Preventive vs. Reactive Fleet Repair

Preventive vs. Reactive Fleet Repair

Your approach to fleet repair can make all the difference in how well your business operates. Generally, most businesses will adopt one of two types of fleet repair strategies: preventative fleet repair or reactive fleet repair. But what are these, and why does the approach that you take matter? Here’s what you need to know about preventative versus reactive fleet repair and why the former is always the best choice.

What Is Preventative Fleet Repair?

As the name suggests, preventative fleet repair and maintenance aims to find and address issues before they can occur. Those operating fleets will have their vehicles regularly assessed to ensure everything’s functioning as it should be and make any repairs or replacements that may be necessary in advance. Granted, it is worth mentioning here that some accidents or vehicle issues are unavoidable, in which case repairing a fleet vehicle after the fact may be necessary.

What Is Reactive Fleet Repair?

Whereas companies that adopt a preventative fleet repair strategy will aim to prevent issues from happening with regular maintenance, those that pursue reactive fleet repair will only pursue maintenance when cars in the fleet are already showing signs that there’s something wrong. This type of strategy may still get the job done, but it comes with several disadvantages. 

Why Adopt a Preventative Strategy?

A preventative strategy holds several key advantages over a reactive one. These include:

  • Reduced Downtime: The last thing you want is for certain vehicles of your fleet to break down and prevent your employees from getting to your customers. Of course, if you adopt a reactive fleet repair strategy, you’re going to run into this problem time and time again. A preventative fleet repair strategy ensures that everything is running optimally and has been properly serviced so that you decrease the likelihood of anything preventing your fleet from getting to where it needs to be.
  • Fewer Expenses: If your vehicles are receiving maintenance and repairs either way, does it really matter when you seek out support for your fleet? It does. When you choose preventative fleet repair, the regular maintenance that goes into your vehicles to check for and resolve potential issues costs significantly less than the problems that will naturally develop over time due to a lack of care and maintenance. If you’re looking to cut down on spending in your business, start with the approach you take when it comes to fleet maintenance.
  • Longer Vehicle Lifespans: Think about how you treat your personal vehicle. Do you continue to drive it, hoping that you won’t have to deal with car problems until much later? Chances are you bring it in regularly for service. This is because all car drivers understand that cars only last as long as they do when they receive regular care and assessments. Much like you wouldn’t take a reactive approach to your personal vehicle, don’t take this approach to your fleet either.
  • Better Brand Reputation: If your fleet is constantly in need of repairs, you probably don’t have enough vehicles on the road to cater to all of your customers. If you’re unable to follow through because your cars continually break down or because you don’t have enough of them to support your growing business, it’ll have an immense impact on your brand reputation. A healthier fleet equals a healthier business.

Keep Your Fleet in Optimal Condition Throughout the Year With PJG Services

If you want to take the preventative approach and need fleet repair in Bucks County, PA, or fleet repair in Delaware County, PA, start here with PJG Services. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and to discuss the next steps in your fleet maintenance.