Fleet managers now have more tools and technology at their disposal. Its no doubt that a business lives and dies by how well you keep up with fleet vehicle maintenance.
Whether you manage a local business that makes deliveries or a large distribution center, you need your company vehicles running in top shape. Here are some tips to keep up with routine tune-ups and fleet vehicle maintenance.
Track Your Fleet Vehicle Maintenance Needs
Whether you’re using the latest fleet management apps or simply keeping paper logs, use a system to track mileage and other data. Software can help by sending alerts when you’re due for scheduled fleet vehicle maintenance. Over time, you can use the data to figure out how often each truck needs unscheduled maintenance, so you can start planning ahead.
Come in Seasonally
Some items on any fleet vehicle maintenance checklist are even more important at the changing of the seasons. This can include antifreeze and coolant checks, air filter cleaning, wiper fluid refills, and other small tasks.
Perhaps most importantly, you need to come in for fleet vehicle maintenance to get the tires rotated or replaced before the hottest part of summer and any winter storm seasons.
Get Your Drivers Involved
Some drivers feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their work vehicle, but you might have to encourage them to speak up. They might ignore small problems like whining brakes or loud spark plugs if the issue crops up while they’re very busy.
If drivers switch between different trucks and vans depending on the day, it’s even more important to talk to them about fleet vehicle maintenance. Offer a request form or some way for drivers to report when a given fleet vehicle needs service. Make sure they know you’d rather need to send the vehicle out for a tune-up than deal with a breakdown later.
The Cost of Skipping Preventive Maintenance
Fleet downtime doesn’t just mean repair bills — it means lost deliveries, missed deadlines, and frustrated customers. According to a 2024 industry survey, unexpected breakdowns can cost businesses an average of $700 per vehicle per day in lost productivity. By sticking to preventive fleet maintenance schedules, you’re not just keeping trucks on the road — you’re protecting your bottom line and your reputation.
Fuel Efficiency and Fleet Savings
Small maintenance issues like clogged fuel injectors or underinflated tires may not seem urgent, but across a fleet of vehicles, they add up fast. Even a 5% drop in fuel economy can cost thousands annually for a midsize fleet. Fleet managers who prioritize fuel system checks, tire pressure monitoring, and regular oil changes often see immediate savings on gas — not to mention fewer long-term repair headaches.
Leveraging Telematics for Smarter Maintenance
In 2025, telematics systems have become a game-changer for fleet vehicle maintenance. These systems track everything from engine performance to driver behavior in real time, flagging issues before they become major repairs. Fleet managers can now receive instant alerts for things like excessive idling, harsh braking, or early signs of mechanical trouble. By combining telematics with proactive maintenance scheduling, businesses keep vehicles healthier for longer while cutting overall operating costs.
Request Any Specific Maintenance You Need
A top-reviewed auto repair shop that works on fleet vehicles will be familiar with your needs and conduct thorough inspections. However, it never hurts to specify exactly what services you need included in your fleet vehicle maintenance.
Has a truck been driving around the country through rain and snow? Does the transmission fluid need to be topped up constantly? Did a rock or piece of debris perhaps cause damage to the undercarriage?
When dropping off for fleet vehicle maintenance, feel free to share questions or concerns so your mechanics can be extra certain to check into every detail we should address.
All Around Auto Repair helps fleet managers in the Santa Rosa area stay on top of their scheduled maintenance and get fast, professional auto repairs when the unexpected occurs. Contact us to schedule fleet vehicle maintenance.
