Running a fleet requires you to juggle many different tasks and keep a lot of different operations working. With everything from scheduling to training on your plate, it is easy to let some things fall by the wayside. However, fleet maintenance is something that should always be at the top of your list of priorities. Keeping your vehicles running smoothly will improve your business’s efficiency and protect your drivers, so having protocols in place for your fleet maintenance should be a crucial part of your management routine. 

Having a good fleet maintenance program will help you stay on schedule and keep your vehicles in the best possible shape. Your program should take your particular needs into consideration and solve problems that are specific to your business. Every fleet maintenance program is different and yours should reflect what you need in order to run your fleet effectively. Knowing what makes a good fleet maintenance program can give you a jumping-off point and help you hone your systems to be as helpful as possible. 

Prioritizing Safety 

A good fleet maintenance program will always prioritize and enhance safety for your drivers. Any fleet vehicle that isn’t properly maintained is a potential liability for your business. Your drivers deserve to have safe, serviced vehicles that they can rely on whenever they are out on the road. Things like brake issues, steering problems, and tire wear are all serious hazards and a good fleet maintenance program will help prevent them and ensure that your vehicles are safe every time a driver gets behind the wheel. 

A safety-oriented fleet maintenance program will also help protect other cars on the road. Your vehicles should set an example for safety and quality whenever they are out in public. A well-maintained vehicle will show that you care about your business’s image and that you want to be sure other drivers are not put in harm’s way because of your fleet vehicles. With a fleet maintenance program that focuses on safety equipment like lights, brakes, and emissions, you can put out the right image for your brand. 

Detailed Record Keeping 

When putting together a fleet maintenance program, you need to be certain that it includes detailed documentation. Having all your maintenance procedures documented will help you keep track of how your vehicles are performing and identify any issues that might arise. If you can be certain that your vehicles have been well maintained, you can rest easy knowing that they will perform to the highest degree on the road. With a fleet maintenance program that includes detailed records, there will be no question that you are doing your due diligence when it comes to upkeep. 

A fleet maintenance program that includes proper documentation will also help you retain as much value for your vehicles as possible. Every fleet needs to be upgraded from time to time and new vehicle acquisition depends on the value of your old vehicles. By keeping good records as a part of your fleet maintenance program, you can make the most of your vehicles when the time comes to sell them. Any potential buyer will be willing to pay more for a vehicle that has been maintained properly and has the documentation to back it up. 

Automated Scheduling 

One of the great things about innovations in fleet management technology is the ability to automate certain processes. Scheduling fleet maintenance should not take up more of your time than is absolutely necessary and automating it is the best way to go about it. With a fleet maintenance program that includes automation and regular scheduling, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you set up appointments for things like oil changes, tire rotations, and alignments. Your fleet maintenance program should take advantage of all the automation it can, so you can focus on the things that really matter. 

With an automation-enhanced fleet maintenance program, you don’t have to spend time wondering whether or not you have scheduled maintenance for all your vehicles. Your fleet management system can run checks on the odometers or be set to make appointments at certain time milestones. By including automation in your fleet maintenance program, you can make time for other tasks and dedicate your energy to growing your business instead of scheduling maintenance. 

KPI Creation and Adjustments

KPIs, or key performance indicators, are a crucial part of any fleet manager or owner’s job. KPIs allow you to set goals for your fleet and make sure it is performing at the highest possible level. By having specific benchmarks that you want to meet regarding things like emissions, idle time, and fuel efficiency, you can accurately measure your progress. A good fleet maintenance program will help you meet your goals and keep your business running at its full potential. 

When you have a good fleet maintenance program in place, you can use your vehicles as a baseline for creating and adjusting your KPIs. If you know that your fleet is operating at its highest possible level, you can make adjustments to your KPIs in the proper places. Things like driver performance, traffic conditions, and idle time are all factors that you can account for when trying to meet your KPIs. A high-quality fleet maintenance program lets you focus on the right aspects of your business so it can excel. 

Proactive Repair Prevention

Perhaps the most important consideration when putting together a fleet maintenance program is the prevention of costly repairs. Making sure that your fleet gets regularly scheduled maintenance is your best defense against larger, more expensive repairs. When deciding what your fleet maintenance program should include, be sure to consider the procedures that will prevent these larger issues. Cooling system checks, alignments, and transmission maintenance are all great ways to be proactive with your program. 

Any time you can prevent costly repairs with your fleet maintenance program, you are using it to its fullest potential. By staying on top of the small procedures, you can catch problems before they become major issues. A large repair will not only be expensive, but it will also take time to fix, leaving you down a vehicle for an extended period of time. A prevention-based fleet maintenance program keeps your vehicles on the road and saves you money in the long run. 

Build a Fleet Maintenance Program That Works for You

By having a proper fleet maintenance program in place, you can be certain that your vehicles are in the best possible condition at all times. You have a lot of work on your plate as a manager or owner and systems that are designed to help you do your best work can be a big help. Knowing that your fleet is in great shape and that your drivers have the best tools on hand will give you the peace of mind you need to run your business confidently. 

If you want the best fleet maintenance to keep your vehicles running smoothly and efficiently, ServiceUp is here for you. With one easy-to-use dashboard to help you manage your maintenance, collision, and mechanical repair needs and seamless integration with major fleet management companies, it has never been easier to get your vehicles repaired by qualified, experienced technicians. Whether you need simple oil changes or major body work, ServiceUp will take care of everything and get you back on the road. Request a demo today to find out how ServiceUp can help your business thrive!