If your business relies on a truck or a fleet of trucks, vehicle maintenance is an important part of running a successful business. No fleet manager wants to deal with unexpected truck breakdowns. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent unplanned vehicle downtime with the help of following a well-planned and implemented truck maintenance checklist.
This ultimate heavy truck maintenance checklist can help you keep your vehicle road-ready year-round.
Periodic Year-Round Truck Care Checklist
A comprehensive truck maintenance checklist must include daily pre-trip checks, weekly maintenance checks, and monthly or seasonal maintenance. The periodic inspections can cover key components and functions, including brakes, tires, fluids, safety systems, and lights. Here is a breakdown of various periodic preventive truck maintenance inspections and tasks to be included in your checklist:
Daily Pre-Trip Checks for Trucks
Before your drivers hit the road, make sure they conduct a pre-trip inspection to check the truck’s working condition. It is recommended to cover the following components or systems during this check:
- Steering System: The steering wheel should be checked to ensure free movement and no excessive play.
- Braking System: The parking and service brakes should be checked for their effectiveness and any signs of wear. The air brake system should not have any air leaks.
- Tires: The tires should be checked for tread wear, inflation levels, and any visible signs of bulges or cuts.
- Lights: All exterior lights should be checked to ensure they are working properly.
The other components that need pre-trip inspection include mirrors, windshield wipers, and the horn.
Weekly Maintenance Checks
The weekly preventive truck maintenance checks cover systems that do not require daily attention but play an important role in the truck’s overall condition. This includes:
- Engine Oil: The oil level should be checked and topped off if required. If the oil is dirty, it will need to be changed.
- Suspension System: The suspension will need to be checked for any signs of excess wear or damage. Make sure to check the springs and shocks.
- Transmission Fluid: The fluid levels in the transmission should be checked every week. If the transmission fluid levels fall, it can cause hard shifts or damage to the transmission.
- Coolant Levels: Check and top up coolant levels, as low levels can cause engine overheating.
The other parts and systems that should be included in your weekly truck maintenance checklist include batteries, belts, and hoses.
Monthly or Seasonal Preventive Truck Maintenance
Some truck maintenance tasks need to be completed once a month or when the seasons change. They require more extensive servicing and have a greater impact on your truck’s performance on long-distance trips and in extreme conditions. This truck maintenance checklist covers the following components and systems:
- Air Filters: The air filters need to be cleaned or replaced. If the air filters are dirty, they can affect the engine’s performance and the truck’s fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Filters: The fuel filters need to be replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Brake System: Check the brake pads and rotors for any signs of wear. Thin brake pads and grooved rotors need to be replaced immediately.
- Wheel Alignment: The wheels should be checked and corrected for alignment. It is also recommended to carry out tire rotations to ensure even wear across all tires.
The other systems that need monthly or seasonal inspection include the exhaust system and heating and air conditioning.
A year-round truck care checklist is essential. It can help you spot any issues, address them in time, and save money. There are regulations in place to ensure truckers follow the minimal maintenance checks. The primary purpose behind these standards is to ensure the safe operation of trucks.