A big part of your success as a fleet manager is making sure that all of the vehicles in your fleet are well-maintained. While you likely already have systems in place for this, any good manager knows that there’s always room for improvement. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the top five fleet maintenance tips every manager should know that will ensure you and your fleet are operating to the best of your ability.
1. Establish Automated Systems for Everything
Tracking key metrics that will tell you more about your fleet and the needs of every vehicle is crucial, but that’s a lot of data to compile, organize, and translate. This is why every manager needs to have systems in place and fleet management software that serves to automate the process. With the support of the right fleet management software, you’ll receive necessary insights about vehicle performance and maintenance on one accessible dashboard that allows you to become a more effective manager.
2. Set Regular Preventative Maintenance Plans and Milestones
Preventative maintenance is much better than reactive maintenance, the latter of which will end up costing you more and fail to solve issues in your fleet until there are serious problems that could result in downtime. Now is the time to develop a regular preventative maintenance schedule that helps you stay on top of vehicle conditions and catch any minor fixes before they develop into major issues. You may also want to think about what milestones your vehicles might hit and when you’ll need to consider swapping out older vehicles in your fleet for new ones.
3. Make It Easy for Drivers to Report Any Issues
Your fleet can tell you a lot when you’re using technology to track and report data. That being said, it’s also important to pay attention to the human element of your fleet: your drivers. Make it easy for your drivers to come to you to report any issues. One way you can do this is by having drivers fill out regular driving reports after the workday or at the end of the workweek so that they can bring up any issues you may have overlooked or missed. Considering they’re the ones behind the wheel of your fleet, it’s important to make sure that their concerns and comments are heard.
4. Train Drivers and Track Their Behaviors
Speaking of drivers, it’s important that they’re equipped with all the knowledge they need to make sure they’re taking good care of your fleet and driving in such a way that’s beneficial to the health and quality of your vehicles. The first step in guaranteeing this happens is proper driver training. Every driver needs to be trained prior to getting out on the road so that they understand your company’s expectations, safety protocol, and any other essential driving tips they need to be aware of. Once they’re on the road, you can leverage tools and software to see how each driver’s behavior might be contributing to the health of each of your vehicles.
5. Stay on Top of Industry Developments and Best Practices
As a manager, it’s up to you to be an expert in fleet maintenance. While you may currently be in the process of implementing the top strategies and technologies, there’s always something new on the horizon. Staying on top of industry developments and emerging best practices will allow you to become a more effective fleet manager over time.
Ensure Your Fleet Is Well-Maintained With PJG Services
Keeping your fleet in stellar condition begins with finding the right company offering high-quality fleet maintenance in Philadelphia. Here at PJG Services, we offer the high-quality services you deserve, providing fleet maintenance in Bucks County, PA, and surrounding areas. Get in touch with us now to learn more!
