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maintenance

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: The Clean Car Club, from Wilcomatic

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The Clean Car Club is an exciting new service for commercial car and van fleets, from the industry experts in automotive cleaning in the UK, Wilcomatic Wash Systems.

Through their easy to use mobile app, you can find, navigate to and use any of their 550+ UK-wide Automatic and Hand-held Jet Wash sites, for up to 50% less than retail prices.

With customisable wash programmes to suit your needs, alongside monthly centralised billing, you can see who is adhering to your corporate wash policy and who is not. The Clean Car Club is changing the way organisations keep their fleets clean.

For more information please visit: https://daboom.app/cleancarclub/.

To enquire about getting your own Fleet Access Code to unlock the nationwide discounts, please reach out to sales@wilcomatic.co.uk today.

FLEET SERVICING MONTH: The evolving approaches to maintenance in fleet management

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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How Fleet Managers approach servicing and maintenance has undergone considerable evolution over the last 10 years, especially as we move towards an increasingly electrified, low emissions future. Staying abreast of these changes is crucial for ensuring efficiency, minimising downtime, and extending the lifespan of vehicles. Here we explore how approaches to servicing and maintenance are impacting the sector, based on input for attendees at the Fleet Summit…

1. Predictive Maintenance

Traditionally, fleet maintenance was largely reactive or based on predetermined schedules. However, the advent of predictive maintenance marks a significant shift. This approach utilises data analytics and monitoring tools to predict when a vehicle might need servicing. By analysing data such as mileage, engine usage, and driving patterns, Fleet Managers can anticipate potential issues before they become problematic. This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance helps in reducing unexpected breakdowns and prolonging vehicle life.

2. Integration of Telematics

The integration of telematics has been pivotal in transforming fleet maintenance strategies. Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle performance, enabling more precise and timely maintenance interventions. This technology allows for the monitoring of various parameters such as fuel usage, engine temperature, and tyre pressure, facilitating immediate action when anomalies are detected. As a result, telematics has not only improved vehicle maintenance but also enhanced overall fleet efficiency and safety.

3. Emphasis on Sustainability

There is a growing emphasis on sustainability in fleet maintenance. Fleet Managers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, recycling parts, and opting for biodegradable lubricants. Additionally, there is a push towards electric vehicles (EVs) in fleets, which introduces new maintenance dynamics. EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, altering the nature and frequency of servicing needed.

4. Compliance and Regulation

The regulatory landscape in the UK, particularly regarding emissions and safety standards, has significantly influenced fleet maintenance practices. Fleet Managers must ensure that vehicles comply with stringent regulations, including those related to the Euro 6 standards for diesel vehicles and MOT tests. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in substantial penalties and operational setbacks.

5. Adoption of Mobile Maintenance Services

Another notable trend is the rise of mobile maintenance services. These services bring the maintenance to the fleet, rather than vehicles being sent to a service centre. This approach minimises downtime, as servicing and repairs can be conducted during off-hours or in locations that do not disrupt the fleet’s operations.

6. Enhanced Focus on Driver Training

Finally, the role of driver behaviour in vehicle maintenance has gained recognition. Fleet Managers are investing more in driver training programmes that emphasise efficient driving techniques to reduce wear and tear on vehicles. Educating drivers about the importance of regular checks and maintenance can also play a significant role in preventative care.

The approach to servicing and maintenance in UK fleet management has evolved to become more predictive, data-driven, and sustainable. These changes are propelled by advancements in technology, regulatory demands, and a growing awareness of environmental impact. By embracing these developments, Fleet Managers can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and contribute to a greener future.

Do you need Fleet Servicing and Maintenance solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help! 

Photo by Jimmy Nilsson Masth on Unsplash

Industry Spotlight: Hands-on with Aftercare Response Video

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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We sat down with Aftercare Response General Manager Andy Harrison to talk through the company’s ground-breaking video sharing platform and its key features…

Aftercare Response (part of Bevan Group) is the UK’s leading provider of mobile maintenance and breakdown services in the UK. Specialising in on-site commercial vehicle body repairs and ancillary equipment servicing, the business offers a host of additional services such as fleet maintenance contracts, OEM warranty work and nationwide emergency roadside assistance.

With 260 customers, Aftercare Response continues to experience strong growth – but, in the increasingly competitive landscape, the team constantly strive for ways to deliver added value to their clients.

Andy Harrison, General Manager at Aftercare Response, remarks: “The businesses that survive and thrive are those that ensure they are at the forefront of new developments, driving the charge to bring new and better products and services to the market”.

Aftercare Response Video

One such innovation is Aftercare Response Video. Launched in 2021 as the first initiative of its kind within the industry, Aftercare Response Video is a video sharing platform. It allows engineers to provide recommendations to camera and share the video directly with the customer, enabling a fully informed decision on whether to proceed with the suggested work. Once the work is complete, the customer receives a summary of the issue(s) and the work undertaken to get the vehicle back to its best.

The service gives the customer total control of each job by ensuring end-to-end visibility, complete transparency and improved knowledge. The videos provided enable the customer to re-charge damage repairs fairly and prove invaluable in supporting warranty claims. And crucially, the service allows authorisations to be secured more quickly, thereby minimising delay and vehicle downtime.

As Andrew, a Fleet Management & Finance Lease Provider, comments: “The Aftercare Response Video service has been a real game-changer for us; we have complete visibility and control of all jobs which provides greater transparency for the repairs carried out.”

