Six Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Fleet Maintenance Service Provider

1. What are their service timings?

Unplanned downtime can cause significant financial loss to the owner. So, the preventive maintenance schedule should be planned so that it does not impact your productivity. You should be able to get the service during slack hours to minimise its impact on your business. Select the service provider who can accommodate your timings for regular fleet vehicle inspections.

2. Where are they located?

It is best to choose a fleet maintenance service provider that is conveniently close to your main area of operation. This will allow your team to access them quickly in a challenging situation. If you are running a nationwide fleet, choose a service provider with a nationwide network.

3. What are the service charges?

When giving the entire preventive maintenance schedule contract to the service provider, it is best to negotiate and finalise the price before signing it. Evaluate your requirements, like assets needing frequent maintenance or requiring only highly skilled mechanics for regular fleet vehicle inspections. Also, clarify how much time they would take for inspection and services. For example, one provider charges less but takes an entire day to return the vehicle, while the other with higher charges returns the car in two hours. In such conditions, you have to weigh your options wisely.

4. Are they trustworthy?

It is best to do your part of research and read online reviews before trusting a fleet maintenance service provider. Choosing a reliable service provider will help you forge a long-term partnership with them. The most significant advantage is that they are well-versed in the vehicle’s service history. So they can provide quick and cost-effective solutions to the problem. Besides, their future goals align with your business. Always look for certification. It vouches for their quality of work and expertise.

5. What is their scope of service?

It is crucial to check whether your vehicles are under the service provider’s scope of service. If ignored, this point can catch you by surprise. For example, if your fleet has a combination of passenger and commercial vehicles, ensure that the service provider has expertise available for both. Later revelations can leave you stranded in challenging situations.

6. How good are they at communication?

Regular fleet vehicle inspections require parties that can quickly respond. Vehicles are precious assets for fleet owners. Any problem leads to downtime and conflicts with customers. A fleet maintenance service provider should be able to understand this and respond to emergencies quickly. Any lethargy could damage the fleet owner’s business and reputation. Therefore, choose a service provider eager to provide the best services to the clients. Reputed service providers also establish a point of contact between the fleet owner and their mechanics to make communication clear and concise.