Maintaining your commercial truck is crucial in order to extend its lifetime and keep it in good working order. This is especially true if your company relies on trucks to transport goods, equipment, and supplies. Keeping trucks well maintained can help save money in the long run by reducing the frequency at which they need repair or replacing. Additionally, having a well-maintained truck can help you obtain regulatory compliance for commercial drivers by keeping you in compliance with state-mandated safety regulations. For that reason, businesses need to establish reliable maintenance practices for their fleet of commercial trucks. However, this poses a challenge because there are so many ways to maintain a vehicle. Fortunately, there are some common best practices that apply to almost any type of commercial truck, regardless of its size, model year, or industry segment. Here is a list of suggestions for maintaining your commercial truck so it can operate efficiently and safely for many years to come:
One of the most important maintenance tasks for your commercial truck is to change the oil and oil filter at regular intervals. This prevents foreign matter from accumulating in the oil and reducing its lubricating properties, which can lead to serious engine damage.The specific time frame for changing your truck’s oil and oil filter depends on the type of diesel fuel you use, the type of engine, and other factors. For example, trucks that operate in heavy-duty or long-haul applications require more frequent oil changes than those for light-duty or local commercial operations.
Tires are one of the most important safety components of a commercial truck, and they can fail completely without warning. Therefore, it is critical to regularly check the tires on your truck to ensure they are in good condition and can safely handle the weight and stress of hauling heavy loads.Tire pressure is an important maintenance indicator for commercial trucks. A commercial truck's tires should be inspected annually, and they should be measured to be sure they are properly inflated. However, commercial trucks often have multiple sets of tires, so it is important to inspect the tires on each set on a regular basis.
Commercial trucks are often required to carry a large volume of different types of fluids, including diesel fuel, transmission fluid, coolant, and anti-freeze. Keeping these fluids fresh and clean is an important part of commercial truck maintenance.As with the oil change, the specific time frame for regular fluid changes depends on the type of fuel and the engine. For example, trucks that operate in heavy-duty or long-haul applications require more frequent fluid changes than those for light-duty or local commercial operations.
Your commercial truck's brakes are a crucial part of its safety system. Therefore, it is important to have them inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are in good condition and can stop the truck if needed.Brakes can fail suddenly without warning, so it is important to have your brakes inspected and maintained on a regular basis. In addition to inspecting the brakes themselves, you should also inspect the brake pads, rotors, and other components that make up the brake system.
The air filter in your commercial truck's engine is an important part of the air flow system. It removes dust and other impurities from the air entering the engine and is responsible for maintaining the proper amount of air volume in the system.Dust and other contaminants can clog the air filter, reducing its ability to perform its function. Therefore, it is important to have the air filter inspected and changed regularly. The air filter in commercial trucks is often located in the front of the engine near the air filter box. It is generally a rectangular-shaped filter made of paper or fabric that can be removed for inspection or replacement.
Like other safety components on a commercial truck, the lights and other warning systems on the vehicle's exterior are designed to notify other drivers of its presence and help prevent accidents.However, these lights and systems need to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are working properly. The specific time frame for inspection and maintenance of lights and other warning systems may vary based on the type of vehicle and the specific regulations in your state. For example, a commercial truck that operates in an interstate may be subject to more frequent inspection and maintenance than a commercial truck that operates in a state where regulations are more relaxed.
Maintaining your commercial truck is an important part of keeping it in good working order and extending its lifetime. It can help you avoid costly repairs, keep your vehicle compliant with safety regulations, and help you avoid accidents.There are many ways you can maintain a commercial truck. However, it is important to follow the advice of your mechanic or technician when conducting maintenance on your vehicle to ensure it is done properly and safely.