Fleet maintenance has become a hot topic of conversation in the past couple of years. Maintenance prices have skyrocketed due to increased labor costs and higher prices for parts. Getting maintenance done on vehicles has become a challenge for many fleets, but it is still critical, as it ensures driver safety and saves businesses money down the line. It’s more important than ever to save money on fleet maintenance, but how is that possible? Let’s go over the fleet maintenance industry trends for 2022 and how your business can save money despite the current challenges.
2022 Fleet Maintenance Industry Trends
The supply chain has been under great strain since 2020, and it doesn’t look like this will change soon. Meanwhile, workshops lost out on work during the pandemic and raised prices to compensate for the loss. Combined with a staffing shortage and fast-rising inflation, prices are higher than ever. And demand is there to match. Vehicle complexity has also increased, meaning more experienced technicians are needed. Experienced technicians cost more to employ, and the cost trickles down to you.
As a result of rising prices, fleets are trying to stretch out the lifecycle of their vehicles. What may have been a 36-month lifecycle for a vehicle has now been stretched to 42 months or more. While this may work for fleets in the short term, longer lifecycles often lead to more breakdowns and repairs. But while you wait until you can afford new vehicles, what can you do?
Maintenance Savings Strategies
Preventative Maintenance
Did you know that you could save $100 or more per visit to the workshop if you perform maintenance as recommended? So many fleets don’t address their vehicles until something breaks, but this strategy costs more in the long run. Think about it: not changing your oil can lead to engine failure, and fixing one problem costs a lot less than fixing the other. If you have a collision or a breakdown due to mechanical failure, you’ll spend even more time and money than you would have if you’d addressed the problem head-on.
Keep Up with Your Vehicles’ Needs
Every vehicle model is different. Some vehicles can go 10,000 miles before an oil change. Others need transmission fluid long before they reach 100,000 miles. Part of preventative maintenance is knowing the specific needs of your model of vehicle. Not only will this prevent the collisions and breakdowns we mentioned earlier, but it will also save you from being upsold when you go to the workshop.
Combat the Technician Shortage
You’ll want to look for the best vehicle technician to ensure you get the best for your money. Don’t just choose the first shop you see. You’ll want a maintenance management program managed by ASE-certified technicians. Make sure they’re experienced and can recommend you the best technician for the job. That way, even if you’re spending more money upfront, you can ensure that you won’t have to return for repairs sooner than you need to.
Support Your Maintenance Plan with Data
Creating a maintenance plan may seem like a tedious challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Telematics and fleet management software have made this process easier than ever. You can track data, and your system will tell you precisely what you need to make essential maintenance decisions. This data includes:
- Vehicle Lifecycles: You can figure out when a vehicle has reached the end of its lifespan with information right at your fingertips regarding what you’re repairing and how often. If you’re repairing the same vehicle repeatedly, it may be time to swap that vehicle out.
- CPU and CPM: Of course, you need to know how much you’re spending. Knowing your Cost Per Unit (CPU) and Cost Per Mile (CPM) tells you what vehicles are best for your company and how you can cut fuel costs.
Get the Best Maintenance Technology
You know you need the technology, but where can you get the best of the best? Azuga offers state-of-the-art maintenance technology and fleet management software that helps you accomplish the fuel savings you need right now and in the future. Learn more about what we have to offer by scheduling a demo with one of our experts.
