Best Truck Preventive Maintenance Checklist To Follow
Using our top Commercial truck maintenance schedule tips and advice, you can keep your CMV in great condition. Maintaining a heavy vehicle is a big responsibility. If any mistake and there is a huge loss, it is best practice to adopt some FMSCA preventive maintenance follow-ups for a better experience in the long run.
What Is Truck Preventive Maintenance Schedule?
Preventive maintenance is a procedure of organized maintenance activities which are specifically designed to enhance the lifespan of a company’s commercial vehicles through systematic and regular inspection. The preventive maintenance schedule supports the identification of technical and mechanical obstacles before they become massive and result in worthless expenditures. This truck maintenance works apart from pre- and post-inspection checklists because of its columns and bigger access to the management of commercial vehicles and fleets. The preventive maintenance program involves vigorous tasks like frequent oil changes, regular checking of spark plugs, an inspection of hoses, and several other robust tasks.
Designing A Truck Maintenance Checklist
Fundamental steps for the formulation of a program of preventative maintenance are scheduling and planning of truck maintenance checklists. There are many types of trucks so every truck has its own unique checklist based on its operations, features, and functions. A well-designed truck maintenance structure can prevent avert unnecessary problems.
CAB: Taking into consideration the controls and safety of trucks the checklist of the cab would involve maintenance of warning alarms, warning lights, gauges on the dashboards, HVAC controls, seatbelts, and lighting switches.
CHASSIS: Standardized chassis preventative maintenance includes regular checking of tire pressure, breaks, fuel lines, suspensions, and wheel bearings.
UNDERHOOD: The preventative maintenance of the underhood includes verification of levels of fluid conditions, an inspection of gaskets and hoses, and authentication of circuits and pulleys.
Important Items On The Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Regular testing of heating and air conditioning systems
Inspection of brake systems
Replacement of pads, rotors, shoes, and drums
Checking fluid levels like engine oil, brake fluids, wiper fluids, power steering fluids, and transmission fluids.
Checking of tires, wheels, and rims
Replacement of damaged mirrors
Replacement of air filters
Testing of seat belts
Checking tire quality and air pressure
Monitoring suspension and steering systems
Eradicating oil or suspension leaks
Inspection of the undercarriage
Monitoring of electrical systems connections and lightning systems
Horn testing
Maintenance of driveshafts
Upkeep of belts, CV joints, and hoses
Fixing interior and exterior damaged body of the vehicle
Inspection of the exhaust system
General tune-ups
Mileage-Based Maintenance Checklist
There are several methods for determining maintenance, but maintenance based on mileage is the most common.
After 10,000 miles:
Oil and Oil filter change
Lubrication of chassis, steering drivelines, and suspensions
Checking Fluid levels
Fixing belts and hoses
Drainage of fuel filter
Drainage of water separator
Adjustments in air pressure
Brake checks
Replacement of external fuel filters
After 30,000 to 180,000 miles:
All the above steps
Inspection of engine air filter
Inspection of restriction gauges
Replacements of filters
Replacement of cabin air filters
After 150,000 miles:
Inspection of engine air filter
Inspection Restriction gauges
Replacement of filters
Replacement of cabin air filters
After 60,000 to 180,000 miles:
All the above
Replacement of front and rear differential fluids
Replacement of transfer case fluids
Transmission of services
Coolant Replacements
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
In winter months the checklist can significantly enhance the life of vehicles by diminishing the elements that are exposed during these months. Here is what should be the focus during the winter months:
Regular testing of batteries and connections
Monitoring of DEF systems and fuel levels
Checking for leaks in the exhaust system
Maintenance of heater and defroster
Drainage of water separation to prevent freezing
Regular servicing of fuel filters
Checking cracks on the windshield
Replacement of wiper blades
Ensuring an emergency kit during extreme weather conditions
Checking pre-heater operations
Checking block heater operations
Inspection of tires and treads
Fuel Inspection
Servicing of air dryers
In summer months preventative checklist mostly focuses on air conditions and tire pressure but some other items of focus on the checklist are:
Examination of belts and replacing them after one or two years if there is any wear or tear
Cleaning and inspection of the cooling system
Performing a coolant system pressure test
Inspection of the radiator and radiator caps for corrosion
Drainage of antifreeze
Inspection of heater hoses
Checking the vehicle’s electrical systems
Maintenance of batteries and battery connections
Monitoring pressure of water pumps
Checking for leaks
Inspection of cooling coils
Inspection of treads, tires, and air pressures
Utah Truck Driving School will support you in the creation of a substantial commercial vehicle maintenance program. We have immense truck driving experience and expertise in supporting you fundamentally in the program creation for the protection of your fleet.
