Fleet Vehicle Maintenance – Take Care of Your Vehicles Before They Break Down

Imagine this: You’re out on a job. It’s hot. You’ve got tools in the back and a customer waiting. Then—bam! The truck won’t start. Now you’re stuck. The job is delayed and the customer…not impressed.

What a mess and it might’ve been avoided with one small repair.

When you manage a fleet of vehicles, even one breakdown can throw everything off. That’s why fleet vehicle maintenance is a big deal. It keeps your business rolling, saves you money, and makes sure your team isn’t left stranded when they should be on their jobs.

Keeping Your Vehicles in Great Shape

Every vehicle has a lifespan. They wear down over time. Tires go bald, engines get tired, and repairs get expensive. But if you take care of your vehicles from the start, you can use them longer — and spend less.

Edward Celitti, who manages a fleet of 300 vehicles at Piedmont Services Group, knows this well. He tracks each vehicle’s repair costs and when the costs go up, he knows it’s time to sell and get a new one. That way, he avoids big surprise repairs and keeps his techs on the road.

Do the Small Repairs Before they Become Big Issues

Oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations — yeah, they sound trivial. But skipping these things can lead to huge problems later. Think of them like brushing your teeth. A little effort now keeps you from experiencing big pains later.

Also, always document what you fix. When it’s time to sell a vehicle, having a record of maintenance and repairs makes a difference. People want to know the vehicle was cared for. It can even raise the price by 20%.

If you have worn tires or a weak battery, fix them before selling the vehicle. These small fixes make your truck look well-loved — and buyers like that.

Improve the Vehicle’s Appearance

Would you trust a company with a rusty, dirty van that smells like smoke? Probably not.

Your trucks are rolling billboards. Keep them clean. Wash them. Wax them. Don’t let decals peel off. Rust from road salt? Rinse it off fast, especially in winter. It protects the body and makes the truck last longer.

Also, implement a no smoking policy while operating the vehicle. Smoke smell is hard to remove, and it can ruin your chance of getting a good price later.

If the vehicle has scratches, stains, and dents, try to fix them. Little things make a big difference in how buyers perceive the value of your vehicle.

Know When to Sell

Don’t wait until the vehicle falls apart. Most fleet vehicles’ value decreases significantly after they hit 100,000 miles. Around that time, belts crack, bushings wear out, and more small components break.

Try to sell before you hit that point. Watch the market too. Selling during the busy season isn’t always smart. For example, vehicles in the HVAC industry don’t sell well in summer because everyone’s too busy servicing clients to shop for new vehicles. Plan ahead. Sell during the slower season when buyers have time and money.

Where to Sell

Each option has pros and cons:
• Auction: Fast, but you will get a lower price.
• Dealership: Easy trade-in, but not much money back to your company.
• Private Sale: More cash, but takes more time and effort.
• Fleet Buyer: Best if you’re selling more than one. They often pay well if the trucks are clean and cared for.

Show Off the Good Stuff

When selling, tell people what makes your vehicle great:

• Maintenance records? Big win.
• Low mileage? Even better.
• New tires or brakes? Mention that.
• Bluetooth, backup cam, leather seats? Buyers love extras.

The more you share, the more confident the buyer feels.

Final Thoughts: Your Fleet Is Your Business

Your vehicles aren’t just machines. They’re part of your team. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.

Fleet vehicle maintenance saves money. Clean vehicles to keep your brand strong. And smart timing helps you sell at the best price.

So don’t wait until it’s too late. Plan ahead. Keep records. Fix the little stuff. And treat every vehicle like it matters — because it really, really does.

Learn how FieldLogix can help you improve fleet vehicle maintenance here.

Learn more about proper fleet management on our Spotify podcast – Field Honcho.