Paul, a Food & Drink Distribution Provider, agrees: “We receive detailed daily job management updates that, combined with the video service, have enhanced our visibility of on-going jobs and enabled our depots to manage their fleets more effectively”.

There are broader benefits, too. The Aftercare Response team can process customer queries more effectively because there is greater transparency and clarity on the work completed. The videos are an excellent source of training and reference material, enabling knowledge to be shared among the business’s nationwide network of engineers.

“From a customer perspective, this development was all about building confidence and providing reassurance,” explains Andy. “But we also use the platform as a training aid, to improve repair standards and achieve an even higher level of consistency within our team of engineers.”

The Aftercare Response Video Service is available to all Aftercare Response customers. To view sample videos and find out more, visit https://bit.ly/46A2f3D.

Do you specialise in Fleet Electric & Hybrid Vehicles? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in January we’ll be focussing on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Jan – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb – Dash Cams
Mar – Driver Training
Apr – Accident & Risk Management
May – Fleet Management Software
Jun – Telematics/Tracking
Jul – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept – EV Infrastructure
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair

Do you specialise in Fleet Service, Maintenance & Repair? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in December we’ll be focussing on Service, Maintenance & Repair solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Service, Maintenance & Repair solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb – Dash Cams
Mar – Driver Training
Apr – Accident & Risk Management
May – Fleet Management Software
Jun – Telematics/Tracking
Jul – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept – EV Infrastructure
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair

Do you specialise in Fleet Service, Maintenance & Repair? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in December we’ll be focussing on Service, Maintenance & Repair solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Service, Maintenance & Repair solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb – Dash Cams
Mar – Driver Training
Apr – Accident & Risk Management
May – Fleet Management Software
Jun – Telematics/Tracking
Jul – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept – EV Infrastructure
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair

The great 2021 pothole backfill begins

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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Councils across England have been allocated their share of £500 million for highways maintenance, with the funding expected to fix the equivalent of 10 million potholes across the country.

It is the second of 5 equal instalments from the £2.5 billion Potholes Fund, providing £500 million a year between 2020/21 and 2024/25, announced by the Chancellor in the 2020 Budget – and is part of wider funding the DfTprovides for road maintenance, totalling over £1.1 billion across England in 2021/22.

With the average pothole costing around £50 to fill in, the funding will ensure that the equivalent of 10 million potholes can be rectified, making thousands of local roads both safer and easier to drive and cycle on.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “We know potholes are more than just a nuisance – they can be dangerous to drivers and cyclists alike, and cause damage to thousands of vehicles every year.

“The funding allocated today will help councils ensure roads in their area are kept up to standard, and that the potholes that blight road users can be dealt with promptly.”

The DfT claims it has already invested heavily in pothole filling since 2015, including the £296 million Pothole Action Fund, which ran from 2015/16 to 2020/21. It also topped up highway maintenance investment in 2018 with a one-off £420 million boost to all highway authorities in England, including London.

The government says it’s committed to supporting motorists through schemes like the Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2), investing £27 billion in the biggest ever roads programme – with £10 billion of the record-breaking sum specifically for road maintenance, operations and renewals.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: AVG Windscreens

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By AVG Windscreens

AVG Windscreens are a national vehicle glass provider working within the industry for over 25 years. We specialise in fleet & commercial vehicles in a variety of industries, so we understand the importance of getting your vehicles back on the road.

For our trade accounts, we have a 24-hour helpline and operate on a mobile and national same day / next day service. Our technicians are trained to the highest standard and accredited by the IMI (the highest accreditation for a windscreen technician). 

Our Unique Selling Point has always been our hassle-free service. We provide customers multiple booking methods (online portal, phone call, email, etc) and the phones are answered within 10 seconds whenever you call. Most importantly, due to us having a smaller team, everyone you work with will be somebody you already know, and we maintaing that personal touch throughout our business.

www.avgwindscreens.co.uk

Preventive versus reactive maintenance for fleets

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The main objective of a planned preventive maintenance (PM) schedule is to improve the overall safety and performance of your fleet vehicles.

Some fleet organisations today are wary of implementing a new PM program. Instead, they focus on reactive maintenance procedures. With reactive maintenance, most maintenance tasks are only performed after the vehicle or asset has failed. While it might seem like reactive maintenance is cheaper than preventive maintenance, it actually is more costly in the long-run.

In addition to improving the safety of your fleet operations, a set preventive maintenance schedule has many other benefits, including:

Reduced costs: While regular preventive maintenance may seem costly, responding to maintenance reactively typically costs fleet organisations more over the long-term.

Decreased vehicle downtime: One of the more obvious benefits of PM scheduling is reduced vehicle downtime. When your PM schedule is optimised, you can ensure that your vehicles are on the road, instead of sitting in the work shop for extended periods of time.

Improved fuel savings: It’s true– an effective PM plan can save you money on petrol! When fleet vehicles are properly maintained and running optimally, their fuel efficiency increases. Examples of PM work that improve fuel efficiency include: changing air filters, receiving regular oil changes (with the correct oil) and even cleaning out your vehicle.

For many fleet organisations today, PM schedules make a significant impact on the bottom line and overall efficiency. Paired with an effective fleet management software system, preventive maintenance can help your organisation succeed both on and off the road.

Do you specialise in Fleet Servicing, Maintenance & Repair? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet & logistics market – and in December we’ll be focussing on the Servicing, Maintenance & Repair sector.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Servicing, Maintenance & Repair solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay