Tips for Effectively Caring for Your Commercial Truck

The care of a commercial truck used from its manufacturer is quite different than maintaining a new vehicle. While many commercial trucks are advertised as reconditioned vehicles, it is not uncommon for most parts to be ‘used. It is probable that some engine components and joints are in bad condition. This means they will need to be maintained.

To make the most of your investment, it’s a good idea to extend your vehicle’s useful life. Your used commercial truck will live longer if you take proper care of it. The following are some suggestions to help you reach your goal.

Owner’s Manual

Every commercial vehicle should be equipped with an owner’s handbook. This manual should be kept with any truck because it will contain details of any prior service and maintenance. If you don’t have one, you can always download and print one from the internet commercial trucking insurance.

This is a vital tool for operators to determine the best maintenance intervals, lubrication levels, brake fluid levels, brakes and battery voltage, as well as wheel pressure. It is combined with a PM Schedule or preventive Maintenance Schedule to allow for synchronization of the manual’s values and their application.

Preventive Maintenance

Based on actual truck mileage and age, the preventive Maintenance Schedule is basically a schedule detailing when certain maintenance and parts replacement should be performed. You should keep a log of any maintenance and repair done to the truck. This will allow you to quickly access it in case of an emergency. This simple tool can help extend the truck’s lifespan if used properly.

Routine Inspections

In addition to regular maintenance, it is important that you inspect the truck before you put it on the roads for a job. This should be done each day that you are away. Regular maintenance can help prevent many problems. However, you and your truck would benefit greatly from an independent inspection to check for signs of potential problems. A thorough inspection of the truck would confirm that it has not suffered any damage from previous trips. These inspections could include:

Check your Tires Before you head out, the most important part of your truck that you need to inspect is the tires. Tires are susceptible to abuse from heavy braking and heavy loads.

Your tires’ air pressure should be checked regularly. It should be at the correct pressure for the tire.

Before heading out on the job, ensure that you tighten any loose lug nuts.

Check the Radiator. Ensure that all fluid levels within your truck are within recommended limits. Be aware of the weather conditions where you will be operating. Radiator fluid will be affected if it gets very hot. Check the underside of your truck for signs that there are any leaks in the radiator. These could cause the radiator not to be able to heat up and prevent you from returning from a job. This could damage your engine.

Check the Oil – A truck that is older may develop small oil leaks near the engine. Regularly check your oil level to ensure that there are no oil leaks.

Routine checks should be done along with your regular maintenance schedule to avoid costly repairs to your vehicle. Regular maintenance will increase the truck’s lifespan and may even last for longer than newer vehicles.

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