Let’s look at three fleet maintenance best practices that can help you focus on the essentials and improve your fleet maintenance program. Whether it’s keeping the shop organized, hiring technicians, maintaining safe working conditions or focusing on vehicle turnaround, the responsibilities of managing a fleet maintenance program can be overwhelming, which is why we’re breaking down our best practices below:  

One: Establish a Comprehensive PM Plan

The first of Amerit’s three fleet maintenance best practices is to establish a comprehensive PM program.

What makes a PM program comprehensive? It is regular, it is thorough, and it is documented. 

At Amerit, our PM plans are designed to fit the fleets we service by analyzing our customer’s needs and goals and then creating customized plans that fits those needs. We focus on usage/mileage profits, asset classes, changing federal and state regulations and requirements, as well as our customer’s individual goals and objectives to create a truly comprehensive plan. 

We know the importance of inspecting and recording the condition of every operating system on the asset, as well as identifying corrective actions and repairs. At Amerit, we practice bumper to bumper, top to bottom preventative maintenance. We also make sure each vehicle undergoes a safety check before returning to service, so we are confident each asset is in optimal condition to perform. 

In addition to regular, thorough inspections, our comprehensive PMs focus on documentation. We document all PMs in complete detail with our FMS, in addition to keeping a paper back-up on file. This provides the drivers with the required maintenance paperwork and files should they happen to be subjected to a DOT inspection on the road.

Two: Establish a Corrective Maintenance Plan

The second of Amerit’s three fleet maintenance best practices is to establish a corrective maintenance plan.

When it comes to developing a corrective maintenance plan, collaboration is key. Amerit works with our customers to create plans that keep fleets operating in prime condition, while surging additional effort to bring downed vehicles back on-line. 

The core of our corrective maintenance planning includes assessing lifecycle data. This helps analyze troublesome units and prepare accordingly. By studying previously failed vehicle parts and systems, PMs can be uniquely modified and customized going forward. Adjusting PMs based on data means performing more preventative maintenance and less corrective maintenance. Ultimately, reducing the number of out-of-service vehicles. 

Three: Measure and Track Quality

The third of Amerit’s three fleet maintenance best practices is the need to measure and track quality.

How does Amerit measure and track quality? We rely on random, unannounced, and regular post work inspections (PWIs). PWIs ensure everyone is delivering consistent, quality vehicle maintenance. 

In addition to providing incentives for high-quality maintenance, PWIs can also lead to cost savings. PWIs can identify training needs and promote quality workmanship and productivity from technicians, thereby lowering come-backs. 

When performing PWIs, it’s always a good idea to perform it with the technician present. While inspection items may seem obvious to most FMs, others may not have the overall experience to identify areas of failure. If certain items are found unsatisfactory in the inspection, your fleet will profit from taking this moment to teach and train technicians. Not only does this encourage your technicians to continue learning and expanding their skills, but it ensures your expectations and standards are clear and communicated. 

Conclusion

At Amerit, fleet maintenance best practices are critical to our success. We are trusted by over 150 fleets across the US, with over 150,000 assets under contract. We have built our reputation of being the country’s most dependable, trustworthy and hard-working partner through our singular focus on doing one thing, Fleet Maintenance and Repair Services.

With a nationwide team of maintenance experts, we can deliver world-class fleet maintenance programs wherever you need us. 

To learn more, fill out our contact form, or give us a call at 855-832-9922.