Everything to Know About Commercial Fleet Maintenance
It’s important to know what’s included in full-service preventative maintenance, so you can implement a consistent repair schedule to protect your commercial vehicles. Keep reading to get your questions about commercial fleet maintenance answered below.
What is Commercial Fleet Maintenance?
It’s a set of services that proactively address the mechanical needs of your fleet to make sure each vehicle is fit for operation. That usually includes preventative tire maintenance, fluid flushes, oil changes, engine maintenance, brake repairs, electrical system monitoring and safety checks.
The services in your fleet maintenance program will depend on:
- The size of your fleet
- The type and age of your vehicles
- Mileage
- Operating conditions
- Time of year
Who Needs Fleet Maintenance?
Consider implementing a fleet maintenance schedule if you manage any of the following commercial vehicles:
- Semi-trucks
- Box trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Refuse trucks
- Cargo vans
- Step vans
- Passenger vans
- Wheel-lifts
- Heavy haulers
- Transit buses
What Are the Benefits of Fleet Maintenance?
Driver safety: Keeping your commercial drivers safe should be your priority. Ensuring their vehicles are functional lets them do their jobs without worrying about mechanical failure on the road. That’s essential for long-haul drivers who travel extended distances without access to commercial services. Safe vehicles also reduce your risk of liability and potential fees associated with repairs and legal action if there’s an accident.
Lower operating costs: Preventative maintenance allows for early intervention on small mechanical or electrical issues before they become expensive problems. It will require more money to run poorly maintained vehicles, especially if repairs impede your daily business activities.
Reduced downtime: Excessive mechanical wear due to a lack of maintenance can negatively affect engines and increase the risk of a commercial vehicle breakdown. Not only will you have to pay for repairs, but you also miss out on the revenue you would have otherwise earned from working vehicles.
Optimize daily operations: Bringing your commercial fleet in for regular maintenance allows you to know which vehicles are at peak function and which need repairs. That information will help you plan which vehicles to use for different jobs.
State and federal regulations compliance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for the creation and enforcement of safety regulations for all commercial vehicles. Failing to comply might result in fines. A fleet maintenance program includes regulation compliance, so you know your fleet will meet all standards.
Commercial Fleet Maintenance Tips
Set a schedule and bring your commercial vehicles in for regular maintenance every few months. That may include services such as:
- An oil change
- Engine inspection
- Brake testing and replacement
- Belt and hose inspections
- Tire rotation and balance
- Spark plug replacement
Discuss the schedule with your drivers and enforce its adherence. Preventative fleet maintenance is only effective if your team follows through with implementation.
Find trusted professionals to handle fleet maintenance. While you may try to address certain mechanical issues on your own, it’s best to avoid DIY motor vehicle repairs. You might not be able to fix the underlying issue and run the risk of failing to meet regulatory standards.
Commercial Fleet Maintenance at Bauer Built
Bauer Built Tire & Service employs skilled technicians and mechanics who provide comprehensive commercial fleet maintenance across the Midwest. Whether you have delivery vans or long-haul semis, we can help you get on the road and running efficiently.
Find a Bauer Built location near you to schedule fleet maintenance.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
