To Repair or to Replace: When Commercial Vehicles Break Down

When is it time to replace your commercial truck with a shiny new model? Having a functioning fleet you can rely on is essential to your business. So, is it more cost-effective to repair or replace your trucks?

Commercial trucks need regular maintenance to remain operational and tires see the most wear. Most truckers have found that 3% of their vehicle-related expenses are tires.

Repair:

The repair and maintenance costs for one truck can exceed $15,000.00 per year. This makes the cost of routine maintenance high. Call us at SNS Services so we can help you with routine maintenance at a much better price.

Products are available to help your trucks stay in good condition longer. During the cold months, trucks should be appropriately weatherized. Snow tires, chains, and chemical fluids will help protect your truck during the winter. In the summer, custom window shades help protect your truck against damage from the sun.

Here are some driving tips:

Allow your engine to warm up for about 10 minutes.
When possible, avoid idling. It reduces your mileage by a third and wears your engine twice as fast as normal.
Drive at your vehicle’s most fuel efficient speed. In wet conditions, reduce your speed by a third.

When to Replace

When the cost of repair to your truck exceeds the truck’s value, many truck owners decide to replace their truck. Actually, this is not an optimal way to replace a commercial vehicle. Some truck owners will allow their vehicle to become so old and worn out that it becomes worthless. An economic lifecycle analysis is a great place to start when you’re trying to make a decision. This determines when you have reached the optimum value from your truck. This analysis is complex, needing data such as:

Vehicle purchase costs
Previous maintenance and repair costs
Fuel expenses
Depreciation
Salvage value

You can extend the life of your truck, but eventually you will need to replace your vehicle. Before you end up in a situation where your repairs are out of control, contact SNS Services and Parts. We will help you make the best decision, so you can know whether to fix your vehicle, repair existing parts or replace your truck.