Create an easy preventative maintenance programme for your trucks

Are you setting up a preventative maintenance programme for your truck? From saving money on repairs to reducing downtime, there are plenty of advantages to maintaining your truck properly. Failure to take care of your fleet can result in unexpected expenses that eat into your profits. For easy maintenance, find durable trucks for sale on Truck & Trailer.

What is preventative maintenance?

A preventative maintenance programme involves inspecting your vehicle regularly. This programme includes a schedule of regular services. Any repair work that is identified should be carried out timeously to avoid expensive issues in the future.

The length of time that has passed, as well as the truck’s mileage, influences the preventative maintenance programme. The fuel and engine hours are also considered. Lubrication and cleaning are just some of the tasks that are associated with preventative maintenance.

What are the benefits of a preventative maintenance programme?

Devising and implementing a preventive maintenance programme has many benefits. It increases the safety of your trucks and it also helps to extend their lifespan. Improper vehicle maintenance can put you at risk for legal action on charges of negligence. Quality maintenance that adheres to a consistent schedule helps to reduce the risks that are associated with operating trucks in bad condition.

How to set up a preventative maintenance programme

Understand the common mechanical failures

Understanding the common mechanical issues that result in truck accidents help you to develop a maintenance schedule that provides maximum safety. Low tyre pressure puts your trucks at a higher risk for being involved in an accident. Brakes that are out of adjustment or contaminated with oil are also hazardous. You need to be vigilant for hub assemblies that have been incorrectly installed. Likewise, damaged steering components are problematic.

Create a schedule

Start by checking the manufacturer’s guidelines to get an idea of how often you should carry out the various maintenance tasks. Next, ask your technician to inspect the truck with you and to compile a list of checks that need to be carried out regularly.

These tasks should be separated into lists of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checks. Once you’ve established what needs to be done and when, you can create an online calendar that warns you when you need to conduct an inspection.

Fleet management software is useful as it adds convenience and efficiency to regular maintenance. The benefits of this automated system make it worth the investment.

Involve the driver

Involving the driver in the preventative maintenance programme is vital to its success. Drivers should be equipped with the skills they need to inspect the truck before and after long trips. They also need to keep an eye out for any potential issues during their journeys. Proper training of drivers is required to ensure thorough and precise inspections are carried out.

Keep records

Record keeping is an essential aspect of a preventative maintenance programme. The driver should document the inspections they carry out as well as any issues they come across. Manual or electronic record keeping needs to be set up to make this process easier. Proper documentation is important as it allows you to keep track of which tasks have been completed and which ones still need to be done.

Regular driver checks:

While there is a diverse range of vehicle components the driver needs to inspect regularly, here is an overview of some of the most important checks:

• Oil
• Transmission fluid and filter
• Tyres
• Engine fluids
• Shocks and suspension
• Seat belts
• Lights

Now that you know more about what a preventative maintenance programme entails, you can ensure that your trucks are kept in top condition. With some forethought and the proper skills, you’ll keep your vehicles running at maximum efficiency.

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