In the United States, over 13% of all registered vehicles are commercial trucks. Companies that use commercial trucking might not be surprised by this statistic as trucks play a key role in business.
Commercial trucks are an investment of their own, but without the proper maintenance checklist, you risk spending more on trucking than you need to. So, what should you focus on when it comes to commercial truck maintenance?
Keep reading to find out.
Brake Failure and Wear
Commercial truck maintenance involves paying close attention to the brakes. Most vehicle damages and third-party injuries are caused by brake failure accidents.
Inspecting the brakes every time your trucks need oil changes is a good routine to have.
Brakes wear over time and need to be replaced on a regular basis. When you need new brake pads, you’ll likely need new brake springs, pins, and bushings as well.
Engine
Replacing truck parts like the engine can be pricey. While using a commercial vehicle, look for signs of excessive smoking, loss of oil pressure, or decreased power. These symptoms indicate an unhealthy engine.
You can lessen commercial truck maintenance costs by hiring a third-party trucking company. Look into hot shot trucking requirements for more information.
Body Corrosion
Body corrosion can lead to the death of a truck before its normal lifespan. Salt and other chemicals can cause rust and lead to body corrosion.
If your commercial trucks often drive in areas with a lot of snow and ice, the chances for corrosion problems are higher. Preventing rust is impossible, but slowing down the buildup of rust can help.
Cleaning commercial trucks around every 10 days can help combat this issue. A simple wash can prevent contaminants from eating through primer, clear coats, and paint.
Electrical System
Repairing commercial trucks with electrical system issues is one of the more costly repair jobs. Newer trucks rely on this technology more than older trucks.
To keep engines running properly, have electrical checkups completed during maintenance.
Lubrication
To keep your vehicle lubed, you should only use high-quality lubricants for steering, suspension, etc. Without lubricants, premature wear and tear are likely to occur leading to costly repairs.
Part of your routine truck maintenance checklist should include monitoring for leaks. Before every haul, lube every relevant component and fitting.
Coolant System
Engine failures can happen from improper maintenance of the cooling system. Antifreeze should remain at the same temperature as the engine to protect the cooling system from rust.
During a maintenance checkup, clean the cooling arrangement and use the correct amount and type of fluid. To maintain engine heat, ensure the coolant is diluted perfectly.
Follow This Commercial Truck Maintenance Checklist
Although there is a lot to commercial truck maintenance, the items in this checklist are among some of the most important. To maximize the life of your business trucks, completing regular maintenance is necessary.
When you fail to prevent unnecessary repairs, corrosion, and wear and tear, you’ll be spending a lot more money in the long run. Maintenance should be a non-negotiable protocol for commercial trucks.
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