Service, Maintenance & Repair

Service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs are one of the key influencers in compiling total cost of ownership figures, which is the key barometer for vehicle selection.

It therefore makes sense to minimise annual SMR spend by selecting the most cost-effective vehicles for fleet operation.

Additionally, fleet managers must decide where they are going to have their vehicles serviced and repaired – franchised dealers, a local independent garage or a fast-fit. The choice is plentiful and the competition intense.

Fleet News provides insight and guidance on this critical factor of wholife costs.

Fleets and Customer Service: Top Tips

9 steps to...a sucessful tender.

Drawing up proper guidance and effciently managing the selection can pay dividends, says Louise Cole

Service, Maintenance & Repair Features

Aftersales charters: Service guaranteed?

Many manufacturers make a number of aftersales promises through fleet charters. But what do they cover? Christopher Smith reports
Be clear over windscreen sensor recalibration

The growth in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) means fleet managers should review their glass policies. Ben Rooth reports
Franchise or independent: The great SMR debate

Fleet managers can use franchised main dealers or independent garages when it comes to service, maintenance and repairs. But should they choose between them or opt for both?
Save up to 70% on the price of new by reusing parts

The three Rs of good environmental practice are bringing huge cost cuts when it comes to fitting recycled and remanufactured parts. Jonathan Manning reports
Windscreens: Technology provides a vision of the future

New developments are shaping the way windscreens are both used and repaired. Sarah Tooze reports on the latest advances
Service plans: how they can save fleets money

More than three-quarters (77%) of fleets would like to see all manufacturers offer pre-paid service plans, according to a Fleet News poll.
SMR: Equipping dealers to service EVs

How manufacturers are making sure cars with electric power stay on the roads.
Pay-as-you-go approach reduces Archant’s maintenance bill

Archant has saved an estimated 15-20% on its maintenance costs by switching from contract hire with maintenance to pay-as-you-go.
Fixed maintenance brings budgeting certainty for NHSBT

Larry Bannon, national fleet service manager at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) explains why he outsources maintenance at a fixed cost and why his maintenance bill is lower now than nearly a decade ago.
Recycled parts save police fleets £1m

Police lead the way in reducing SMR bills by using parts removed from vehicle write-offs. Sarah Tooze looks at how it works and why more fleets are signing up.