Workshops face influx of cars and vans this spring

Autodata is warning fleet operators that have their own workshops of an influx of vehicles this spring, with March expected tob e the most popular month for vehicle servicing and repairs.

The technical information supplier believes that workshops could be “overwhelmed” by an influx of new jobs into garages.

Vehicle registrations have been at their highest across March, April and May in the last five years, meaning annual servicing, vehicle worthiness tests and check-ups will fall on the anniversary of these spring months. 

Autodata’s Most Serviced Vehicle report shows that March is the most popular month for vehicle servicing and repairs, as mechanics call upon technical specifications, camshaft drive systems, repair times, engine oil, service schedules and tyre pressures to allow them to fix a vehicle and get it back on the road.

Chris Wright, managing director of Autodata, said: “Whilst there is still uncertainty on when lockdowns will be eased, it’s clear there could be pressure on workshops to handle any eventuality on any vehicle, rather than turn away work because they don’t have the technical help to fix a problem.” 

A key component of this alignment is the Covid-19 pandemic, which enabled fleets and drivers to delay legally required vehicle checks past their original due date. These are now likely to feed into workshops over the next few months as vehicles return to the road.

Another factor is the significant growth of home deliveries. Autodata saw a 19% rise in requests for LCV service data between Q1 and Q3 2020 as online delivery services expanded, all of which will now be reaching their anniversary and require workshop attention.

Wright added: “While there is still uncertainty on when lockdowns will be eased, it’s clear there could be pressure on workshops to handle any eventuality on any vehicle, rather than turn away work because they don’t have the technical help to fix a problem. 

“The pandemic may well intensify the normal seasonal patterns for workshops, but with Autodata covering 90% of vehicles and providing easy to follow diagrams and technical procedures, our customers can rest assured that our data will help them get their customers back on the road quickly, relieving undue pressure in the workshop and maintaining great service levels.”