Commercial trucks are powerful machines used in the delivery of goods. Unfortunately, they are also subject to wear and tear from the constant use and harsh climates they are designed for. Truck maintenance is essential to keep these vehicles operational for as long as possible. It keeps an operator’s cost low by preventing excessive downtime and keeping maintenance costs low by catching problems early and avoiding more expensive fixes later on. Additionally, it can help protect the operator from risk and liability if an accident were to occur, as well as improve fuel economy by reducing unnecessary idling time.

Know Your Truck

The first step in commercial truck maintenance is to know your vehicle. This includes knowing the correct oil and filter grade for your engine, the required tire pressure for your specific load and the correct air pressure in all of your tires. It also includes knowing how to properly change your engine oil, how often to change it, what type of oil is best for your engine and what signs to look for when inspecting your engine. It is also important to know the limits of your vehicle so that you know what is reasonable to expect from it. This will help you determine when it is time for an inspection, what parts need to be replaced, and what to expect in terms of upkeep costs.

Check and Change Your Tires

One of the first things you should do when getting ready to use your truck is to check and change your tires. The best time to do this is when they are cold. If you wait until they are hot, they may expand more than necessary and require a new size. New tires can also help with road noise, which is a common complaint among commercial drivers. It is recommended to have at least one tire in good condition. This can be used to guide you when checking the others.

Check Brakes Before Driving

One of the most important things to check before driving is your brakes. You should have them thoroughly inspected before every trip and be sure they are in good condition. This should be done at least once a year, or more frequently if they have seen significant use. It is best to do this when the truck is not being used, as this will give you a more accurate assessment.

Change Oil and Oil Filter

As with checking your brakes, you should have your oil and oil filter changed before every trip. It is best to do this when the truck is cold so that the oils and filters can be saved for future use. It is also recommended to use synthetic oil in cold weather, as it is more resistant to cold temperatures and will last longer than conventional oil.

Check Your Air Filter

One of the easiest things to forget when it comes to commercial truck maintenance is to check your air filter. It is recommended to do this every 2,000 to 3,000 miles and more frequently if you have any special circumstances. For example, if you are using an exclusive blend of fuel or if you are operating in high altitudes.

Change Fluids and Check Coolant and Wipers

Changing your coolant and wipers is another important part of commercial truck maintenance. While cleaning your engine isn't necessary, it can help keep it running smoothly. It is recommended to do this every 1,000 miles for regular drivers and twice as often for those who drive in extreme weather conditions.

Check the Battery

Lastly, it is important to check your battery and perform a load test to make sure it is fully charged. This can be done by connecting a long extension cord to the battery and measuring the voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery may need to be charged.

Conclusion

Commercial truck maintenance is an important part of keeping your vehicles operational. It can extend the life of your vehicle, reduce downtime and keep you safe on the road.When you know what to look for and when to perform maintenance on your vehicle, it will be easier to keep it in good condition. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and allow you to keep costs low.