Cut Costs and Extend Vehicle Life with Preventative Maintenance
Unexpected breakdowns don’t just sideline vehicles—they derail budgets, disrupt services, and frustrate staff. For government agencies, universities, and utilities, staying ahead of maintenance is essential to delivering reliable service with limited resources.
A strong preventative maintenance (PM) program does more than keep vehicles running. It extends fleet lifespan, ensures compliance, and reduces total cost of ownership.
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters
• Lower repair costs: Routine checks prevent major component failures.
• Reduced downtime: Vehicles stay available for critical services.
• Extended lifespan: Properly maintained vehicles often last years longer.
• Improved safety: Regular inspections help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
• Budget predictability: Scheduled maintenance spreads costs over time.
Risks of Skipping Preventative Maintenance
Organizations that rely on reactive repairs face:
• Higher lifecycle costs from premature replacements
• Unexpected service disruptions and lost productivity
• Greater safety risks for drivers and passengers
• Difficulty passing audits or inspections
Best Practices for Effective PM Programs
- Automate schedules based on mileage, engine hours, or time intervals.
- Centralize records to track history and prove compliance.
- Integrate telematics to automatically update odometer readings.
- Standardize PM protocols across all locations.
- Continuously review data to adjust intervals and optimize costs.
Case Study: Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Basin Electric integrated preventative maintenance tracking into FleetCommander to manage hundreds of vehicles across multiple sites. By automating reminders and centralizing records, the cooperative reduced unscheduled repairs, extended fleet life cycles, and ensured compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. The program cut downtime significantly, keeping vehicles available for essential operations.
The Bottom Line
Preventative maintenance is more than a service routine—it’s a long-term investment in fleet reliability and cost control. With the right tools, agencies can turn maintenance from a reactive burden into a proactive strategy for extending vehicle lifespan.
Phelps Rogovoy
