Preventive Maintenance for Fleet Longevity

Vehicle fleets form the spine of an economy and play an essential role in the day-to-day operations of businesses. Their uptime, performance, and lifespan are paramount for organisations, and so is their maintenance. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Similarly, preventive fleet maintenance is an essential procedure for maintaining the longevity and efficiency of vehicle fleets. Companies must invest in a preventive maintenance program for fleet management. Furthermore, a preventive fleet maintenance program benefits the company by helping avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs, thus saving significant time and money. Below are some critical preventive fleet maintenance tips:

Having a maintenance schedule

A routine or periodical servicing procedure helps the company stay on track with its fleet preventive maintenance program. A maintenance schedule can be created based on mileage, hours of operation, or particular time intervals, as suggested by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Scheduled maintenance should include thorough inspection and servicing of the fleet to identify any existing issues and to reduce premature wear and tear of vehicles. Servicing should include cleaning, lubrication, topping up fluids, and other necessary steps. This gives a boost to the vehicles' lifespan and enhances their functionality.

Also read: How effective fleet management can help you save money?

Carrying out regular inspections

Since drivers spend the maximum time with the fleet vehicles, they should be encouraged to perform daily inspections of their vehicles. The inspection should cover checking fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, brakes, and other critical electrical systems. Abnormalities found should be immediately communicated to fleet managers, who should quickly act upon the feedback. This will help the company find issues with the fleet before unwanted consequences come out of it.

Drivers should also be trained to operate their vehicles smoothly and carefully. Driving behaviour is crucial when it comes to the overall condition of a vehicle. Therefore, good driving practices should be instilled in fleet staff.

Ensuring optimum levels of oil and fluids

Fleet managers should regularly check and top up fluids such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. It is also imperative to change oil and oil filters periodically according to recommendations provided by the OEMs. By making these tasks a part of the preventive maintenance checklist, companies can prepare their vehicles for the longer run while enhancing their efficiency and reliability.

Companies can depend on Caltex India for engine lubrication solutions since the brand offers a superior range of lubricants for heavy-duty vehicles under its sub-brand Delo. These lubricants are formulated using ISOSYN technology that promises fuel efficiency, performance, and dependability.

Keeping maintenance logs

Investing in fleet management software to keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections is a crucial step toward preventive maintenance. Comprehensive documentation of all the maintenance activities and schedules will allow the fleet managers to keep track of the budget and identify cost trends. They can also set reminders and track schedules, helping them stay one step ahead in the game. Using advanced software for fleet management will also give the company a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure. By following these necessary and practical tips, organisations can ensure their fleet remains mechanically sound and productive. A suitable investment in time and money can ensure that breakdowns and expensive repairs remain as low as possible. If you have been struggling with your vehicles' uptime, performance, and lifespan, take these steps to improve the shortcomings.