masthead-inner-graphics-image

Automate Fleet Maintenance Tracking with GPS-Powered Alerts

Truck Driver

Did you know that with GPS tracking solutions, you can automate fleet maintenance and create a safer, more convenient job experience for drivers? Automation has taken over the competitive market, helping workers tackle both simple and complex jobs with greater accuracy.

Modern auto maintenance tracking software includes key features to streamline many tasks, letting you manage inventory, set scheduled alerts, and keep detailed reports with ease. Automated maintenance strategies will simplify the whole process, and you’ll be confident that every vehicle in your fleet meets quality and safety standards.

What is Automated Maintenance Tracking and Why Does It Matter?

Video Image

Through the use of GPS devices installed in vehicles and advanced telematics software, fleets can monitor mileage and engine hours in real-time, be alerted to fault codes, and receive automatic service reminders without manual logging. Track Your Truck’s NetTrack fleet management platform combines data from hardwired or OBD plug-in devices with software to track service schedules, maintenance history, and any driver-reported issues.

With automated maintenance tracking enables through our solution, fleets can reduce their manual workload, prevent missed services, and ensure vehicles stay compliant with their safety and regulatory requirements. Small and mid-sized fleets especially can benefit from automation because they typically lack dedicated maintenance staff. Our affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use software reduces the burden on them and helps keep their assets in good working order.

How to Set Up Maintenance Alerts and Service Schedules

GPS tracking allows you to keep a close eye on the vehicles in your fleet from almost any location. With this power, you can streamline maintenance and optimize productivity. Some of the ways to automate vehicle maintenance through GPS truck tracker fleet maintenance software include:

  • Setting up alerts: NetTrack fleet maintenance management software allows you to set up and customize maintenance alerts. For instance, you can set your fleet maintenance reporting to alert you after a certain number of hours or miles driven, such as after 5,000 miles or 250 engine hours. Most programs will also let you put in date reminders for vehicle inspection and repairs, which prevents you from falling behind.
  • Keeping records: GPS tracking provides real-time data that you can use to create effective strategies and manage vehicles more efficiently. NetTrack makes it easy to build and store relevant reports that might come in handy for maintenance reminders and records. Monitoring and analyzing live data will help you find inconsistencies or issues that may need to be addressed.
  • Tracking driver habits: Driver habits can have a significant impact on vehicle health and efficiency. With tracking, you can cut down on side trips, idle time and other activities that might speed up wear on the machine. Using this ability will lower the frequency of unexpected repairs, saving you both time and funds.
  • Establishing schedules: With fleet tracking devices, you can get a big picture about your fleet, where your trucks are and when they’re needed most. You can use the data to determine your optimal maintenance scheduling, helping you perform services when they’ll have the least impact on your fleet operations. This prevents issues that can arise from overlooked maintenance and expensive mechanical failures.

How Driver Behavior Monitoring Cuts Vehicle Wear and Repair Costs

With telematics and the NetTrack fleet maintenance management platform, you can keep a closer eye on drivers and use the information to encourage better behaviors that help extend asset life. Harsh braking and rapid acceleration can have a dramatic impact on brake and drivetrain wear, and repeated harsh driving behavior can lead to sudden spikes in momentum and temperature that can damage transmissions.

On the other side of the coin, excessive idling wastes fuel and accelerates the degradation of engine oil. One hour of idle time equals roughly 25 miles of engine wear, which is why fleet managers need to keep an eye on vehicles that spend too much time running in place.

NetTrack’s reporting makes fleet managers aware of these issues in real-time, giving them the information they need to identify and correct wasteful and harsh driving patterns. Speed monitoring and drive scorecards help create accountability without drivers feeling like they’re being micromanaged. By integrating our GPS tracking system with dashcams, you also gain the ability to verify incident reports and protect your fleet against false insurance claims.

Benefits: Safety, Compliance, and Cost Reductions

Automating fleet maintenance with the aid of the NetTrack fleet management software platform and GPS tracking devices delivers significant advantages no matter how many vehicles you manage. These solutions are simple to install and monitor, and they make it easy to get summarized data that will help you make smart decisions.

Some of the best benefits you can expect to gain by incorporating this technology into your day-to-day operations include:

Better Fleet Safety

Safety is the most important consideration for any fleet manager. It affects virtually every aspect of the business, including vehicle condition, employee health, community impact, liability risk and insurance costs. Performing fleet maintenance when it’s due will help keep vehicles operating in peak condition and moving safely down the roadway.

