Pushed by an uptick in vehicle replacement in 2010, fleet maintenance costs dipped modestly for the third consecutive year in 2011, according to GE Capital Fleet Services’ 17th annual fleet passenger car maintenance study.

More specifically, the company found that the average maintenance cost was $53.49 per vehicle per month in 2011, versus $55.89 in 2010.

The study also discovered that maintenance costs were affected by:

Steady preventive maintenance expenses: Although there was a 6-percent hike in oil change cost, the frequency of oil changes trended downward, thus stabilizing the cost of preventative maintenance.

Average tire costs: While there was a 5-percent lift in cost per tire, there were fewer replacement tires thanks to the fact 2010 saw a great deal of vehicle replacement. As such, the need for replacement tires in 2011 was cut.

Upswing in overall vehicle quality: Industry-wide gains in vehicle quality have led to longer-lasting parts and less-frequent maintenance requirements.

“We’re dedicated to delivering fleet management solutions that allow fleet managers to maximize cost saving opportunities while simultaneously optimizing operations,” said Eric Strom, maintenance and safety product manager for GE Capital Fleet Services. “This study provides us with the necessary data to keep our customers fully up-to-date on optimal vehicle replacement and predictive maintenance strategies.”