Latest Trends & Innovations In Heavy-Duty Vehicle Maintenance & Repair [Explained]

As the industry evolves with the passing of time, new trends and innovations are appearing. The automotive industry has faced healthy growth, especially in the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty vehicles. Here, let’s talk about these new trends and innovations in essential vehicle maintenance practices.

New Trends In Maintenance & Repair In Heavy-Duty Vehicle

The rapidly growing industry of heavy-duty vehicles is facing the trends below:

Increased Demand for Repair

Due to the increase in commercial truck traffic and the economy, repair services are also in demand. It’s true for all small and large truck fleets. The repair industry is expected to face a growth rate of 3% per year throughout 2022-2023.

Increased Use of Technology

Technologies like CAD (Computer Aided Design Software), 3D printing, and laser scanning are quite common in recent automotive services. They increase the accuracy and efficiency of any repair service. Drones and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are also used to monitor and diagnose the whole repair process.

Websites and mobile technologies like mobile apps are used to book appointments, and track or access information. Technicians are also provided with updated information about repair and maintenance through mobiles and tablets.

JIT or ‘Just In Time’ Repair Services

Rather than always monitoring and fixing issues, trucks need to be running as much as possible. Thus, businesses are preferring to fix issues only when a repair is utmost necessary. This enables owners to enjoy shorter downtime and fewer repairs. This is very effective to lower their high repair costs.

Preferring Locally Owned Truck Repair Shops

Local truck repair shops provide more efficient and convenient customer service. The industry focuses mainly on running vehicles smoothly. As the local shops can achieve this goal more smoothly, they’re preferred more. Even some local businesses refuse to deal with national chains.

Preferring Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are often more durable and cheaper than OEM parts. Thus, the industry is focusing on generating more money using aftermarket parts. High-quality repairs can be done using these parts with a good value for money.

Marketing of Repair Services and Using Social Media

The industry focuses on new marketing strategies. To reach the audience, platforms like radio, television, and digital advertising are used massively. Telemarketing, direct mail, and door-to-door sales are also used to reach potential business owners. It allows customers to find the best repair shop according to their needs.

However, the trend of using social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok is also on the rise for reaching potential audiences. Social platforms like Youtube and Twitter are used to share information about the process and updates.

Positive Relationship With Customer

The truck repair industry also tries its best to keep a positive relationship with customers. They appoint representatives to handle customer complaints and feedback. Thus, they can also increase product quality and service.

Increasing Uptime and Profit

After the Covid-19 and difficulties of 2022, manufacturers greatly focus on the profit margin. Here, the key is to keep all vehicle equipment running efficiently and without failure.

These developments and necessary changes also allow the industry to take a glimpse into the future.

New Innovations in Repair And Maintenance

There are also new innovations coming forward in repair and maintenance. Some of these include

Remote Diagnosis And Maintenance

Use of Integrated Health Management to enable efficient maintenance and vehicle operation. One of its capabilities is remote diagnosis and maintenance.

Here, with the current telecommunication technology, technicians can diagnose and fix problems even from remote locations. Here, condition monitoring can enable accurate and real-time experience from anywhere.

Robotics

Tasks such as drilling, cutting, and welding are done by industrial robots. They can even inspect and diagnose problems with heavy-duty vehicles. It reduces human error and chances of danger.

Green Energy

Alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are being used. There are also hybrid vehicles that are quite an energy efficient. Recycled materials are also used in the repairs.

3D Printing

With 3D printing, technicians don’t have to wait a long time for replacement parts. It’s possible to make the parts on the spot and address the problem. It improves productivity and reduces downtime. This is called additive manufacturing.

Predictive Maintenance

By additional sensor implementation, data repositories can be built enabling more accurate models. It can also analyze the data for predictive maintenance. It can stop the problem before even happens and eliminate unplanned downtime.

Virtual Training

AR and VR maintenance programs also allow new technicians to practice more effectively. They can learn regular maintenance procedures without the risk of ever damaging any equipment.

Payment Technologies

Advanced payment technologies are being introduced. The commercial trucking industry was relying on physical com checks. Thus, the growth of this industry was held back. Thus, these new payment technologies allow seamless payment.

Trouble Codes

Advanced sensors in the vehicles can identify any small problems in the vehicle. These issues are notified to the driver using DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that can be easily solved with proper guidance.

Bottom Line!!

We hope you understand the progress in heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and repair with technology. Still, we’d like you to know something. With the development of AV technologies, the need for communication technology and data processing is increasing. Thanks for reading the whole article.