Since digital instrument clusters became standard in new cars, manufacturers have used them to remind drivers to get their cars serviced. The ‘service reminder’ would appear as a spanner on the dash as a way to prompt drivers before the oil turned to sludge.
This worked well and reduced the number of reminders Fleet Managers would need to send fleet drivers. Sending service reminders has been made easier as well. Driver contact details can now be loaded in Fleet Management Information. Systems (FMIS) which deliver reminders without the Fleet Manager’s intervention.
When service intervals moved from six months to one year, a cycle of driver education was required to avoid over servicing and increased fleet maintenance costs. However, there’s always group that think they’re too busy, or don’t know where to go.
The IPWEA Plant and Vehicle Management Manual (PVMM) suggests monitoring scheduled service compliance (completed versus planned) is one of the top 10 KPIs for Fleet Managers. Notifying drivers is only the first step. Making sure the service is completed is an important fleet management task which reduces the operational risk for the organisation.
When I drove the latest model Yaris Cross, I noticed that Toyota is now helping Fleet Managers by telling them when a service is due, and who they should call to make a booking. As it turns out, Sydney City Toyota Glebe was the closest Toyota Dealer.
A cynic would say it’s how Toyota is keeping customers within the dealer network for servicing. Though if it gets more fleet cars serviced and inspected by qualified Technicians to keep employees safe on the road, does the motivation matter?
