Trucks
Trucks
Every minute of downtime means lost revenue. Here are six ways you can help keep your vehicle out on the road for as long as possible, from the simple and straight-forward, to utilising the full benefits of connectivity.
The most effective way to avoid a breakdown is to be proactive and take preventative measures to avoid it from occurring in the first place. Advances in technology and connectivity mean that there are already a range of connected services available today that can help predict and prevent a breakdown from happening.
At the same, occasional downtime is still an inevitable part of the industry, so it is important to always be prepared for the worst and ready to react when a breakdown does occur.
With the right support, around 80 per cent of expected breakdowns can be avoided or at least mitigated through proactive measures, while reactive measures help mitigate the consequences when they do happen.
The first and simplest measure you can take to proactively avoid a breakdown is to make a quick visual inspection of your vehicle at the start of each day. Investing a few minutes a day could save you a lot of time and money in the long run if it helps you spot a defect or fault early on.
How often a truck should be serviced depends on how it is used, and it can fluctuate depending on different factors. Ideally you want a service schedule that ensures your truck is always in good condition but also minimises the time spent in the workshop. While traditionally trucks are serviced according to preset intervals, connectivity makes it possible to optimise a tailored service schedule based on the vehicle’s actual usage and condition. This way a scheduled service visit can be brought forward if needed, or postponed if it is not.
Connectivity also makes it possible to continiously monitor vehicles and individual components, and detect failures before they cause a breakdown. It is worth exploring the options available to you as an investment in such a service could quickly pay for itself. A scheduled workshop will always be cheaper and easier to manage than an unexpected breakdown in the middle of an assignment.
In modern vehicles, software updates are an increasingly vital part of any service visit - and this does not necessarily have to be done in a workshop. By finding a provider who can offer such a service, you can reduce your vehicle’s workshop visits.
Most manufacturers offer a range of service contracts with different degrees of support. The best option for you will depend on your unique needs, but ultimately you should find a level that gives you complete peace-of-mind without investing in unnecessary services.
Where applicable, it is good to have one service agreement that covers your whole vehicle - truck as well as superstructure or trailer – to avoid separate visits at different workshops.
Whenever it happens, and wherever it happens, when your truck breaks down you need to be able to access roadside assistance and towing. Does your provider offer support during the hours your vehicle operate? Does their coverage cover the areas you operate in? And can you speak to someone in your language if you’re abroad? It is also worth asking what guarantees they can offer in term of how long it will take to get vehicle back on the road, or what compensation they can offer if these guarantees are not met.
Read more: How data and wireless technology are preventing trucks from breaking down.
