Rising repair bills and environmental performance can be improved by tighter maintenance according to ARI Fleet.
The firm claimed that, contrary to popular belief, routine vehicle maintenance costs are in fact reducing year-on-year but repair expenditure is rising because of driver abuse and what it describes as “unfair” wear and tear.
The firm compared the repair costs of a Vauxhall Insignia over a three-year lease, which worked out at 8% of the purchase price to those of an equivalent Vauxhall Cavalier over the same period, which added up to 23% of the purchase cost, claiming that poor maintenance was the biggest contributor to rising costs and sub-par efficiency.
UK Chairman Geoffrey Bray, said: “If [company cars] are not maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and drivers ignore dashboard warning lights in relation to topping up fluid levels or service remainders then fleets pay the price.
“Vehicle maintenance is not optional. It is an absolute essential to meet warranty terms. and from a vehicle performance/efficiency standpoint.”
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