the need to replace older vehicles, and improving the resale value of current vehicles is the best way for fleet managers to save.
To do all that you need regular diagnostic tests and preventive maintenance. Schedule both with All Around Auto Repair today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is regular fleet vehicle maintenance important?
Regular fleet vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure vehicles operate efficiently, reduce breakdowns, and extend their lifespan. It helps prevent costly repairs and improves safety and fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance like oil changes and brake inspections can save significant costs over time.
2. How often should fleet vehicles be serviced?
Fleet vehicles should generally be serviced every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. More frequent servicing may be required for vehicles with heavy use. Regular maintenance helps avoid major issues and keeps vehicles running smoothly, improving overall fleet efficiency.
3. What are common signs a fleet vehicle needs maintenance?
Common signs include dashboard warning lights, strange noises, poor fuel economy, and uneven tire wear. Drivers may also report issues like poor handling or brakes. Addressing these signs early can prevent costly repairs and downtime.
4. How can fleet vehicle maintenance improve fuel efficiency?
Proper maintenance, such as keeping tires properly inflated and changing air filters, enhances fuel efficiency. Regular servicing helps ensure optimal engine performance and reduces fuel consumption, saving on overall operating costs.
5. What are the benefits of preventive maintenance for fleet vehicles?
Preventive maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, lowers repair costs, and extends vehicle lifespan. It ensures vehicles run efficiently, improving fuel economy and minimizing downtime, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.
6. How does aging fleet impact maintenance costs?
Aging fleets often incur higher maintenance costs due to frequent repairs and part replacements. Older vehicles are more prone to breakdowns, making it essential to evaluate whether to repair or replace them based on cost-effectiveness.
7. What are the risks of neglecting fleet vehicle maintenance?
Neglecting maintenance can lead to frequent breakdowns, higher repair costs, and shorter vehicle lifespans. It also increases the risk of accidents and may result in higher insurance premiums and legal liabilities.
8. How do diagnostic tests improve fleet vehicle maintenance?
Diagnostic tests identify potential issues early by checking engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Early detection helps prevent major repairs, reduces downtime, and ensures vehicles operate efficiently.
9. Can fleet vehicle maintenance help with resale value?
Yes, well-maintained vehicles have higher resale values. Regular servicing keeps vehicles in good condition, making them more attractive to buyers and potentially fetching a better price on the market.
10. What should a fleet maintenance checklist include?
A fleet maintenance checklist should cover oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid levels, and engine diagnostics. Regular checks ensure all key systems are functioning properly, helping to prevent issues and maintain vehicle performance.
