A Quick Guide to Commercial Truck Maintenance

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vehicle maintenance

A commercial truck maintenance plan can help your business save money in the long run.

Whether your company requires trucks to transport goods or employees, neglecting vehicle maintenance can lead to various problems, including an accident.

To avoid fatal accidents, you also need to make sure your business’s truck maintenance plan is thorough. You will find helpful tips below to ensure your vehicles are in good working order.

Regular Tire Checks and Tire Pressure Adjustments

Regular checks from professional commercial truck tire repair services ensure that tires are in safe and working order, while tire pressure adjustments ensure they are inflated properly. A good starting point is to check tire pressure, tread depth, and wear at least once a month.

Examining sidewalls for tears, cuts, and bruises is important in order to assess any potential damage or foreign objects that may have become embedded in the tire. It is also important to check the following for any signs of damage or misalignment:

  • wheels
  • lug nuts
  • valves

Preventative Maintenance Intervals

Preventative maintenance intervals are essential for maintaining the longevity of a commercial truck. Maintenance should begin with checking the engine for correct oil and filter levels. These should both be replaced with every oil change.

All tires should be inspected for wear and inflated to the recommended pressure. This should be done weekly. The following should also be inspected regularly, per the manufacturer’s recommendations:

  • radiator hoses
  • belts
  • wiring

This is to ensure they are in good condition. 

Scheduling Professional Inspections

It is important to schedule regular professional inspections from a professional when monitoring the maintenance of a commercial truck. Doing so will allow an experienced mechanic to identify potential issues with vehicle care and help prevent breakdowns on the road.

Failure to attend to needed repairs when suggested can result in costly damage to the vehicle and its components in the long run. Scheduling professional inspections is a vital approach to ensuring safety and reliability when it comes to commercial truck maintenance.

Stocking Emergency Supplies and Repair Kits

Bringing an adequate supply of the right items could save drivers time and money to get back on the road in the event of a breakdown. Necessary supplies range from basic items like oil and lubricant, coolant, and transmission fluid to more complex components such as:

  • belts
  • hoses
  • spark plugs

A well-stocked emergency kit should also include jumper cables, a four-way tire iron, and a supply of fuel filters, air filters, and oil filters. A comprehensive repair kit should contain a mixture of essential tools, like wrenches, screwdrivers, and jacks, to help in the event of repairs being necessary. 

Read More About Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial truck maintenance is an important part of owning and operating a transportation business. With routine monitoring and repair, fleets can reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

Additionally, proper maintenance can lower expenses and extend the life of the vehicles. For more tips and advice on commercial truck maintenance, explore our blog and learn more about vehicle maintenance.

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