In the realm of fleet maintenance, there are a wide array of maintenance approaches you can take.
Corrective maintenance is one of them, offering plenty of advantages and disadvantages to consider as a fleet manager or owner.
In the following sections, we dive deep into this topic to share valuable insights, tips, and tricks on preventive maintenance for fleets.
What is corrective maintenance?
Let’s start by offering a corrective maintenance definition to lay out the basics.
In essence, corrective maintenance is a part of the reactive maintenance approach to maintaining fleet equipment and systems, focusing on repairing or restoring functionality after a fault or failure has occurred.
This form of maintenance involves identifying the problem, diagnosing the cause, and implementing the necessary repairs or replacements to bring the vehicles back to operational condition.
Corrective maintenance is performed when fleet assets break down unexpectedly or do not perform as intended, requiring immediate attention to minimize downtime and restore normal operations.
By addressing issues as they arise, corrective maintenance ensures that equipment continues to function, albeit with potentially higher costs and disruptions compared to proactive maintenance strategies
Corrective maintenance workflow
Now that we’ve established what corrective maintenance flow is, it’s time to move on to the next essential component of understanding this approach – the corrective maintenance process.
While every fleet business is likely to have a unique corrective maintenance flow, there are standard practices that the majority of companies implement.
The typical corrective maintenance workflow for fleets involves several key steps to ensure that any vehicle faults or failures are promptly addressed and resolved.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the process.
1. Fault detection and reporting
A corrective maintenance workflow usually starts with a fault detection or vehicle failure.
This can take place throughout routine operations, inspections, or as a result of reports from drivers.
Advanced telematics systems may also automatically alert fleet managers of potential issues by monitoring vehicle performance metrics in real-time.
2. Initial assessment and diagnosis
After fault detection, a preliminary assessment is conducted to understand the nature and severity of the issue.
This step usually involves collecting data from the driver, reviewing telematics insights, and performing a basic inspection of the vehicle.
The goal is to diagnose the problem accurately and determine the necessary corrective actions.
3. Scheduling and planning
Once the issue has been diagnozed, the next phrase is to schedule the maintenance work.
This involves coordinating with repair facilities, ensuring the availability of necessary parts, and arranging for any required downtime.
Fleet managers prioritize repairs based on the severity of the fault and the operational needs of the fleet.
4. Repair execution
The vehicle is then taken to a repair facility or serviced on-site by a qualified mechanic.
During this stage, the discovered issues are addressed through repairs or replacements of faulty components.
Mechanics follow standard procedures and use appropriate tools and parts to restore the vehicle to its operational state.
5. Testing and quality assurance
Upon repair completion, the vehicle undergoes testing to guarantee that the problem has been eliminated and that the asset is safe and ready for use.
Testing may consist of road tests, performance checks, and verifying that all systems are functioning correctly.
Quality assurance measures, on the other hand, ensure that the repairs meet the required standards.
6. Documentation and record keeping
Detailed records of the fault, diagnosis, repairs, parts used, and any other relevant information are documented.
This information is crucial for tracking maintenance history, analyzing trends, and planning future maintenance activities.
Proper record-keeping also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and helps in making informed decisions about fleet management.
Luckily, today, we’re able to gather and store all of this information digitally via reliable fleet maintenance and management software solutions.
7. Return to service
Once the vehicle passes all tests and quality checks, it is returned to service.
The driver or fleet manager is informed about the completed repairs, and the vehicle is made available for regular operations.
Feedback from the driver is also important to ensure that the issue has been fully resolved.
Types of corrective maintenance
It’s important to note that not all corrective maintenance strategies are identical.
There are different types of corrective maintenance, and in the next sections, we explain more about them.
Planned corrective maintenance
The first type of corrective maintenance is planned.
Planned corrective maintenance involves addressing known issues that, while not immediately urgent, still need to be resolved to prevent further deterioration or failure.
This type of maintenance is typically identified during regular inspections or routine maintenance checks when potential problems are spotted.
Since these issues are not critical, they can be scheduled for a convenient time, allowing for better coordination and preparation.
This proactive planning helps minimize disruption to fleet operations, as repairs are done at a time that least affects the overall workflow. Additionally, it allows for parts to be ordered and the necessary tools to be prepared in advance, which can result in more efficient repairs.
Unplanned corrective maintenance
Unplanned corrective maintenance, on the other hand, arises from sudden and unexpected failures or breakdowns that require immediate attention.
These incidents are unanticipated and can occur at any time, often leading to vehicle downtime and operational disruptions.
Unplanned maintenance requires a quick response to diagnose and fix the issue to get the vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. This type of maintenance can be more challenging to manage because it often involves emergency repairs and may require rapid sourcing of parts and resources.
The urgency of unplanned maintenance can also lead to higher costs due to expedited services and potential disruptions to scheduled operations.
The key difference between planned and unplanned corrective maintenance lies in the timing and preparedness for the repairs.
Planned maintenance allows for strategic scheduling and resource allocation, thereby minimizing operational impact and improving repair efficiency.
Unplanned maintenance, due to its unexpected nature, demands immediate action, often resulting in higher costs and more significant disruptions.
Managing both types effectively is crucial for maintaining fleet reliability and minimizing downtime.
Advantages of corrective maintenance
There are multiple benefits of corrective maintenance, making this form of management attractive to fleet managers.
