Vehicle/ fleet maintenance basics!

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, often overlooking seemingly "minor" tasks. However, with the advancements in technology, we have the tools to streamline and simplify many aspects of our lives, including managing our vehicles and fleets.

Maintaining records of vehicle and fleet maintenance and mileage might not always be at the top of our to-do lists, but it's more important than you might think.

Can you answer to these questions?

• Have you ever tried to catch up on vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption after falling behind?
• How much time have you spent sifting through past data or trying to store it?
• Have you ever taken a close look at your vehicles' fuel consumption, service costs, and other expenses?
• Do you compare your total expenses with the income generated from your vehicles?
• How many people are involved in analyzing your vehicle and fleet data, considering aspects like operations, logistics, and finance?

Did your responses suggest that the task of retrieving records missed over weeks or months could be a daunting endeavour, even if you have plenty of time available?

Retrieving missing information and analyzing the big picture can also be a time-consuming endeavour.

Therefore, having an effective system in place to manage all your vehicle and fleet records is a must. There are various standards available for managing these records, whether in physical or digital formats. Taking a closer look at your vehicle's consumption, service costs, and other expenses can help you make more informed decisions regarding your vehicles and fleet.

What is a Vehicle Logbook?

A vehicle logbook serves as a central repository for all records related to a particular vehicle. It can take the form of a physical book, a file, a spreadsheet, an app, or an online software solution. While traditional vehicle logbooks were physical books filled out by hand, technology now offers more convenient digital alternatives.

Through smartphone apps or software programs these days prefer online tracking through Auttom.io, you can effortlessly track everything from daily mileage to maintenance and beyond.

How Can I Get a Logbook for My Vehicle?

If your vehicle is part of a fleet, your company should have a system in place to track important information about the vehicle, such as mileage and maintenance records.

If you're unsure about the process, reach out to your company’s fleet manager.

If you are a fleet manager seeking a more efficient way to manage your company’s fleet, consider transitioning to software designed specifically for fleet management, like Auttom.io.

This will allow you to replace outdated methods like physical logbooks or spreadsheets and streamline your entire fleet management process.

What's the Purpose of a Vehicle Logbook?

• Resale Value - Maintaining comprehensive records can increase the resale value of your vehicles, as prospective buyers will appreciate having a complete history of the vehicle's maintenance and repairs.
• Scheduled Maintenance - A vehicle logbook helps you keep track of scheduled maintenance for all your vehicles, eliminating guesswork and ensuring timely servicing.
• Safety - Proper maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety, and a logbook helps drivers and managers track essential maintenance milestones. In case of accidents, a detailed logbook can demonstrate that the vehicle was properly maintained.
• Accounting and Taxes - Detailed records are necessary for tax purposes, as they enable you to take advantage of tax deductions related to your fleet.

Can You Sell a Car Without a Logbook?

In the United Kingdom, logbooks are required when selling a vehicle, and it can be challenging to transfer ownership without one. While logbooks may not be legally required in some countries, maintaining a logbook for all your vehicles is a sound practice with long-term benefits for maintenance and resale purposes.

Vehicle/ fleet maintenance basics! The Importance of a Logbook

Fleet managers face additional challenges, including expense management, employee accountability, compliance, and risk management. As your fleet grows, maintaining individual logbooks becomes impractical. A robust software solution like Auttom.io can help you aggregate and analyze data across your entire fleet, identifying trends and improving various aspects of fleet management.

Here are a few tips for vehicle/ fleet maintenance basics to consider when choosing a method for managing your company’s fleet. Consider factors like cost, savings, accountability, and efficiency.

Whether you have two vehicles or a large fleet, managing them can be complex.