The University of Alabama’s vehicle fleet is managed centrally by Fleet Management. The role of Fleet Management is to ensure that University vehicles are purchased and maintained to promote safety, efficiency, and stewardship of University resources. In addition, vehicles are assigned to various departments to provide transportation for University employees in the performance of their duties in the most effective, efficient, and safest way possible. The University of Alabama Vehicle Policy, which governs this guideline, may be found at https://secure2.compliancebridge.com/uat/public/getdocUA.php?file=152.
Preventive Maintenance (PM):
A strong preventive maintenance program effectively reduces overall maintenance costs by decreasing the number of road calls, vehicle downtime, and the high cost of unpredictable repairs caused by reactive maintenance. The PM philosophy is based on the concepts of conservation and using assets wisely.
Only UA Fleet Management or the Director of Automotive Services has the authority to adjust the PM schedule for each vehicle. Preventive maintenance ensures that vehicles are inspected, repaired, and maintained in such a way that helps avoid defects before additional costs and/or accidents can occur. A strong preventive maintenance program effectively reduces overall maintenance costs by decreasing the number of road calls, vehicle downtime, and the high cost of unpredictable repairs caused by reactive maintenance. Meeting timely PM schedules allows Automotive Services technicians to repair items that are at or approaching an established cut-off point. UA automotive technicians should regularly inspect the vehicle and make repairs to keep vehicles productive. Additionally, PM service provides an opportunity for safety components to be checked.
Vehicle Preventive Maintenance (PM) Service Intervals Defined:
- Cars, Vans, SUV, and Light Trucks: Every 5 months or 4,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- UAPD vehicles, Security Resources vehicles, large trucks, etc.: Every 3 months, 3,000 miles. or 300 idle hours (whichever comes first)
Departments will be notified by a staff member within Automotive Services or Fleet Management when PM service is due. They will have the option of scheduling a time to bring the vehicle in for service or scheduling free concierge service by calling (205) 348-4806.
Departments that do not have the necessary repairs and/or PM services completed take the risk of their vehicle being unavailable when it is needed. Exceeding 30 days from the service interval due date is considered past due for PM service. Failure to follow the Vehicle Policy and/or the PM guidelines and deliver the vehicle for required maintenance in a timely manner is considered improper management of Univesity resources as a reference in The University “Ethics in Eight module”. That may result in revocation of the department and/or individual privileges to use University vehicles.