Running a small fleet can be an incredibly rewarding but challenging job. However, the more you expand, the more money you can save on things like repairs and overall operating costs. Scaling is incredibly important for any business owner but especially when it comes to maintaining and running your fleet. That’s why it is so important for owners and managers of small and midsize fleets to save money on fleet repair whenever possible.

While larger businesses might not think twice about the cost of doing business and the expense that comes with running a fleet, small business owners should always be thinking about how they can protect their bottom line. This is especially true when it comes to fleet repair, which can be a massive expense, even if your vehicles are in relatively good condition. Fortunately, there are things you can do to save money on fleet repair and maintenance. Knowing how you can cut costs and make the most of your smaller fleet will help you reach your goals so you can expand and enjoy savings further down the line. 

Use Fleet Management Software for Routing

One of the best things you can do to save money on fleet repair is to use fleet management software to make your business as efficient as possible. This can include streamlining things like appointment setting and maintenance but can also mean making your day-to-day routing more efficient. With high-quality fleet management software, you can create routes for your drivers that are the shortest and fastest possible options. This can help you save money on fleet repair and keep your vehicles running smoothly for a lot longer. 

When you have a focus on efficiency for your fleet, you are giving the vehicles the best chance at longevity. Vehicles that are not driving unnecessary miles will not need as many big repairs or expensive services. If you want to save money on fleet repair and you only have a few vehicles, efficiency is going to be your best bet. Keeping miles off the odometers of the vehicles you have will save you money and help you hold onto them for many more years. 

Replace Vehicles Sooner

When you only have a small fleet with a few vehicles in it, you have a big advantage when it comes to vehicle acquisition. The fact that your current workload only requires a small number of individual vehicles means you can afford to upgrade when the time comes. Having top-of-the-line vehicles on your roster lets you rest easy knowing they are going to run smoothly and present fewer problems. If you want to save money on fleet repair, your best bet will be to get upgrades whenever possible. 

One of the major downsides of having a larger fleet is the fact that upgrading vehicles can become an incredibly costly endeavor. The more vehicles you have, the more vehicles you will have to buy, which can be very expensive. If you don’t upgrade, though, you could end up paying much more in the long run for repairs. If you have a smaller fleet, upgrading vehicles is much easier and more cost-effective than constantly paying for fleet repair for your older trucks or vans. 

Get Repairs Done With Smaller Mechanics 

When you have a large fleet, you may be limited in the variety of fleet mechanics that you are able to work with. If, for example, you have to send multiple vehicles to the same mechanic at the same time, you will have to work with a shop that can accommodate you. When you have a smaller fleet, though, your fleet repair options are much more varied. You have your choice of shops and can cultivate relationships that will be beneficial to you both. 

Working with the right shop is the key to making the most of your fleet repair needs. If you have a smaller fleet, take your time figuring out what shop will be best for you. Take your vehicles in for small jobs like oil changes or tire rotations and see what kind of experience that shop offers. Then, if you are happy with the service you get, you can take your vehicles there for bigger, more complex fleet repair procedures.  

Use a Fleet Monitoring System

A big downside of running a larger fleet is the difficulty that comes with monitoring drivers and knowing how they are behaving on the road. Safe and courteous driving is one of the best advertisements for your business and if you can’t keep an eye on your drivers, your brand may be suffering. Reckless driving can also necessitate fleet repair more often, which will end up costing you a lot more money in the long run. With a smaller fleet, though, it is much easier to monitor your drivers with a fleet monitoring system and make sure they are maintaining your standards for safety. 

A fleet monitoring system is a great way to know what is going on with your vehicles while they are out on the road. Things like hard braking, speeding, and aggressive turns can wreak havoc on your vehicles. This could result in expensive fleet repair down the line. Monitoring your vehicles allows you to make changes in your training process that will help you protect your vehicles, drivers, and other cars on the road. 

Get Regular Maintenance

If you want to save money on fleet repair for your business, your best option will always be to stay on top of maintenance. This is especially true if your fleet is on the smaller side. Taking a vehicle in for fleet repair could mean that you are missing out on valuable business if you don’t have another vehicle to take its place. Maintenance is the best way to keep your vehicles on the road so you can serve your customers as effectively as possible. 

Regular maintenance is essential for fleets of every size and if you make it a priority, it will be incredibly beneficial to you. Oil changes, brake service, tire rotations, and transmission fluid flushes are all crucial parts of keeping your fleet running. Working with a reputable shop and getting regular upkeep will help you keep your small fleet on the road and save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run. 

Get the Best Fleet Repair for Your Small or Midsize Fleet 

If you have a small fleet, making sure that you save as much money as possible will always be a concern. However, there are ways you can use your small fleet to your advantage and keep your expenses down. Knowing how small or midsize businesses can save money on fleet repair will help you maximize your revenue and keep your company running smoothly. 

If you want the best fleet repair for your business and keep your vehicles running smoothly, ServiceUp is here for you. With one easy-to-use dashboard to help you manage your maintenance, collision, and mechanical repair needs and seamless integration with major fleet management companies, it has never been easier to get your vehicles repaired by qualified, experienced technicians. Whether you need simple oil changes or major body work, ServiceUp will take care of everything and get you back on the road. Request a demo today to find out how ServiceUp can help your business thrive!