Maintenance stands as a significant factor in ensuring longevity and optimal performance for fleet vehicles. By proactively addressing both potential and existing issues, maintenance efforts minimise downtime as well as the associated costs. Additionally, adhering to regular service intervals not only upholds warranty requirements, but also maximises the resale or future trade-in value of the vehicle.

Effective maintenance planning necessitates the use of service intervals. Implementing such practices allows fleet managers to reduce the risk of expensive repairs while optimising the lifespan of their commercial vehicles, thereby enhancing overall fleet uptime.

What are the Benefits of Service Intervals?

  • Protection

Service intervals safeguard fleet vehicles from deterioration and maintain their longevity. For instance, fresh motor oil helps clean engines and provides corrosion resistance. Without regular servicing, oil can accumulate contaminants over time, leading to engine sludge formation, which can be costly to repair.

  • Efficiency

Scheduled maintenance tasks establish optimal fleet vehicle performance and efficiency. For example, clogged fuel systems can impede fuel flow, resulting in reduced fuel economy. Service intervals help restore efficiency, increase fuel mileage, and in turn decrease fuel costs.

  • Safety

Service intervals are crucial for upholding vehicle safety standards due to systems like brakes requiring regular inspections to prevent malfunctions which lead to incidents. By sticking to such practices, safety hazards can be identified and addressed promptly, guaranteeing the vehicle remains safe for operation.

How Regular Should Fleet Service Intervals Be?

Service intervals vary depending on the specific vehicle. Generally, it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's manual or warranty guidelines. If the vehicle is no longer under warranty, then it's up to the fleet manager’s discretion to determine an approach towards service intervals.

This is important to consider because neglecting regular service intervals may void a vehicle's warranty coverage. Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) require documentation of engine hours and idling to ensure proper maintenance before component failure. Idling contributes to engine wear-and-tear, shortening its lifespan and necessitating more frequent service intervals to remain compliant with terms.

Service Interval Software from MICHELIN Connected Fleet

Manually inspecting each vehicle within a fleet can be exceedingly time-consuming. It’s for this reason why we at MICHELIN Connected Fleet have engineered fleet management solutions designed to streamline this process. Our systems automatically track service intervals and promptly notify you when maintenance is due, empowering fleet managers with comprehensive tools to monitor each vehicle's service requirements and make certain you're always abreast of your fleet's condition.

Our fleet management solutions both optimise your fleet's performance and help minimise operational costs by proactively scheduling maintenance tasks before issues arise. If you're interested in how our services can elevate your fleet maintenance procedures, then be sure to contact us today for further information.