Increased Fleet Reliability

When your drivers get behind the wheel, proper maintenance makes sure the engine turns over and helps them get where they’re going on time. When you automate maintenance using GPS tracking devices, you decide when your vehicles go down for service — not the other way around. Regular care will help you manage your operational schedule. Fleet managers can experience fewer breakdowns, lower risk of on-the-road failures, and improved driver safety.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Preventive maintenance helps you avoid unexpected downtime and failure — surprises that can quickly get expensive. It also prevents unnecessary wear on vehicle components and enables you to get the maximum operating life span from your fleet. As an added advantage, it will also be easier to predict regular maintenance costs, making it easier to create a budget.

Lower Fuel Costs

Fleet tracking devices can help you eliminate unnecessary fuel expenses by shaving miles and eliminating idle time. They also help you save on fuel costs by optimizing consumption. Keeping the fleet maintained with clean fuel filters, fresh oil and adequate tires will help your vehicles achieve the maximum miles per gallon.

Higher Driver Morale

Hiring and training new drivers is costly in terms of time and money. Providing them with vehicles that are reliable, safe and well-maintained will let them know you care. You’ll also help drivers avoid frustrating, time-consuming issues like breakdowns, excessive stops or poor handling. They’ll be happier on the road, making them more satisfied in their job.

Climbing Satisfaction Rates

The benefits of automating fleet maintenance through GPS tracking devices extend to your customers. Having reliable vehicles will help you stick to the schedule and deliver prompt, dependable products and services. Happy drivers are also more pleasant to engage with and will help boost your company image during customer interactions.

How NetTrack Centralizes and Visualizes Maintenance Data

NetTrack provides you with maintenance records, fault codes, upcoming service dates, and historical logs through our cloud-based platform. All the information you need to manage your fleet’s maintenance is available at your fingertips whether you’re on desktop or mobile. The dashboard provides you with a centralized repository so you can see what’s been done and what needs to be done in the future. All data can be exported to CSV, PDF, or Excel formats, and NetTrack integrates with many accounting and ERP systems to create a unified reporting solution. By giving you all the details you need in one place, you can reduce your administrative burden and create shared visibility for your mechanics, office staff, and executive leadership.

Stay DOT-Compliant and Reduce Risk with Automated Maintenance Records

DOT regulations such as 49 CFR Part 396 require carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all motor vehicles under their control. They’re also required to maintain records of inspection reports for 14 months. NetTrack maintenance software maintains these records and makes them easily accessible on desktop and mobile app, strengthening your compliance and reducing your risk exposure. This also protects you in the event of insurance disputes and liability claims, providing verifiable evidence of service and vehicle upkeep. By integrating our GPS trackers with dashcams, fleets can add an extra layer of protection with video evidence.

How to Choose the Right Fleet Maintenance Solutions

When outfitting your fleet with telematics solutions, it’s best to find a provider that offers rugged devices as well as intuitive software. Track Your Truck’s NetTrack platform provides you with transparent pricing, affordable monthly plans, free devices approved by multiple carriers, a two-year warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our platform is scalable so you can keep up with changes as your business grows. When you choose to work with us, you’ll also benefit from our U.S.-based support team. This ensures that most issues can be resolved in minutes, rather than hours or days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up automated maintenance tracking for a small fleet?

For smaller fleets, setup of Track Your Truck’s GPS tracking systems can happen same-day. Our plug-in OBD devices require no professional installation. Hardwired units also are available for units that need tamper-resistant mounting.

Can GPS-based maintenance tracking work for mixed fleets (trucks, vans, construction equipment, trailers)?

The NetTrack vehicle tracking platform supports mixed-asset types including trucks, vans, construction equipment, and trailers with separate tracking profiles and maintenance schedules for each unit.

What happens if a vehicle misses a scheduled maintenance window?

If you miss a maintenance window, you will receive escalation alerts warning you to reschedule before a minor delay has an opportunity to become a costly breakdown.

Do I need to replace my current GPS hardware to use maintenance tracking features?

Our system includes its own carrier-approved GPS tracking devices, so there’s no need to purchase third-party hardware. With options for free devices included in your plan, you can keep your upfront costs as low as possible.

Cta Car Map Image
Cta Map Image

GPS Tracking Preventative Maintenance From Track Your Truck

Emergency repairs and maintenance can cause enormous strain on your workers and finances. Prevent these issues by automating your fleet maintenance strategies today. If you’re interested in learning more about GPS tracking preventative maintenance or trying out a solution of your very own, contact Track Your Truck for a quote or demo.

Request a Quote