We understand the difficulties fleet managers face. You are expected to keep vehicle costs at a minimum and vehicle profits at a maximum. The bottom line is all your boss cares about, and if it is in the red, you’ve got a lot of explaining to do. We also understand that it is tempting to save money and increase your bottom line by ignoring fleet vehicle maintenance. The underlying problem with this approach is that you actually won’t save money in the end. Let’s talk more about this below.
Keeps the Vehicles Reliable
Preventative maintenance keeps all fleet vehicles reliable when they are on the road. The maintenance keeps the engines running efficiently and reduces the fuel costs. Factory-scheduled services ensure the engine does not break down, no matter how much stop-and-go driving your drivers do. This keeps the vehicles on the road earning money rather than off the road in the repair shop.
Keeps the Drivers Happy
This keeps your drivers happy, too, which saves you money in the end. Hiring new drivers comes with added overhead expenses, such as job postings and drug testing. If you already have a fleet of drivers, keep them by giving them reliable vehicles on which they can count. If you have a reputation of bad vehicles, you won’t attract the talent you need and you’ll lose the talent you have.
Keeps the Drivers Safe
Safety is an entirely different problem. Factory-scheduled services ensure your fleet of vehicles is also safe. Ignoring crucial services, such as brake services, can leave your drivers with dangerous vehicles on the road. If a driver gets into an accident because his or her vehicle was not maintained, you may have an even bigger problem on your hands than just a totaled fleet vehicle.
If the driver was injured, he or she may decide to sue you. If the other driver and/or his or her passengers were injured, this could be a lawsuit, as well. You will lose money because your insurance will likely increase your premiums, if the company does not drop you. Finally, you’ll have the collision repair expenses associated with the fleet vehicle. Maintenance keeps vehicles safe.
Reduces Overhead Costs
- Do not break down as often
- Use fuel more efficiently
- Save you money on vehicle repairs
- Are safer to drive, i.e., avoid accidents
The maintenance line on your fleet budget may be high, but imagine what would happen if the vehicle broke down or caused an accident. Fleet maintenance is crucial to your fleet of vehicles.