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Every business needs a reliable truck to help get the job done. But like any vehicle, trucks require maintenance to keep them running smoothly. There are many kinds of truck maintenance, from preventive measures to emergency repairs. This blog post will explore three of the most important types of truck maintenance your business should stay on top of.
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance is crucial to keeping your truck fleet running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs down the road. By following a regular maintenance schedule and going through a reputable service and repair company, someone like Custom Winch Truck Building, you can extend the life of your trucks and keep them running at peak performance.
Some of your truck fleet’s most important scheduled maintenance items include oil changes, tire rotations and inspections, brake pad replacements, coolant flushes, and transmission service.
Pre-Trip Maintenance
Before any long journey, giving your truck a once-over is important to ensure that everything is in working order. A pre-trip maintenance checklist will help you avoid any unexpected breakdowns or accidents on the road.
First, check your fluid levels, such as engine oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake. Top off any that are low. Secondly, inspect your tires by checking all tires’ tread depth and pressure, including the spare. Ensure they are properly inflated and have enough tread to last the trip. Third, check your brakes to ensure the pads have enough life left and no leaks in the system. Fourth, test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers and ensure they all work properly. Fifth, inspect your mirrors and clean them inside and out, so you can see them while driving. Finally, review your safety equipment by checking your fire extinguisher’s expiration date and ensure it’s easily accessible in an emergency.
Post-Trip Maintenance
After a long day or week on the road, your truck needs some attention too. Post-trip maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in good condition and preventing issues.
Some post-trip maintenance tasks to add to your checklist are; checking the engine oil level and quality. If it’s low, top it off; if it’s dirty, change it. You should also check all other fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) and top off or change as needed.
Also, inspect tires for tread wear and pressure; inflate or rotate as required. Fourth, wash the truck’s exterior to remove any dirt and grime. Again, vacuum the cab’s interior and wipe down surfaces to keep things clean and tidy. You should also empty any garbage or leftover food from the cab to avoid attracting pests. Lastly, check for any loose bolts or other parts that may have come loose during your travels.
Following these simple post-trip maintenance steps can help keep your truck running smoothly and prevent small issues from turning into big problems down the road!
About the Author
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
