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Fleet Maintenance Guide

Last updated : September 16, 2024
Improve safety

Within fleet management, guaranteeing the dependability of your vehicles is a strategic necessity as they are your most important asset. As such, a well-designed fleet maintenance program is the cornerstone of a well-considered transportation job. Specifically, it reduces downtime, increases efficiency, and supports the safety of your drivers, making it vital for operational success.

To support your efforts, we’ve put together this guide to fleet maintenance, covering all the essential details you need to know on the matter.

What is fleet maintenance?

Fleet maintenance is the systematic practice of ensuring fleet vehicles remain in optimal operating condition, prioritising safety and longevity. This involves carrying out scheduled maintenance, replacing damaged parts, and tracking the history of each asset.

Why is fleet maintenance important?

Implementing a structured fleet maintenance program is important for multiple reasons. Without it, fleet managers risk less driver safety, failing inspections, and facing expensive emergency repairs and unplanned downtime. In essence, effective maintenance establishes that fleet vehicles are reliable and efficient.

What are the benefits of fleet maintenance?

  • Driver safety: Regular vehicle checks and upkeep help identify and address potential hazards, such as worn-out tyres or faulty brakes, thereby reducing the risk of on-road incidents.

  • Enhanced productivity: Maintaining vehicles in optimal condition leads to fewer breakdowns and more efficient performance, contributing to fleet productivity by minimising operational disruptions.

  • Lower repair costs: A defined fleet maintenance program addresses minor issues before they escalate into major problems, decreasing the need for extensive repairs.

  • Reduced operational costs: Efficiently running vehicles consume less fuel and retain their resale value, resulting in long-term financial benefits for fleets by lowering total cost of ownership.

  • Regulatory compliance: Fleet maintenance ensures compliance with regulatory standards, helping avoid fines and penalties.

  • Asset longevity: Regular maintenance significantly prolongs fleet vehicles’ useful life, maximising return on investment and delaying the need for costly replacements.

What industries need fleet maintenance?

Transport companies

Cargo trucks cover lots of miles under diverse conditions, and breakdowns can lead to delays in deliveries. This makes rigorous maintenance between trips essential for every commercial truck.

Such companies typically use GPS technology to monitor vehicles during extended trips, allowing them to analyse mileage and predict maintenance schedules. Additionally, tools like tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) assist in managing tyre health, and fleets transporting temperature-sensitive goods rely on cold chain solutions to maintain correct conditions.

Car rental companies

Car rental services must make sure that every vehicle leased to a customer is safe and compliant with all regulations, given that proper fleet maintenance is integral for providing customers with roadworthy vehicles.

Routine tasks, such as regular oil changes, are essential to prevent costly and potentially dangerous engine issues. Since customers have varying driving behaviours, car rental companies often implement individualised maintenance programs tailored to each vehicle's needs.

Agricultural companies

Utility vehicles used on farms - such as pickup trucks, ploughs, harvesters, and tractors - similarly require regular fleet maintenance to ensure operational efficiency.

Through consistent maintenance, agricultural companies can maximise the performance and longevity of their vehicles, just as any other fleet can. Likewise, implementing a maintenance program for farm vehicles is key for both short-term productivity and long-term cost savings.

What are the different types of fleet maintenance?

Corrective maintenance

Corrective maintenance is conducted to fix a vehicle once a problem has been determined. This reactive approach often entails more significant expenses, as it may require replacing entire components or systems that have already malfunctioned.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance comprises carrying out scheduled upkeep to prevent equipment failures. This proactive approach includes regular inspections and the timely replacement of worn or damaged parts, aimed at avoiding major issues before they arise.

Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses advanced data analysis to forecast when maintenance will be necessary. By identifying possible issues before they lead to failures, this method helps to minimise downtime and control costs, ensuring vehicles are serviced just in time.

How to set up a fleet maintenance program

To effectively plan and establish a fleet maintenance program, managers should try to follow these best practices:

  1. Schedule regular inspections: Conduct routine pre- and post-trip inspections to identify and address problems early, verifying that vehicles are safe and roadworthy before each journey.

  2. Determine service intervals: Monitor odometer readings and usage data for all fleet assets to schedule maintenance services accurately and timely.

  3. Develop a checklist: Create a detailed checklist based on the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) guidelines to confirm consistent and thorough maintenance.

  4. Implement driver reporting: Establish procedures for drivers to easily report issues. This allows fleet managers to receive immediate notifications, create work orders, and address maintenance needs promptly.

  5. Maintain detailed records: Keep comprehensive records of all performed services. This helps prioritise upcoming maintenance tasks, reduce unnecessary repairs, and predict potential downtime.

  6. Invest in fleet maintenance management software: Use fleet maintenance management software to identify issues remotely and streamline maintenance processes, heightening administrative efficiency.

What is the best fleet maintenance software?

Selecting the best fleet maintenance software implies assessing various options based on your unique needs. It's crucial to choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with your fleet’s maintenance strategy and other operational functions, offering an all-in-one approach.

The software should provide detailed, real-time updates based on mileage and engine hours, which are essential for proactive maintenance scheduling and preventing latent problems. Moreover, it should include features that guarantee regulatory compliance, such as tracking driver hours, while also improving communication between fleet managers and drivers.

At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we recognise the fundamental role of effective fleet maintenance. That’s why we’ve developed specialised fleet management solutions featuring purpose-built maintenance software. Alongside this, our unique consultative approach helps you make sense of the data and develop action plans with our expert data-driven insights.

Our cloud-based dashboard streamlines fleet maintenance, allowing fleet managers to effortlessly schedule, track, report, and maintain a historical database. This integrated approach enhances driver safety, decreases overall costs, ensures regulatory compliance, and extends the life cycle of your assets. If you’re interested, then be sure to make an enquiry today.
MICHELIN Connected Fleet

Written by MICHELIN Connected Fleet

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