How Do I Reduce Vehicle Down Time?

But amongst all of these issues which are a constant, there is one that can be more troublesome than most – vehicle down time. Vehicle down time is one of the most frustrating parts of fleet management, whether it was due to an accident or maybe just a breakdown, having to go without vehicles can prove incredibly costly.

So how do you keep the problem of vehicle downtime at a low? Well, we have some tips…

Regular servicing & repair

Perhaps the most effective and most important way to reduce vehicle downtime is up keeping with the servicing and repair of your vehicles, so it’s important you have a strong relationship with your maintenance provider to ensure that the turnaround times are kept to a minimum.

Of course, sometimes delays are unavoidable but most repair providers will conduct essential repairs out of hours so your business isn’t disrupted too much.

Purchase new vehicles

While this may seem expensive, the potential long-term savings are well worth it. Because of the advances in technology, purchasing more modern vehicles means that breakdowns are less likely. What’s more, a brand new vehicle will come with a fixed warranty at a usual minimum of three years.

Even if your current vehicles have served you well, and are continuing to serve you well, an accident or breakdown could happen at any time, with the added bonus that if you need to replace certain parts, they might be harder to find and more expensive in older models.

Opting for vehicles that are easier and cheaper to repair

Depending on the type of business you’re in, as specialised vehicles are required for certain fields, you can find out which vehicles will cost you the least when it comes to repairs. You can find out this information through insurance companies and can use it to decide on your new vehicles.  Expensive vehicles usually take a lot longer to repair as the parts and labour rate is higher.

The common recommendations from insurance companies are manufacturers like Ford and Vauxhall, as the parts are easy to source and cheap to fix.

Installing speed limiters

As a fleet operator, you don’t want your vehicles breaking the speed limit while they’re on the road, not only because they’re acting outside the law, but also because it increases the chances of an accident tenfold.

It’s strange because this seems like a foolproof idea, but less than 5% of fleet vehicles are fitted with a speed limiter, apparently due to objections from drivers.

However, installing a system that not only keeps your vehicles in co-operation with road safety, but also helps you cut down on both fuel costs and the chances of your vehicles being involved in an accident could be the difference in keeping your fleet efficient and operational.

More Driver Training

We’ve talked about the difference providing more training to your drivers can make, and when it comes to minimising vehicle downtime, it can make a big difference.

We’re sure the majority of your drivers do a good job, as it’s what they do and they’re bound to have thousands of miles experience on the road; however there is always something new they can learn.

A well-trained, experienced and confident driver is less likely to be involved in an accident on the road. You can also be assured that vehicle wear and tear will be reduced greatly by smooth and careful driving.

Hopefully now, you can feel more assured in the notion of keeping your vehicles on the road for a longer period of time. Accidents are bound to happen, and vehicles can degrade naturally, but you can do a lot to keep those factors at a minimum.

Here at FuelTek, we specialise in providing you with some of the best fuel solutions around. That includes fuel monitoring, management and software, among other things! To find out what we can do for you, contact us on 01254 291391 and speak to one of our experts today.

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