A fleet manager’s job is not an easy one. You must keep the fleet on the road without tapping too far into your budget. The bottom line must always be in the black, i.e. the fleet has to make money or you risk losing your job. It doesn’t matter what fleet vehicles you manage, delivery vans and trucks or passenger automobiles, their performance affects the bottom line. This is why Willoughby Hills Auto Repair maintains and repairs fleet vehicles. They don’t do you any good unless they are making money.
Off the Road Means Lost Profits
Any vehicle that is broken down and out of service means lost profits to your business. Every hour that the vehicle is in the shop is every hour it isn’t making money. Business 101, right? Sure, but many fleet managers often feel trapped between maintenance expenses they cannot afford and the need to spend that money anyway. It can feel as if no matter what you do, you cannot win, especially when the month-end reports come out and you have to sit down with the president to discuss the numbers.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is spending the money to maintain the vehicles now saves the company money later. This is true with any automobile, even your personal car, truck, or SUV. The simple fact is this: maintenance costs less than repairs do, which is why it’s important to keep your fleet vehicles on their manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. If your boss thinks maintenance costs take too much away from the bottom line, imagine how much a cracked engine block will cost, not to mention the loss in profits while the broken-down vehicle sits in the shop.
Safety Saves Money, Too
Safety is another concern that many fleet managers face every day. You need to keep your drivers safe and, if you run a passenger fleet, your passengers safe. You can only do this if you keep the vehicles maintained. Vehicles that aren’t kept to their maintenance schedules wear down and, as such, crucial safety systems wear down, too. For example, the brake system alone can cause an accident if it fails, which leaves you in the lurch with your boss, the insurance company, and possibly the accident victims.
It isn’t worth it to take chances with your fleet vehicles. They cannot make money and, in fact, can even cost you money if they break down. We here at Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, can help. Call us today to discuss your fleet maintenance needs and budget.