Fleet Maintenance: What You Need to Know Before Starting Dispatch Courses
If you’re considering a career in dispatching, choosing to pursue a career in fleet management could be right for you. Fleet managers are in charge of coordinating and directing the use of a fleet of vehicles, delegating responsibilities to drivers, technicians and other employees while ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations. As a fleet manager, one of the most important components of your job will be fleet maintenance. Fleet maintenance, or the process of keeping all fleet vehicles in good condition, is an important practice in ensuring compliance with inspections, avoiding unnecessary downtime or repairs. A good fleet manager knows that good fleet maintenance practices directly contribute to the success of your business.
Below, discover a few fleet maintenance best practices to follow when it comes to fleet maintenance, as well as some important benefits of fleet maintenance to remember.
Fleet Maintenance Best Practices: A Quick Overview for Dispatch Training Grads
When it comes to fleet maintenance, there are a few practices to adhere to. After completing your dispatch training, one important step is to implement a preventative fleet maintenance schedule. Adhering to an organized schedule will ensure that all fleet vehicles are serviced on time while avoiding costly repairs. Another best practice is to compile a servicing history of all vehicles. Having important information on hand, such as the date and type of servicing conducted on each vehicle over time, is a great way to predict the future servicing needs of vehicles, as well as the costs associated with them. When keeping these practices in mind, you’ll be able to reap the many benefits of good fleet maintenance.
Fleet Maintenance Can Reduce Repair Costs
Fleet maintenance makes routine maintenance possible, and with routine maintenance, the cost of repairing your fleet’s vehicles will decrease significantly. While routine maintenance might seem more costly up front, the cost of avoiding servicing until an issue is present will be much higher. Major repairs are not only expensive, but they lead to costs in other areas. When a vehicle spends a significant period of time in the shop, this leads to losses in terms of delays and reduced efficiency. With regular servicing, you can avoid wasting valuable time and resources on repairs, engaging in preventative maintenance instead.
Improve Inspection Results
When working as a fleet manager after completing dispatcher courses, you’ll be subject to regular inspections of your fleet. These inspections are carried out in order to determine the safety and compliance of your business with federal and provincial regulations. When you engage in good fleet maintenance practices, you can ensure that these inspections go smoothly, as keeping vehicles well-maintained will result in better inspection results. A regularly serviced fleet is less likely to be subject to violations upon inspection, resulting in higher inspection scores.
Lower Operating Costs with Fleet Maintenance
Equipment lifespan, fuel costs and mileage are improved with regular fleet maintenance. Poorly maintained vehicles are much more likely to consume a higher amount of fuel, and mileage and fuel consumption may also be affected by underinflated tires. With regular maintenance, you can reduce the costs associated with operating your fleet, saving on fuel and keeping vehicles running more efficiently. What’s more, equipment is likely to last longer, as preventative maintenance keeps vehicle equipment working properly for a longer period of time. With all of these benefits, it’s important to invest in a strong fleet maintenance strategy upon entering the industry.
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