For every company operating any type of machinery, maintenance is just a part of normal operations. For trucking companies it is no different. Whether you are an owner-operator, or running a large fleet, having a good preventative maintenance program in place is extremely important. The preventative maintenance program will not only extend the life of your fleet and equipment but could be the difference in paying a couple hundred or a couple thousand in fines or repairs.
As a driver, you may be thinking you don't own the truck so preventative maintenance isn't your responsibility. While that may be correct, if something goes wrong with your vehicle its your time on the line, and your job.
Taking time before your shift to conduct a proper pre-trip inspection will help you notice any issues or potential issues with your vehicle. When you see issues or notice any vehicle malfunctions, let your carrier know immediately. A small problem that goes unchecked one day can lead to a huge problem the next, and potentially leaving the vehicle stranded on the side of the road waiting for maintenance.
Building a Vehicle Maintenance Program?
Front Range Compliance Services, LLC, can help! Reach out today to see how we can help your company prioritize maintenance, ensure safety across your fleet and stay off the radar!!
Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Checklist:
Here are the most important things to include and look at in your preventative maintenance plan for your fleet.
Brakes – Brakes are the most important part of your truck, they control your speed and ability to control the vehicle. They can also be one of the most expensive parts to replace. Doing maintenance on the brakes will save you from having to replace they whole thing.
Tires – If brakes are the most important component of the vehicle, then the tires are a very close second. Inspect your tires frequently to make sure they're not wearing unevenly, leaking, or bulging. Tires must be checked during a pre/post trip inspection.
Electrical System – Do a quick walk around your truck to ensure that all your lights on both your cab and trailer are functional and that there are no cracks in the lenses. Make sure to also check under the hood to make sure all cables and wires are in the proper condition and that there’s no corrosion or strange smell coming from your battery.
Fluids – Make sure to check the fluid levels in your vehicle and look for leaks. Always keep spare fluids like oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid in your cab just in case you run into an issue, especially in the winter.
Avoid potential vehicle malfunctions with a Pre/Post Trip Inspection!
Pre/Post Trip Inspection Training online for your drivers will teach them to identify potential hazards with their vehicle and fill out the DVIR. Use code FRCS10 for $10 off the purchase of the course!
One of the biggest takeaways from this should be that performing a proper pre/post trip inspection is key to a good preventative maintenance program. Preventative maintenance may seem like a lot of work, but once it is implemented it will quickly become habit. If you think something might be wrong with your vehicle, investigate it.
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Make sure to check also out our online DOT Training platform, DOT University! We currently are offering Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors, Cargo Securement, Defensive Driving, and Pre/Post Trip Inspection. In the coming months, we plan on releasing DOT Compliance Essentials and Periodic Annual Inspection Qualification Training (Appendix A).
Stay off the radar!!