Maintaining a fleet of trucks can be challenging. Not only do you have to keep up with the routine needs of several trucks rather than one, but you also have to account for unexpected breakdowns and repair bills. Fortunately, the better your fleet maintenance regimen becomes, the easier it will be to handle these unexpected hardships. For that matter, it will even significantly reduce your chances of having to deal with said breakdowns! Today we’re going to dive into the various systems that are vital to maintaining, along with the many issues you’ll be avoiding if you do!
1. Brake System Maintenance
Any truck's brakes are a crucial safety element and must be kept in reasonable condition to work correctly. Replacing worn-out brake pads is one of the most frequent brake repairs. Brake pads may deteriorate and, as such, may no longer provide sufficient stopping force if they are not changed regularly. Failing to change your brake pads based on your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals may lead to costly repair bills. For example, if the pads wear down to the point where your brake shoes are coming in contact with your brake drum, your brake shoes and drum may become damaged! Both of which are not cheap to repair or replace!
2. Engine Maintenance and Repairs
Repairing the engine in your fleet trucks can be costly. Fortunately, maintaining your engines, on the other hand, is actually quite cheap! Valve adjustment is just one sort of engine repair that is often necessary due to poor maintenance. Changing your oil once every 20 thousand miles is the best way to ensure your engine’s moving components stay lubricated. Changing your engine’s coolant once every 30 to 60 thousand miles is the best way to ensure radiant heat is adequately absorbed and dispersed. Also, changing your oil and fuel filters with every oil change is the best way to ensure no impurities enter your engine’s various systems. Performing these maintenance items can prevent catastrophic engine failure and will undoubtedly save you money in the long run.
3. Transmission Maintenance and Repairs
Poor transmission maintenance might result in a multitude of expensive issues. For instance, contaminated fluid might make the gears grind and fail, and low fluid levels might lead to the gearbox overheating and failing. By changing your transmission fluid once every 30 to 60 thousand miles, you’re significantly reducing the chances of transmission failure or malfunction. Other important maintenance items for a transmission include routine inspection of your transmission cooler, cooler lines, and transmission drain plug. If you see red fluid anywhere underneath your vehicle, you’re likely leaking transmission fluid. Be sure to get that checked out right away!
4. Ignition System Maintenance
Maintaining your ignition system is very important. There is a wide array of components that must be taken care of regularly and replaced as per manufacturer standards if your ignition system is to work properly. For example, glow plugs should be examined regularly to ensure they are not being worn down. Batteries should be tested for how well they hold a charge, and wire harnesses should be routinely inspected for any damage. Failing to perform these maintenance items may result in your truck not starting. Although ignition repairs aren’t as costly as other systems, they can cost you nearly just as much if you take unexpected downtime into account.
5. Suspension and Steering Maintenance
The steering and suspension systems are essential for keeping a truck under control, cushioning the impact of road imperfections, and guaranteeing a smooth ride. However, these systems are often overlooked when it comes to preventative maintenance. As such, steering and suspension repairs are among the most often performed truck repairs. The most frequent issues with steering and suspension are old shocks and leaf spring shackles, loose tie rods, and worn bearings. While some of these issues may be resolved with a simple repair, others can need the replacement of significant parts. The best approach to prevent steering and suspension issues is to have a competent technician routinely check your system. Any deterioration will be detectable before it becomes a significant problem. Additionally, caution should be used while driving on uneven or speed bump-filled roadways.
Final Words
Now you have a clear idea about the hassle you can overcome by paying attention to the maintenance of your fleet of heavy-duty trucks. Work along with a reputed maintenance technician, and you will not have to worry about these issues again in the future with your fleet.
