The Service,
Maintenance
& Repair Guide
For roadworthy Fleets.
Download our guide to help you take control of your fleet:
Rising fleet costs and increasing vehicle downtime are major challenges facing today’s fleet managers. On average, fleet vehicles experience four days of unplanned downtime per year, costing UK businesses approximately £800 per vehicle annually.
Did you know? SMR costs more than double between year one and year three of a vehicle’s life, driven by increased wear and tear, expiring warranties and rising parts and labour costs.
Our guide provides the insight and structure you need to protect your drivers, reduce risk, and build predictable fleet costs.
Understanding The Risks
Why proactive maintenance matters more than ever.
- The financial impact of unplanned downtime.
- How vehicle age drives rising SMR spend.
- DVSA roadside inspections and compliance obligations.
- The operational consequences of non-compliance.
Understanding Your Options
- The power of daily checks and defect reporting.
- How Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) reduces breakdown risk.
- Creating predictable SMR costs and stronger budgeting control.
Making the Decision
- A simple vehicle maintenance checklist (daily, weekly and monthly).
- Minimising downtime through structured service schedules.
- Leveraging nationwide workshop and mobile support.
- Aligning maintenance with wider business and ESG goals.
Northgate Hire Options
Explore our van hire packages below which we’ve designed to cater to diverse business needs. Choose a package that aligns with your business requirements, and experience the convenience and reliability of Northgate's specialised hire options.
Flexible Hire
Flexibility with a short commitment
Minimum 1-month commitment- You can change your vehicle whenever you need
- Servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover come as standard
12months+
Perfect for your long term van hire needs
- Rental terms between 12 and 48 months
- You specify extras that you need such as livery and racking
- Servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover come as standard
Electric Van Hire
Supporting your transition to EVs
- Flexible or 12months+ EV hire
- Range of exclusive EV Offers
- A suitability analysis to help with your business and the transition to an EV fleet
Download Our Free Fleet Service, Maintenance & Repair (SMR) Guide
Managing a compliant fleet while controlling service, maintenance, and mechanical repair costs is becoming increasingly complex. With rising parts prices, ageing vehicles and stricter regulations, staying ahead requires more than reactive fixes.
Whether you're reviewing your current maintenance strategy or looking to reduce unexpected costs and downtime, our guide helps you evaluate best practice approaches and build a proactive, road-ready fleet operation
✓Understand how SMR costs increase over a vehicle’s lifecycle.
✓Reduce unplanned downtime and protect operational performance.
✓Build a compliant, cost-controlled and predictable fleet strategy.
