Examining the influence of vehicle maintenance on fleet performance in local authorities in Zimbabwe

The study sought to investigate the influence of maintenance on fleet performance within local authorities in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 132 participants was determined using RAOSOFT calculator that were drawn from five local authorities. A cross sectional survey design and stratified random sampling technique were adopted by the study. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between vehicle maintenance and fleet performance indicators that include vehicle downtime, maintenance costs, vehicle utilization, and fuel consumption. The results revealed that effective maintenance practices lead to reduced vehicle downtime, lower maintenance costs, improved vehicle utilization, and enhanced fuel consumption. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by recognizing the essential role of effective maintenance in enhancing fleet performance and operational efficiency. This study examines the issue of poor vehicle maintenance practices within local authorities, proposing insights for policymakers that promote proactive maintenance strategies for improving fleet performance.