You are purchasing a new company vehicle. How exciting! From this point forward, you may start to wonder how long do you keep the vehicle for. Driving it until the wheels on the truck no longer function is not the smartest option. It can be unsafe and not particularly profitable to drive around an unreliable vehicle. Sadly, nothing lasts forever. This fact particularly applies to delivery, transport, and shipping vehicles and especially those that end up being abused by the businesses that they are sold to. The transport industry can be very demanding of vehicles. While a truck replacement cycle will likely be different for every vehicle, it is something you must keep in mind.
Understanding Truck Replacement Cycles
There are several factors that make up the components of a replacement cycle for trucks in the transport industry and some of them are as follows:
- Company image
- Fuel efficiency
- Maintenance costs
Below descriptions further explain these terms.
The Image of Your Company
The way your truck looks is a direct reflection of your company image. Trucks that look run-down equate to an unprofessional business. This may not be necessarily true or may even be an unfair judgment but this is how people perceive your company by simply looking at your truck. Put your best foot forward with a nice-looking truck. It may not stay bright and shiny forever but do your best to always make it presentable.
How Fuel-Efficient is Your Truck?
Every single day, manufacturers are producing vehicles that are increasingly fuel efficient. With cleaner burning engines and electric vehicles, not only is fuel efficiency improving but today’s vehicles are kinder to the earth and the atmosphere than in previous days. Being environmentally-friendly is good, but the fuel-efficiency you can enjoy from newer vehicles is what’s going to matter to your business. Do not underestimate the influence of being environmentally-responsible on your existing customers and prospective clients.
The Cost of Maintenance
Putting into place and exercising a preventative maintenance plan costs money. However, if you avoid implementing it and your truck ends up breaking down on a route, how much costs will it incur? It is highly recommended to put a preventative maintenance plan into action and adhere to it. Here are some tips for the process:
- Consider replacing timing belt, cooling system, and clutch at 100,000 miles
- Replace tires, rear shocks/struts, and brake drums at 90,000 miles.
- As needed, replace your battery but be sure to check it at 60,000 miles.
- Replace tires, front shocks/struts, and disc brakes at 45,000 miles.
- Replace cabin and air filters at 30,000 miles.
Note: According to a study published by Business Fleet, 2014, in the average six-year lifecycle of commercial work trucks, 39% of all maintenance costs occur.
Maintaining Trucks vs. Replacing Trucks – Mickey Genuine Parts
Question:
What is the best way to keep your vehicles running better and longer?
Answer: Have them serviced by our specialists. Throughout the United States, we
have conveniently located certified full-service centers that can fulfill all
your maintenance needs and keep your fleet up and running and productive.
What’s more, with Mickey Genuine Parts, every accessory and component is of the
highest quality to assure reliability.
When
you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, we are the place to go! We have trailers, van
bodies, trucks, and more. If you are in the transport industry, knowing a service
provider like Mickey Genuine Parts is invaluable. Speak to one of our helpful
and friendly customer service representatives today to find out what Mickey can
do for you.