Module II – Monitoring the metrics that matter

How: Monitor the fluid levels for engine oil, coolant and vehicle fluids like brake fluid, power steering fluid, window washing fluid, transmission fluid, etc.

Why: Without these fluids, increased friction, overheating and component wear and tear can occur, leading to more frequent breakdowns and higher maintenance costs. These issues can ultimately affect the reliability and safety of the entire fleet.

How: Verify that tire pressure readings are at recommended levels and conduct regular inspections for signs of wear and damage, such as tread depth and sidewall cracks. In addition, balance tires and align vehicles’ steering periodically.

Why: Proper tire maintenance can help prevent collisions, improve fuel efficiency and extend your tires' lifespans.

How: Regularly inspect brake components, such as pads, rotors, calipers and brake lines, for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or damage. Check brake fluid levels and their colors. 

Why: Proper brake maintenance will help to keep the hydraulic system operating effectively, enabling reliable vehicle stopping power. Taking care of your vehicles’ brakes helps prevent collisions and can extend the life of your braking systems’ various components. Discolored fluid can indicate leaks or contamination.

Why: Proper engine maintenance helps promote reliable operation, improves fuel efficiency and can prevent costlier repairs, enhancing your fleet's overall performance and safety. The following are examples of components to measure and monitor, including a brief explanation of why each is vital to your fleet’s health.

Why: Maintaining these components is vital for engine performance. Air filters prevent dust, dirt and other airborne particles from entering the engine's combustion chamber, which can cause wear and tear on internal components. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, leading to reduced power output and poor fuel economy. Fuel filters remove contaminants like dirt, rust and debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. This promotes smooth fuel flow and prevents clogging which can lead to issues like engine misfires, stalling or difficulty starting the vehicle. 

Why: Low oil levels can lead to increased friction, overheating or a buildup of contaminants, which can compromise the combustion chamber seal. This can cause damage that results in reduced vehicle performance, lifespan and even potentially engine failure.

How: An engine diagnostic check involves accessing and analyzing data from the engine's computer to identify potential issues and assess its overall health. This can be done by using a OBD-II diagnostic scanner or an advanced telematics device to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), display live data and interpret the results.

Why: This check helps identify potential issues early on, helping to prevent costlier repairs and maintain optimal engine operation. By analyzing engine data, diagnostic checks can reveal problems like sensor malfunctions, emissions issues and performance degradation. Addressing these issues proactively can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and extend the lifespan of the engine.

How: The key methods to effectively monitor engine performance, such as fuel consumption, power output and emissions - involves leveraging an advanced telematics solution to collect and analyze vehicle data and identify trends.

Why: By tracking metrics like fuel consumption, engine load and emissions, you can identify potential issues early on and save more money. This data can also be used to optimize driving behavior, reduce fuel consumption and minimize environmental impact. To learn more about saving money in your fleet operations, we encourage you to check out our other learning path: The Road to Lower Costs.

Setting benchmarks and targets is also essential for evaluating your fleet's performance and planning future goals. Historical data serves as a baseline, fostering realistic target-setting. 

Including the radiator, water pump and coolant levels.

How: To keep your vehicles’ cooling systems running optimally: 

• Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank and inspect for any signs of coolant leaks
• Examine hoses for cracks, bulges or signs of wear
• Check the condition and tension of belts connected to the water pump and cooling fan
• Check the pressure while keeping an eye on the temperature gauge
• Lastly, check for contamination, rust or a burnt smell

Why: Maintaining your cooling systems can help prevent engine overheating, coolant leaks and possible engine failure.

How: Regularly inspect the following: 

• Spark plugs and spark plug wires
• Ignition coils, ignition switch and ignition control module (ICM)
• Distributor, battery and crankshaft position sensor 

Why: Well-maintained ignition components promote engine reliability, performance and efficiency.  Faulty ignition components, such as worn-out spark plugs, damaged ignition coils or failing sensors, can lead to misfires, reduced power, increased fuel consumption and even engine damage. 

Problems with ignition components can arise by not monitoring and maintaining these parts. 

How: PMC = # of PM tasks completed on time ÷ total # of scheduled PM tasks  × 100

To illustrate with an example: If a fleet had 100 scheduled preventive maintenance tasks for a month, and 90 of these were completed on time, the PMC would be: 90%

PMC = (90 ÷100) × 100 = 90%

Why: PMC can be used as a benchmark on how well a fleet is adhering to its preventative maintenance schedule. In the illustration above, the 90% PMC indicates that the fleet is completing most of its scheduled maintenance tasks on time, but there's still room for improvement. It's important to note that while this basic formula is widely used, some organizations may adapt it or use additional metrics to get a more comprehensive view of their maintenance compliance.