No matter how good a truck may be, there will come a day where something goes wrong. A blown tire, an issue with the engine or maybe the truck is in need of an oil change. However, it’s possible for fleet managers to devise maintenance plans that are preventive in nature to stop accidents or prevent asset downtime. With a solid and effective plan, trucks of all kinds can be kept at their best condition as possible and keep trucks on the roads rather in garages waiting to be fixed.
In order to keep all assets checked up and updated, fleet managers use technologies such as telematics to obtain information about the assets no matter where they are. The information is sent into a cloud- based storage system which is then accessed and analyzed using another software by the fleet managers. For example fleet managers can set up alerts and reminders for inspection and even be notified for issues that come up in their assets, preventing a major breakdown from happening. These telematics also allow instant communication between fleet managers and their fleets to keep them notified of anything important that comes up with their trucks. Learn more about what telematics can do in this article here.
However, different trucks require different plans. And with most fleets composed of larger rigs and smaller pick up trucks, it may get a bit confusing with maintenance and inspections without the help of telematics. Fleethunt Technologies fleet management software allows for the creation of individual maintenance plans, which suits fleets that have a variety of assets. The ability to customize plans based on needs will allow for more personalized lists that pinpoint the important parts of each type of asset and better inspect the parts prone to failure. Read more about how telematics can help with fleet management here.
Taking regular inspections forces all small issues into the light before they snowball into something major. Drivers are also forced to take care of their trucks and maintain it in good condition as well. With the use of telematics, drivers simply have to follow the instructions on a mobile inspection app and send in the relevant information no matter where they are. Fleet managers are then notified of any issues and decide the best course of action. For example, using a mobile checklist ensures drivers take a look at everything that needs to be checked before they go on the road. Missing out on important inspections such as signal lights may lead to catastrophic accidents.
Other than regular inspections, preventive maintenance makes sure that any issues are solved before they become bigger problems. Taking a proactive measure rather than reactive measures ensures your trucks stay on the road as long as possible and safeguard the lifespan of your trucks. For example, changing oil filters and replacing the engine oil regularly helps with taking care of the engine. It’s not wise to wait till the engine breaks down before you take the truck in for inspection. Not only is the truck spending a lot of downtime in the garage, it puts the drivers at risk as well. Preventive maintenance can be scheduled using the ELD installed in the vehicle and notify truck drivers wherever they are that the truck needs its regular service.
ELD solutions provide a customizable schedule for check ups and maintenance and can create checklists based on the vehicle. For example, having a semi and a normal pick up truck require attention to different things. With that in mind, fleet managers can create checklists that are tailored for different types of vehicles and assets. Tailored checkups will also mean a more accurate gauge on whether vehicles are in good shape or not.
ELD solutions also make sure that you are alerted with everything that comes up in your trucks and help you schedule maintenance schedules to prevent downtimes. Other than that, taking care of fleets using ELD solutions can make sure all vehicles get the maintenance they need with the shortest amount of time possible. Fleet managers will be able to expedite the process of maintenance, take on preventive measures and keep track of their fleet’s assets at all times with the help of telematics such as Fleethunt Technologies ELD solutions.