Checklist of preventative Maintenance for Semi-truck
According to federal regulations, it is important to actively service your commercial vehicle to ensure it meets all safety measures. Now imagine you have to manage a fleet of trucks. Yes, we are talking about you fleet managers who have to maintain not one but many trucks altogether. You have a lot of responsibilities to fulfill, like getting a regular inspections, repairs, and whatnot. Preventive measures can be a great way to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
The professionals from semi-truck repair companies in Oklahoma City suggest having a preventive maintenance plan in check. This can help you ensure that you don't need to spend money on emergency repairs and also increase your vehicle's life.
Preventive Maintenance: Overview
Understanding what falls under preventive maintenance is essential before planning a list. Do you go for annual check-ups for your body? Well, preventative maintenance is just that for your vehicle. This is done to make sure that your vehicle does not suddenly stop working on the road. This includes
Changing parts of your car that have a chance of wearing down over time
Oiling the engine
Checking the fluid level
Cleaning
Inspecting your vehicle for issues
What difference does it make? It prevents spending money on expensive repairs in the future. Semi-truck repair companies say that if you do not have a proper plan for preventive measures, it will be a costly affair.
An Effective Checklist
Here is a checklist that can help you plan the preventative maintenance program:
Keep a Note of Your Fleet: Every fleet manager should know about the history of their vehicle. Not all semi-trucks are the same, so they won't require similar repairs. Your list should include points like:
How much have they been driven
The type of fuel system it uses
The weather condition they have to face
The fleet manager also needs to have a separate information list where they are expected to write the owner's name, model, year of the vehicle, VIN, tire size, and current and past maintenance schedule.
Organize a Maintenance Schedule: You have to plan a maintenance schedule for each vehicle differently. You need to consider different metrics of the vehicle to predict when it might need servicing. Some of the metrics are:
Fuel levels
Mileage
Engine hours
You can also schedule preventative maintenance when the truck is closer to semi-truck repair services. You need to keep track of the route the driver will take so that it reduces the downtime of the trip.
Keep Track of the Maintenance: It is important to keep all the preventative maintenance documents. You can schedule the program digitally to access it easily.
Things the Driver Can Do Themselves
As a fleet manager, it isn't easy to track all your vehicles. So, you can tell your driver to keep a check on the truck so that a preventative maintenance program is followed.
Brake failure means life loss: Brakes are the most vital part of a vehicle, and every driver should inspect their car's brakes. A vehicle's brake is used the most, so it faces wear and tear after a while. The driver needs to inspect their vehicle before they start it to ensure there are no leaks in the air pressure.
The heart of the car is the engine: No vehicle can start if the engine does not work. The driver needs to close check on the engine's condition to ensure it's in top condition. He has to check the engine's oil and fuel, the radiator mounting for cracks, the wire seals and connections for damage, and the power steering level.
Change Fluids: A driver will always be able to tell if there is any leakage by checking below the undercarriage. Fluid changes aren't an easy task and should be done by semi-truck repair services in Oklahoma City.
The Final Thought
If your semi-truck needs maintenance, you can contact Silverado Road Services. We are a family-owned business that provides comprehensive and quality repair services seven days a week. You can call or message us at 405-830-8792.