Reduce emergency maintenance orders
Corrective fleet maintenance helps reduce the frequency of emergency maintenance orders by identifying and addressing issues before they escalate into critical failures.
Here’s how it works.
Early detection
Through regular inspections and monitoring, potential problems are identified early on.
This proactive approach means that minor issues can be corrected before they develop into serious faults that would require emergency intervention.
Scheduled repairs
By planning corrective maintenance, repairs can be scheduled during non-peak hours or when the vehicle is not in high demand.
This minimizes the need for urgent repairs, which often disrupt operations and can be more costly due to expedited services and after-hours labor rates.
Resource optimization
When maintenance is planned and not performed under emergency conditions, resources such as mechanics, tools, and parts can be allocated more efficiently.
As a result, the working environment is more organized and less stressful, allowing maintenance teams to perform higher-quality repairs.
Reduces service interruptions
By implementing corrective maintenance strategies, fleet managers can significantly reduce service interruptions.
Here’s why.
Minimized downtime
Regularly addressing and fixing issues before they lead to vehicle breakdowns ensures that the fleet remains operational.
Naturally, this leads to fewer unexpected vehicle failures and lower risks of disrupted services and halted operations.
Improved reliability
Well-maintained vehicles are more reliable and less prone to sudden failures.
This reliability ensures that transportation schedules are met consistently, enhancing the overall efficiency of the fleet.
Customer satisfaction
Undoubtedly, fewer service interruptions lead to more reliable service for customers.
Whether the fleet is used for public transportation, delivery services, or any other purpose, maintaining a consistent schedule improves customer satisfaction and trust in the service.
Extending asset life
Corrective maintenance also plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of fleet vehicles via the following.
Preventive care
Addressing issues early prevents them from causing more significant damage to the vehicle.
For example, fixing a small leak in a hydraulic system can prevent the need for a complete system overhaul later.
As a result, vehicles are kept in better condition for longer periods of time.
Optimized performance
Regularly maintained vehicles perform better and more efficiently.
This reduces the strain on various components, which can wear out faster if the vehicle is not maintained properly.
By ensuring that all parts function correctly, the overall lifespan of the vehicle is extended.
Investment protection
Vehicles are significant investments for any fleet. Prolonging the life of these assets means getting the most value out of them before they need to be replaced.
This not only maximizes the return on investment but also delays the significant capital expenditure required for new vehicle purchases.
Reduce emergency maintenance orders
Emergency maintenance is often more expensive due to the need for immediate attention, overtime pay, and the possibility of higher costs for expedited parts.
By reducing the need for emergency maintenance through regular corrective actions, overall maintenance costs are lowered.
Best practices for implementing corrective maintenance
Implementing corrective fleet maintenance effectively involves a combination of proactive strategies, systematic processes, and continuous improvement efforts.
Here are some best practices for ensuring that corrective maintenance is conducted efficiently and effectively:
- Consistency – Organize regular inspections and monitoring. Implement a routine schedule for driver inspections before and after trips, along with periodic in-depth checks by maintenance staff.
- Detailed record keeping – Maintain comprehensive records of all maintenance activities, including inspections, repairs, and parts replacements. This documentation helps in tracking the history of each vehicle, understanding recurring issues, and planning future maintenance more effectively.
- Prioritize repairs based on severity – Prioritize maintenance tasks based on the severity and potential impact on vehicle performance and safety. Develop a system for categorizing issues, such as critical, moderate, and minor, to ensure that the most urgent repairs are addressed promptly, while less critical ones are scheduled appropriately.
- Implement a maintenance schedule – Develop and adhere to a maintenance schedule that includes both preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance activities.
- Leverage technology – Utilize fleet maintenance software and telematics to track vehicle health, maintenance schedules, and repair histories. These tools can provide real-time data on vehicle performance, predict potential failures, and optimize maintenance schedules.
By following these proactive maintenance best practices, you can take your fleet to the next level and outperform others in the industry.
Examples of corrective fleet maintenance
Let’s look at a few corrective maintenance examples from real-life situations.
Brake repairs
A driver reports that the brakes feel spongy or are making unusual noises and the vehicle is taken in for an inspection.
If it’s determined that the brake pads are worn out or the brake fluid is low, corrective maintenance involves replacing the brake pads and refilling the brake fluid to ensure the vehicle’s braking system is functioning correctly.
Engine overhaul
A vehicle’s engine starts to exhibit performance issues such as knocking sounds, excessive smoke, or a noticeable drop in power.
A detailed inspection might reveal problems like worn-out piston rings or a failing timing belt.
Corrective maintenance would then involve an engine overhaul or replacing specific components to restore the engine to optimal performance.
Cooling system repairs
A vehicle starts to overheat, and an inspection might reveal issues such as a leaking radiator, a failing water pump, or a clogged coolant line.
Corrective maintenance would involve repairing or replacing the faulty components and refilling the coolant to prevent engine overheating.
Conclusion
Corrective maintenance is one of the multiple approaches you can take to ensure fleet vehicles are operational and in optimal condition.
However, to make it work and get the most out of this maintenance method, you’ll need a sound fleet maintenance software solution at your fingertips.
With Fleetpal, you can digitize every aspect of fleet maintenance, enabling you to get access to powerful data for better decision-making.
Ready to find out more? Schedule a free online demo with a member of our team and see how Fleetpal can make a difference for your business.
