Trakm8 is urging fleets not to cut vehicle maintenance amid unprecedented cost pressures for British businesses.

Delaying vehicle services could lead to a massive – and unexpected – outlay further down the line if the vehicle fails

While companies will understandably be looking at where they can reduce spend across their operations, cutbacks on vehicle SMR could risk protracted vehicle downtime and costs further down the line for company owned assets, the vehicle technology solutions specialist has warned. It also spoke out on the dangers of grey fleet drivers cutting back on maintenance.

Paul Wilson, sales and marketing director at Trakm8, explained: “British businesses are navigating extremely turbulent economic waters at the moment, with both the cost-of-living crisis and continued fuel price uncertainty really starting to bite. Indeed, according to research by the Motor Ombudsman, worries about financial precarity this winter is leading up to 22% of vehicle owners to delay their service, while 33% are considering missing a service altogether.

“While this might save money in the short term, it could lead to a massive – and unexpected – outlay further down the line if the vehicle fails. This will be exacerbated among fleet operating businesses, where costs associated with unexpected vehicle downtime can run into the tens of thousands. And when you consider the fact that businesses are having to run older vehicles for longer thanks to the ongoing parts shortage and delays in sourcing new vehicles, the sector really could be facing a perfect storm this winter.”

Instead, Wilson said businesses could help avoid unexpected vehicle costs by putting proactive maintenance at the top of their fleet agenda.

“While there are obvious considerations such as ensuring vehicles continue to be serviced at regular intervals, businesses should also consider investing in vehicle healthcare solutions that can provide up-to-the-minute diagnostics across a wide range of vehicle datapoints,” he added.

“Although investing in technology during a time of increased cost-watching might seem counter intuitive, it’s important to consider the wider return on investment such technology can yield. Solutions that monitor vehicle health can help identify potential issues – such as rogue tyres or oil pressure warnings – before they become vehicle disabling and lead to expensive unplanned downtime. At a time when many fleet vehicles are expected to work harder for longer, such technology can play a pivotal role in keeping fleets moving.”

Wilson added that it was also important to consider the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on grey fleets.

“Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in the numbers of employees using their private vehicles for business. This is a notoriously complex area when it comes to servicing, as the onus falls on the motorist and not the business, but it’s obviously crucial to ensure these vehicles are being driven safely and in a roadworthy condition.

“For businesses, they should ensure that fleet managers have an up-to-date record of what vehicles each grey fleet employee is driving for work. Where possible, they should also maintain records of the most recent service the vehicle has undertaken, alongside details of any vehicle maintenance checks alongside road tax validity.

“Far from being a ‘Big Brother is watching you’ approach, such proactivity ensures both business and driver are on the right side of legislation and helps provide valuable peace of mind that vehicles utilised for business are entirely fit for purpose.”