Have you ever wondered how to maximise the efficiency of your vehicle fleet? Fleet vehicles are dominating new sales in Australia. Many businesses need a vehicle fleet, but managing the services has a whole new set of challenges. Let’s take a look at our best tips to make sure your vehicle fleet is up to the highest standard.
1. The Older the Fleet, The Higher The Maintenance Costs
When it comes to vehicle operating expenses, the servicing costs can grow over time. In the first few years, vehicle fleet services are often minimal. As your fleet ages, the servicing costs increase, more parts wear out and need replacing. Vehicle ageing is unavoidable, but you must ask yourself when is best to replace your fleet.
When you shop around for a car, what do you look for? Would you rather buy a 3-year old car with 75,000km on the clock or a 5-year old model with a much higher odometer reading? According to Motorama, servicing costs can increase over twice as much from 75,000km to 90,000km. Large fleet buyers often upgrade their vehicles at the 3-year or 75,000km mark. This means they avoid increased service costs often outside of the manufacturer’s warranty. They also consider how high kilometre usage can have a negative impact on the resale value.
Some businesses may delay replacing their vehicles as a short-term cost saving. However, delaying the replacement of your vehicle fleet can be more expensive in the long run. It can incur planned and unplanned costs with maintenance. It can also face drawbacks for productivity and efficiency for your business.
2. How Fleet Maintenance Impacts Productivity and Operation Costs
Vehicles have planned maintenance costs such as rotating your tyres, changing oil filters and brake pads. These are managed when you have your vehicle regularly serviced. However, it is important to also consider unplanned maintenance. For example, an alternator has failed and your battery isn’t getting recharged when your driving around. Or a starter motor has stopped working and you can’t start your car. Unplanned repairs are more likely with age and impact your business.
During vehicle maintenance, your employees will have to find alternative transport or sit around waiting. If your vehicle fleet is ageing, this can become a more common scenario. The maintenance may also get more intricate and lengthy. This will be a further cost to your business and a loss of productivity for your employees.
If your team has to wait around for a replacement vehicle to complete their work, then their job will take longer. You might consider the cost of a spare vehicle or hire one when you need it. If you have a large fleet, a spare vehicle would make sense as it can be utilised more.
A vehicle that is not readily available creates an operational inefficiency. This ultimately hurts the customer’s experience with your business. Your staff may not be able to reach clients, deliveries don’t happen on time or you may not be able to visit work sites. In the long run, this will create a loss of productivity throughout your business if not managed properly.
3. How to Prevent Unscheduled Downtime and Lost Productivity
Some fleet vehicle repairs are unavoidable. Cars can be involved in accidents or natural disasters such as floods and hail. Wear and tear repairs can get expensive. However, there are steps you can take to be prepared for this situation and to avoid unexpected costs. By working with your fleet servicing team, steps can be taken to minimise operational costs and extend the life and availability of your fleet vehicles. Sandgate Auto Electrics is an RACQ approved trusted mechanic with decades of experience. Our fully-licensed and modern workshop is equipped with the latest technology. With minor and platinum services, we can help you as little or as much as you need.
4. Vehicles Built Together Can Fail Together
Cars need regular maintenance to run efficiently. With our own personal vehicles, it can be tempting to wait until there is an issue before we organise a service. However, this is problematic when it comes to fleet vehicles. If your vehicles were purchased the same time from the same batch, wear and tear problems can arise around the same time. This can cause multiple repairs in a short period of time. This can be highly disruptive for your business. By organising regular precautionary maintenance in advance, you can stagger the repairs before they become critical. During regular log book servicing, we check for signs of wear and tear and potential issues. This ensures you have time to prepare and the issues are properly managed.
5. Keep a Step Ahead with Maintenance Reports
Having a record of what servicing has been done, what needs to be done and by when helps. You stay one step ahead of the problem. We can work with all major fleet management systems and provide digital or paper reports for your records.
6. Partner With a Qualified and Experienced Fleet Servicing Team
By working with your workshop professionals and following industry best practices. You can improve compliance and availability for your vehicle fleet. Sandgate Auto Electrics is an approved and trusted auto electrician and mechanic in Brisbane. Our talented team are highly trained and able to solve mechanical or auto electrical problems for almost all brands of vehicles. From a broken tail light right through to heavy vehicle motor repairs, we can help. Our team is qualified and experienced to ensure you get the most from your fleet for your business.
At Sandgate Auto Electrics, we pride ourselves on providing affordable and reliable services. We are located in Sandgate, North Brisbane, and we look after clients from all over the south-east. This includes Brisbane right through to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
Our team are qualified towork with new technology. Modern cars are now built with computer operated functions. We use the latest computer technology to diagnose and fix engine management systems. This ensures we can carry out all necessary repairs and servicing while your vehicle fleet is in our care. As an RACQ approved repairer, our warranty is nationally recognised. Contact us on (07) 3269 3158 or via our contact page for a free quote or to book a service.