Fleet Servicing Best Practices: How to Cut Downtime and Costs | GVE London – Blog

Managing a fleet is no easy task, and most individuals understand that. No matter if it is managing five or fifty vehicles, it is intense. Costs add up quickly: fueling, servicing, breakdowns, repairs. You can never predict what happens constantly, and find yourself in a state of constant reaction, not planning. 

A few smart changes to your fleet car servicing routine can save serious money. Just as importantly, it can help keep your vehicles where they belong: on the road, not stuck in a workshop.

Let’s look at some practical ways to reduce downtime and keep servicing costs under control.

Start With A Structured Servicing Plan

Servicing your fleet whatever you think it feels right to do so is a sure-fire way of losing time and money. If a van breaks down mid-job, you’re losing business, and we’re not even going to mention what repair costs are going to be. 

With a structured plan, this situation would not have arisen. You ought to have clear servicing intervals, well-established, based upon usage and mileage, and not guesswork or the vibe of the van.   Include checks on brakes, tyres, fluids, filters, lights, and suspension. For urban fleets in high-traffic zones, car servicing in Uxbridge or Central London should have shorter intervals.

You don’t have to service everything at once. Stagger appointments across the month so you’re never short on vehicles.

Pick The Right Service Partner.

Working with the right garage can really make a massive difference. Some rush the job whilst others lack the tools or knowledge for modern engines. You’re going to want to find a car servicing in London spot with no compromises.

They should be transparent about all that they do. A good service centre should give you a clear report and a breakdown of costs. Like our supercar service centre, GVE London which ensures the highest grade of servicing for your fleet. 

Know When To Repair And When To Replace

It may seem tempting to squeeze out more miles, but that approach almost always backfires. If one car is always in and out of the garage, the cost isn’t merely for its repair labour and parts, but missed business opportunities and the added stress to the remainder of the fleet.

Keep track of repair history. If the same vehicle needs work every month, it might be time to retire it. Newer models are often more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance. With better resale strategies, the switch doesn’t have to hurt your bottom line.

Read Also: Benefits of Regular Car Servicing for Resale Value

Keep Drivers In The Loop

Drivers are the first ones to notice something is wrong. They arguably understand the vehicle way better than the fleet manager, to a great extent. It is best to keep drivers in the loop and have them report every time they notice something looks or sounds odd.

Furthermore, encourage them to do certain daily checks on everything. It can seem a little tiresome, but it realistically takes five to ten minutes and goes a long way toward improving the lifespan of the vehicle.

Use Data To Track Performance

We live in modern times, so best to make use of modern tech. We’re all familiar with GPS tracking already, but there are systems in place that can monitor fuel use, engine performance, warning codes, and driving behaviour.

When you start linking this data with your fleet servicing plan, the value increases. You can spot patterns. Which routes are hard on tyres? Which vehicles are overworked? Which drivers are wearing down brakes faster than average?

It may seem like micromanaging, but it isn’t. It is making decisions based on the information available to you. It is best to discuss the same with your drivers and have them on board with your plan.

Final Thoughts

Fleeting servicing doesn’t need to be a complicated affair. With a solid structure, proper tracking, and the right garage, you can keep costs down and keep your fleet running without trouble, no matter the size of your fleet.

We here at GVE London, a supercar service centre located in West London, can help you achieve just that. Whether you’re managing bans or high-end vehicles, we’ve got you covered. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!