Maintaining a fleet of commercial trucks is critical to the success of any transportation firm. However, due to the time commitment required for regular maintenance, both company fleets and driver-owned commercial trucks are frequently neglected. Nonetheless, the benefits considerably surpass any time spent servicing commercial trucks. In the following post, we discuss the necessity of commercial vehicle maintenance and outline a checklist to make the process easier for you and your fleet! Commercial truck maintenance has an impact on a company’s bottom line and is cost-effective for a variety of reasons. As a result, preventative maintenance should be a frequent part of your company’s plan.
1. Fewer Accidents
According to the US Department of Transportation, around 500,000 truck accidents occur each year, accounting for nearly 2.5% of all vehicle accidents in the country. Although passenger vehicle drivers significantly influence this appalling figure, the bad condition of commercial trucks also plays a role. Regular maintenance helps to avoid calamities. For example, brakes should be inspected and maintained regularly. Waiting to check the brakes until they grind, screech, whine, or fail makes the vehicle exceedingly unsafe, which is unfair to fleet drivers and other vehicles. Simply put, completing routine maintenance leads to fewer accidents and more efficient everyday operations.
Finding the exact cause of a truck accident is necessary to claim compensation. However, investigating a truck accident can be challenging, which is why you need to hire experienced lawyers. For example, Gallagher & Kennedy truck accident attorneys can assist you with the investigation process and help you fill out the claim form if you got involved in a truck accident in Phoenix. They would also represent you in court and provide the necessary guidance concerning your case.
2. Fewer Unexpected Breakdowns
Vehicle breakdowns are reduced when commercial trucks are serviced regularly. Unexpected time spent off the road and in the garage far outweighs the time spent doing fleet maintenance. Furthermore, breakdowns cause unforeseen disturbances in your operational schedule, resulting in late delivery.
3. You Will Save Time
Preventative maintenance will save you considerable time and hassle in the long run. Securing your trailer, straps, winches, and other equipment could mean the difference between a few more days and an hour. Before you leave for your trip, ensure everything is in working order for the safety of the truck and the load you’re hauling.
4. Reduced Operating Cost
One significant aspect of lowering operating costs is reducing the number of major repairs. Commercial trucks that are well-maintained and functional save your company’s fuel and insurance costs. Furthermore, extending the life of your commercial truck increases the value of your initial investment.
5. Increased Customer Satisfaction
Unexpected breakdowns, as previously said, interrupt business operations, resulting in variable and unpredictable delivery times. In the worst-case scenario, a simple breakdown could result in the loss of a significant client. A disappointed customer may switch to a competitor who routinely delivers on schedule without unexpected repairs.
6. Save the Cost of Replacement
When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, avoiding a breakdown is usually better than paying for a service or repair on the road. Repair and replacement prices for heavy-duty truck parts are exorbitant. Sometimes the features a truck requires are unavailable when the car breaks down. It is usually better to be prepared before a breakdown occurs, and preventative maintenance can assist in identifying what may need to be replaced soon.
7. Lengthen Asset Lifespan
One of the most essential advantages of preventative maintenance is that it extends the life of your valuable equipment. Keeping your trucks in good condition allows them to run for extended periods, reducing expenditures. The mean time between failures is the typical KPI (Key Performance Indicator) fleet managers use to make educated maintenance choices. Keeping track of this allows you to schedule preventative maintenance, such as filter changes and grease, before a breakdown occurs.
8. Increase Efficiency
Routine preventative maintenance on your trucks will help them last longer and run more efficiently. Keeping your vehicles running smoothly saves you money, generates revenue, builds a strong brand image, and increases client happiness. Preventative maintenance in fleet management eliminates failures and preserves service quality, boosting the brand’s image.
Bottomline
As described in the article, preventative actions will help avoid more severe problems. Keeping your trucks and equipment in good condition will also allow you to save a lot of time and money. Save yourself from annoyance and headaches by exercising your best judgment while maintaining your safety and the safety of your shipping loads.
