A good fleet preventive maintenance program sets service intervals by mileage, engine hours or time, whichever comes first, based on the manufacturer's severe-duty schedule. Typical PM visits include oil and filters, fluid checks, brake and tire measurements, battery testing, belts and hoses, lights, and a scan for stored codes. Record every visit per unit so you can spot patterns.
Start with the right schedule
Most fleet vehicles fall under the manufacturer's severe-duty schedule. That includes frequent stop-and-go, idling, towing, short trips, heavy loads and hot climates. That describes most work vans and trucks in the Midlands. Use those intervals, not the "normal" ones.
Use whichever comes first: miles, engine hours or months. Trucks that idle a lot can need service by hours long before the odometer says so.
A practical PM framework
| Interval | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every PM visit (often oil-change interval) | Oil and filter; check all fluids; measure brake pads and tire tread; tire pressures; battery test; belts and hoses; lights; wipers; scan for stored codes; check for leaks; inspect suspension and steering |
| Every 2nd PM | Engine air filter; cabin filter; rotate tires; lube chassis points (where equipped) |
| Annually | Cooling system test; brake fluid check; full inspection with photos; review the unit's cost history |
| Per manufacturer interval | Transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs (gas), fuel filters (diesel), differential fluid, DEF filter (diesel) |
| Seasonal (before summer) | AC performance, cooling fans, battery load test |
Diesel-specific items
- Fuel filters and water separators. Drain water regularly.
- DEF quality and filter, plus a look for crystal buildup
- DPF regen history and frequency
- Air intake and charge-air system leaks
- Use the correct oil spec for emissions equipment.
Record everything per unit
The value of a PM program grows over time. Per-vehicle records let you:
- Spot repeat failures before they strand a crew
- Plan brake and tire spend from measurements, not surprises
- Decide when a unit costs more to keep than to replace
- Show clean maintenance history at resale
Make PM easy to keep
The best schedule is the one that actually happens. That's where mobile service helps: PM happens in your lot, on your schedule, without a driver losing half a day sitting at a shop. See the real cost of fleet downtime.
Frequently asked questions
How often should fleet vehicles get preventive maintenance?
Most follow the manufacturer's severe-duty interval, by miles, hours or time, whichever comes first. Oil-change intervals are a common anchor for PM visits.
What's the difference between PM and inspections?
PM includes service (fluids, filters, adjustments) plus inspection. Regulatory inspections, like DOT annual inspections for qualifying commercial vehicles, are a separate requirement. Your PM program should support them.
Can PM be done at our lot?
Yes. That's the point of mobile fleet service: vehicles are serviced where they park.
Do you keep records for each vehicle?
Yes. Every job is documented per unit, with findings and photos.
Want a mechanic to confirm it?
We come to you in Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia and Columbia, and we test before we replace anything.
