Light-duty truck maintenance expenses were less in 2003, according to a recent study conducted by GE Fleet Services and analyzed by Automotive Fleet.
Compared to 2002, the decline for commercial-fleet vehicles with fewer than 48,000 miles was 4%, while it was 2% for those with 48,000 to 60,000 miles.
Automotive Fleet said the contributing factors are improved vehicle-build quality, low inflation, price restraint by national account vendors, and longer preventive maintenance (PM) service intervals recommended by manufacturers. It said lower PM expenses are being assisted by longer-lasting wear components and fluids, such as ceramic brake pads, more wear-resistant tires, extended life coolant, synthetic lubricants, platinum-tipped spark plugs, and distributor-less ignition systems.
GE Fleet Services based its survey on the maintenance expenses for 127,880 light-duty trucks -- including pickups, vans, and SUVs -- operated by its clients during the 2003 calendar year.