As an auto shop mechanic, dispensary delivery vehicles—whether compact sedans, midsize SUVs, or electric cargo vans—face unique challenges due to their constant stop-and-go use, tight delivery schedules, and urban or suburban driving conditions. Over time, this daily wear and tear adds up. And when it does, we’re the ones under the hood diagnosing the damage.
Whether the delivery cars belong to a cannabis dispensary’s in-house fleet or a third-party logistics provider, here are the most common parts we replace and why.
1. Brake Pads and Rotors
Without a doubt, the most frequent replacement job we see involves the brake system—especially pads and rotors. Cannabis delivery vehicles are constantly on the move in dense city environments, stopping frequently at red lights, customer addresses, and sometimes double-parking in tight spots.
This type of driving chews through brake pads at a much faster rate than average consumer use. In some cases, we’ve had to replace pads in as little as 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the route and load weight. Rotors can also wear unevenly or warp when not changed with the pads on time, leading to more expensive repairs if neglected.
2. Tires
Delivery fleets rack up serious mileage, and their tires take a beating. Potholes, curb checks during tight parallel parks, and high-mileage routes are the main culprits. We see premature tire wear often on cannabis delivery cars that aren’t regularly rotated or aligned.
Fleet managers should be especially vigilant with tread depth and sidewall integrity. Blowouts aren’t just dangerous—they can also cause delays in delivery times and result in vehicle downtime, hurting a dispensary’s reputation.
3. Suspension Components
Bushings, struts, and shocks come in at number three. Constant urban driving over uneven roads, speed bumps, and delivery driveways contributes to faster suspension wear. If the vehicle starts bouncing too much, nose-dives when braking, or drifts while cornering, the suspension is crying for help.
We’ve had dispensary clients whose vehicles felt “loose” after a year of high-use driving, and a quick inspection revealed worn struts and cracked bushings. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious handling and safety issues.
4. Battery and Electrical Systems
With many dispensaries upgrading to electric or hybrid vehicles, we’re seeing more service calls related to battery drain and system glitches. Even in traditional gas-powered delivery cars, the stop-start cycles of delivery work can wear out the battery and alternator faster.
Cold storage compartments for edibles or infused products also draw on electrical systems. If you’re using plug-in coolers or charging devices regularly, expect more frequent battery replacements and occasional alternator repairs.
5. Lights and Bulbs
Because delivery vehicles operate at all hours—including evening drops—headlights, brake lights, and indicator bulbs tend to burn out more often. This isn’t a glamorous repair, but it’s crucial. Non-functioning brake lights can lead to rear-end accidents or traffic stops, which is the last thing a delivery driver wants when transporting regulated cannabis products.
6. Oil and Fluids
It might seem obvious, but many cannabis delivery vehicles miss their scheduled oil changes and fluid top-offs because they’re constantly on the road. Missed maintenance leads to engine wear, coolant leaks, and in the worst-case scenario—complete engine failure.
We recommend a strict maintenance schedule and logging system for oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, especially for larger fleets. It prevents larger, costlier problems down the line.
All Things Considered
From our lift bays, it’s easy to tell which dispensary fleets are well-managed and which are running their vehicles into the ground. The most common replacements—brakes, tires, suspension parts, and batteries—are all signs of hard daily use. But with the right preventative maintenance, cannabis delivery businesses can keep their fleets road-ready, reduce downtime, and extend the life of their investment.