SMR costs for older fleets rise by a quarter
SMR costs are nearly a quarter higher for fleet cars over four year old compared to newer models.
According to research carried out by ATS Euromaster, SMR (service, maintenance and repair) bills are 24% for fleet cars over four years old.
Cost adds up due to longer vehicle off-road time, parts availability becoming more difficult as models become obsolete, and longer repair times.
Luke Scott, category manager at ATS Euromaster, said: “Older vehicles, particularly those with higher mileage, have a greater need for service, maintenance, and repair. This leads to more frequent and costly repairs and an increased likelihood of major component failures, such as gearboxes.
“The core issue for fleet operators is a combination of rising costs for parts and labour and the increasing SMR needs of their aging fleets. To keep older vehicles on the road, I’d say prevention and maintenance are vital. As vehicles age, parts become scarcer and more expensive, leading to increased costs and downtime. This is why a proactive maintenance approach is not just advisable, it is essential.
“The key recommendation is for fleet operators to proactively review their SMR strategies to ensure they get the maximum use and value from their older vehicles while minimising spending.”
