5 Ways Fleet Tracking Can Keep Your Vehicles on the Road

1. Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance is the key to long-term vehicle reliability. Whether the schedules are based on mileage, engine hours or fixed intervals since previous maintenance, regular maintenance fixes small problems before they turn into large and expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations and filter replacements can also be completed according to manufacturer recommendations, further extending the lifespan of the vehicle.

A primary benefit of this approach to maintenance is greater insight into when to order replacement parts. With this additional information, fleet and operations managers can order replacement parts well in advance. This helps ensure vehicles can remain on the road even during times of supply chain disruptions when replacement parts may be harder to come by.

2. Real-Time Alerts

Being able to see the symptoms of a problem early can often prevent major equipment failures. Real-time engine diagnostics and alerts provide crucial performance information and insights into overall vehicle health. Fleet tracking software can detect issues like increased engine temperature, oil pressure changes and other events that may signal impending mechanical issues.

Additional alerts on the TN360 platform can also prevent potential maintenance issues. Idle alerts, out-of-hours alerts and geo-fence alerts can ensure vehicles are being used efficiently, at the correct times and in the correct locations. This reduces the chances of a vehicle being taken out of service due to improper use.

3. Improved Driver Insights

Preventative maintenance and real-time alerts include more than just the vehicle. Driver monitoring solutions can also play a key role in ensuring proper vehicle operation. Unsafe behaviors like speeding and harsh braking can cause unnecessary wear-and-tear on fleet vehicles, leading to more frequent maintenance and vehicle downtime.

With driver performance scorecards, businesses can identify drivers using vehicles sub optimally. From there, additional training or coaching can be provided to reduce unsafe and damaging behaviors. When combined with long-term tracking, fleet managers can set data-driven performance goals with key performance indicators to ensure improvements are made.

4. Pre-Trip Inspections

Thoroughly examining fleet vehicles before each trip can help keep them in good working condition. Digital pre-trip checklists can make this process easier for drivers by conveniently listing items to be reviewed, automatically reporting defects and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

By making the pre-trip inspection process digital, it is also much easier for drivers and fleet managers to keep important information organised. Dates and vehicle identification information, such as license plate numbers, fleet ID numbers, and VINs can all be stored in the software to expedite required inspection and compliance procedures.

5. Digital Recordkeeping

While paperwork is a necessary part of any business, it can often be an inefficient process. By instead storing maintenance records digitally, businesses can retain all relevant information in a centralised location on the fleet tracking software system. This allows for more efficient cost tracking, inventory planning and schedule building.

The TN360 maintenance module simplifies the recordkeeping process for fleet managers with a streamlined solution to common frustrations. Schedule building, maintenance records and important documentation can all be stored conveniently in an easily accessible location, saving time and effort, and as a result, improving business efficiency.