Setting Up a Fleet Maintenance Plan

Maintaining a fleet is a daunting task, especially with a mix of vehicles. Doing maintenance only when things are bad, however, is a great way to inconvenience customers. Instead, setting up a fleet maintenance plan helps immensely with keeping business on track and improving the reliability of the fleet.

The Benefits of a Maintenance Plan

A maintenance plan offers numerous benefits, starting with preventing major breakdowns. Drivers appreciate not worrying about the oil levels and recognizing problematic symptoms while they’re working with consumers. A maintenance plan even helps the overall company reliability for appointments and deliveries.

Additionally, a fleet maintenance plan helps with compliance and safety. When fleet vehicles are maintained, they are safer to drive overall. Regular maintenance also means checking everything over, which is a boon for the more complex fleet vehicles.

Research the Vehicles

Fleet composition differs wildly, so it’s important for each business to look at each vehicle it owns. Additionally, owners should check on the maintenance requirements for any leased vehicle. The contracts on those likely specify who is responsible for what element of the maintenance.

While researching, the vehicle manufacturer’s website and the owner’s manuals are great resources on what each vehicle needs. Often, there is a ready-made maintenance schedule to work from there.

Create a Plan

Setting up a fleet maintenance plan starts with the recommended maintenance from the manufacturer. Each vehicle needs its own log, and there is software designed for this purpose. However, spreadsheets and binders work well too for smaller fleets.

While setting up a fleet maintenance plan, it’s crucial to include a mechanism for driver complaints. While fleet maintenance plans endeavor to remove problems, sometimes vehicle do have seemingly random hiccups. Setting up a plan for that saves everyone frustration.

Unscheduled maintenance is another consideration. Whether companies can adjust delivery schedules or relocate consumer appointments when something breaks down requires a discussion too.

Research Fleet Maintenance Contracts

For businesses that do not want to employ a mechanic in-house, researching who will perform the maintenance specified in the plan is crucial. Companies with plans know how much maintenance they need in a year.

Additionally, some places do offer discounts on annual contracts. It’s a win-win for both the business and the maintenance shop. The shop has guaranteed business throughout the year, which in turn helps them staff.

Implement Maintenance Tracking

Tracking is just as important as setting up the fleet maintenance plan. There will be an adjustment period, and there will be a vehicle that slides through the cracks. Consider setting up an initial reminder period where the maintenance reminders appear on employee calendars or setting up dedicated windows to bring vehicles in.