A truck maintenance checklist is an essential item that every truck driver needs to stay safe while on the roads. When you keep up with maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs that come with crisis maintenance or demand maintenance.
Truck parts are complex and take on tons of wear and tear. In the interest of driver safety and the safety of all those on the road, Simplex Group has provided this truck maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of your commercial vehicle.
Read on for our truck maintenance checklist designed to keep your vehicles running smoothly and safely across American roads for the long haul and protect your business through compliance with federal and state regulations.
Benefits of Performing Truck Maintenance Tasks
When you have a maintenance checklist, it’s easier to stay on top of maintenance activities essential to your operations. Demand maintenance and crisis maintenance mean that you’re focusing on fixing things as they break. It’s better to have maintenance checklists that keep you ahead of these issues.
Longer Vehicle and Engine Lifespan
A truck engine can go on forever if you maintain it. When you make time for maintenance, you ultimately protect the vehicles in your fleet and ensure their longevity.
Less Likely to Get into Accidents or Experience Breakdowns
Regular maintenance keeps your trucks running right so that all systems function optimally. Breakdowns can be costly, which is why maintaining these vehicles is better for your bottom line.
Efficient Operation
From fuel efficiency to engine life, following a maintenance checklist has multiple benefits. It’s also best for driver safety and morale since no truck driver wants to waste time waiting for help sitting on the side of the highway.
Maintenance Checklists for Your Truck
The key to avoiding issues is frequently staying on top of the maintenance needs of all vehicles in your fleet. Now that you know the importance of maintenance checklists, review the following to keep your truck in prime condition.
Daily Maintenance Checklist
Every day, you should inspect your vehicle in the following areas:
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
The air pressure in your tires affects your fuel efficiency. Low pressure can also pose a safety hazard. Similarly, inspect your tires’ tread depth. If the tread on your tires is getting low, you should plan on replacing them.
Brake Lights and Brake Systems
Brakes are another vital system in your vehicle. Always check the brake system, from the lights to the pads. Replace any component that’s worn down or burnt out.
Oil and Fluid Levels
You won’t need an oil change every day, but you should always check your oil level and oil filter. Mechanics can quickly replace the oil filter and refresh your oil as well as other fluids to get you back on the road fast. You’ll want to look at coolant and possibly add antifreeze in the winter, windshield wiper fluid to help you clear dirt, dust, and dead bugs away with your windshield wipers, and every other fluid.
Lighting and Indicators
Check all the lights on your vehicle. If you notice any lights are not functioning or the bulbs are burnt out, make sure you get a replacement.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
Certain components of your equipment don’t need to be checked every day. However, you should inspect them once per week and address any issues. This checklist provides more insight into where you should pay attention to your systems.
Deep Cleaning and Cabin Inspection
Grime from the road can interfere with your air filter. Additionally, wiping your windows and keeping a clean interior help improve your health by ensuring things stay clean within these tight quarters.
Inspecting Exhaust Systems
Trouble with emissions may go unnoticed if you don’t keep on top of checklists for exhaust systems.
Battery Maintenance
Minimize your chances of enduring downtime with your vehicle by checking your battery. Replace it before it causes you issues while you’re on the road.
Checklists for Monthly Maintenance
Use this checklist to look under the hood of your truck and stay on top of things with your vehicle mechanics, who can help you minimize downtime.
Structural Integrity Check
Checking the structural integrity of your vehicle requires looking at components such as your radiator, engine, and other parts. In harsh winter climates, ice buildup is common and can leave you stranded in the snow. Always keep track of these parts to protect your vehicle.
Advanced Engine Diagnostics
Caring for your vehicle engine is paramount for any trucking business. Check the engine monthly to correct any minor problems quickly before they put you out of commission.
Transmission and Drivetrain Inspection
Protect the torque of your vehicle as well to ensure it stays the course on those long roads.
Tips for Staying on Top of Maintenance Year-Round
Your truck is full of parts that all work together to keep you up and running. From the air filter and spark plugs to the engine and radiator—every belt and all the hoses in between—it’s vital to keep your vehicle as free of issues as possible.
When you’re following these checklists, make sure you include winter and summer preparations, and add a comprehensive inspection to be completed yearly to your vehicle checklist. It will make all the difference in your operations.
SImplex Group can help you keep on top of it all with innovative devices that save you time and keep track of specifics such as the engine temperature and other gauges. In addition to scheduled maintenance services, we also offer fleet management solutions, DOT compliance services, permits, trucking insurance, registration, tax preparation, freight planning, and truck factoring. We lead the way in the industry by helping trucking companies keep running. Choose a checklist for maintaining your vehicle and contact us with your trucking needs.