Vehicle Fleet Maintenance Program
Fleet maintenance is the process of ensuring vehicles are in good condition and ready to drive.
An effective fleet maintenance program leads to better customer service due to reliable automobiles, lesser fuel costs because of optimally working and efficient vehicles, improved safety and lower long-term repair and operating costs.
Program Advice
Regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance
Have your drivers perform pre- and post-trip inspections; this meets regulatory compliance and prevents bigger problems later. If anything is wrong, they need to report the problem to shop technicians. Vehicle inspections can also be done at inspection lanes, yard check-ins and fuel islands.
Regular maintenance can also find problems before they get worse. Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule, and also schedule maintenance based on operational needs, for example routine fuel use. Maintained automobiles mean better resale values.
Check past work orders to better understand vehicles and their maintenance needs. Solve the root problem instead of just the symptoms; for instance, damaged tires can result from unbalanced steering.
Expert Technicians/Staff
Technicians need proper training, including ongoing training, to conduct repairs and preventive maintenance. Use equipment and vehicle suppliers’ training programs.
Technicians should mostly be working on planned tasks instead of administrative tasks. Consider outsourcing the work to meet timescales.
Optimal working conditions, for example good lighting, leads to improved productivity. The workshop and work spaces should be clean and organized; tools and supplies need to be put in the proper places to be retrieved easily. Vehicles should be able to move quickly and easily for maximum efficiency.
Instead of Manual Systems, Utilize Fleet Management Software
Fleet maintenance software can let managers: deliver automated notifications, receive traffic light alerts, quickly adjust inspection processes and maintenance schedules to ensure they’re finished within timeframes, report defects, manage work schedules, schedule staff so all needs are met, create detailed and easy-to-understand job cards, keep track of maintenance records and warranties, make reports, and view real-time information on jobs and regulatory compliance.
Inventory management software provides up-to-date information on stock and parts inventory so managers can use reorder points and issue purchase orders to various sellers early to prevent delays and decrease downtime. It performs invoice matching and gives workshops parts data. Software lets managers: claim warranties and track deadlines, integrate parts from repair orders, order parts used most often, organize and order the correct parts, identify weak parts, and conduct analyses to determine which suppliers offer high-value parts.
Telematic Device/GPS Tracking for Vehicles
A telematics system is a way to capture data about your driving habits, including miles driven.
Insurance trackers, or vehicle insurance tracking devices, are telematics programs that collect metrics about driving behaviors.
Key metrics include:
- Speed
- How you accelerate and brake
- How you corner your car
- How long you drive
- How often you go for a drive
- The time of day you drive
- Phone use while driving
The most common insurance trackers used are physical devices, or dongles, and smartphone apps. Your insurance company and program will determine which one is used. You must give permission for the tracking program to be used.
Your insurer will provide you with an auto tracking device that can be installed or plugged into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port, typically located underneath the dashboard or steering wheel. Auto sensors will then track indicators, such as oil and fuel levels. In some cases, data can be collected directly through the car manufacturer, and most automobiles produced after 1996 have the OBD-II port.
If the insurance agency utilizes a mobile tracking device, you have to download the app, follow the instructions and drive. Your phone’s sensors will pick up information on your driving habits.
In both cases, data is generally encrypted and transferred to the insurance company. Most agencies are transparent about the data they collect; check their website or contact an agent.
Insurance agencies use this information as part of a usage-based insurance program or mileage-based insurance policy. UBI programs calculate rates based on driving. You may receive rewards or savings on your insurance policy for safe driving, for instance avoiding late-night trips. Insurance companies can also provide you with personalized feedback. You can then change your habits to improve your premium.
For MBI, miles driven over a time period will be used to calculate a daily base rate; there is also a per-mile rate. You may be able to review your daily costs and trips through a website or app.
If you’re a safe driver or don’t drive often, consider the UBI program; if you’re a remote worker or drive short distances, MBI can offer lower premiums.
Contact Wigmore Insurance Agency for car insurance information. Since every program is different, you have to contact your insurance company if you decide to opt out for any reason, for example not saving money. If you suddenly don’t use the app or remove the tracker, you might lose the discount or premium.