The best method to maintain your fleet of vehicles operating dependably and lower the chance of breakdown and commercial truck repair is through preventative maintenance.
Our team at Truck-N-Trailer Service has assisted a large number of customers with preventative maintenance programs customized to their trucks and the types of driving they perform.
Here are preventative maintenance recommendations we discuss with our customers:
1. Fluid Level Check
It simply takes a few minutes to check your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid on a weekly basis and it can help you avoid serious issues.
It’s a good sign that you have a consumption or leak issue if you see a drop in a fluid level between checks so you can address it before it gets worse or damages components.
2. Change Fluids
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing fluids.
The frequency will depend on how many miles you travel, the weight of the cargo you haul, and the sort of driving you perform (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, and others).
In the short term, trying to extend the life of your fluids beyond what is recommended may save you money, but in the long run, it can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and breakdowns.
3. Examine your tires
Tire pressure concerns, alignment issues, and suspension problems can all contribute to uneven tire wear. As part of your preventative maintenance schedule, examine the tread depth and tire condition. We are all aware of how dangerous a tire blowout on the road can be, so check your tires frequently to minimize the expense, inconvenience, and danger of a blowout and truck repair.
4. Check The Brakes
You want to be sure you can stop safely when you’re carrying a large load. Check your brake pads/shoes frequently and replace them when they are at the minimal wear level.
Observe if you have even wear from front to back and from side to side. This may indicate that your brake system needs to be adjusted or repaired in order to offer proper braking performance.
5. Evaluate Air Filters
Your fuel consumption can increase significantly and your engine’s performance can suffer with a dirty air filter.
When a filter becomes clogged, less air can enter your engine, which lowers power and fuel efficiency. If you often travel on muddy, dusty, or sandy roads, check and replace your air filter more frequently.
6. Do An Electrical System Verification And A Battery Load Test
Your truck’s electrical system will be put to the test by long trips and many stops and starts. Add your battery, alternator, and electrical system to your list of annual preventative maintenance items.
The simplest method to prevent charging issues is to check before winter if you operate in colder climates.
7. Inspect your clutch and gearbox if applicable:
Every time you get on the road, the combination of high-torque engines and large loads puts a lot of strain on your gearbox and clutch.
You can prevent problems from developing by regularly inspecting your gearbox and making sure it is operating properly. Additionally, you should check to see if your clutch is slipping, since this can reduce reliability and fuel efficiency.
8. Monitor Your Exterior Lighting:
Before you leave each day, a simple walk-around inspection of your exterior cab and cargo box lights enables you to identify any burned-out bulbs and replace them.
As part of your preventative maintenance, make sure that all of your running, braking, signal, and warning lights are functioning correctly to avoid being stopped and losing time because of a burned-out bulb.
Every trucking firm has a distinct fleet of trucks and trailers, so each one must customize its preventative maintenance to fit its particular demands. These suggestions will assist you to make sure that your trucks operate more dependably and are less likely to break down.
We have years of experience with Truck-N-Trailer service and maintenance. By making your preventative maintenance plan a priority, you can maximize the efficiency of your fleet and save time and money on truck repair.
