Older vehicles can start to show their age through frequent breakdowns, diminishing fuel economy, and rising fleet vehicle maintenance costs. Should you continue to pay for fleet services for those aging assets or let them go?
Here are some tips to help you decide.
Fleet Maintenance Costs vs. Buying New
If you’re considering replacing an older truck, check its historical fleet maintenance schedules first. In addition, you should examine any costs associated with parts replacement for that asset. If that truck is draining money, it might be at the end of its cycle. Instead, you could be putting that money into a more reliable asset.
When You Just Need More Time
There are options if you just need to buy a little more time on an older truck before replacing it. Some vehicles can last longer, at lower costs, with a little tweak to its ongoing fleet vehicle maintenance.
For example, you can look for ways to extend maintenance intervals for certain tasks so you’re paying less over time. Deferring fleet services isn’t great for the vehicle long-term, and you could play catch-up on maintenance and cost if you do it too long. But it could give you a little more time to adjust your financing and have a little more time to prepare for its replacement.
Consider Replacement Parts
You can help reduce costs and extend a vehicle’s lifecycle by reconsidering your choice of replacement parts. You may have gone for inexpensive parts for assets with short-term lifecycles. However, if your goal is to keep that vehicle on the road longer, paying for higher-quality parts is part of that investment. A better part will last longer, reduce future breakdown and downtime costs, and is key to preventative maintenance.
Keep a Close Eye
If you have an older asset that you must keep on the road, for whatever reason, keep a close eye on it. It is wise to shorten maintenance intervals and include extra vehicle inspections. More frequent fleet vehicle maintenance will catch issues early before they cause a breakdown. You could keep that truck a little longer if you up your preventative maintenance.
If you need help with your fleet maintenance, reach out to Motorplex. We have shops in Auburn and Spokane, Washington.
Motorplex has shops in Spokane and Auburn, WA and we offer onsite mobile repairs. Whether you need a maintenance check or oil pump repairs, book your service appointment.
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
