Running trucks for long hauls means you’re always fighting against time and wear. These machines take a beating out there, and honestly, the difference between a profitable fleet and one that’s constantly hemorrhaging money often comes down to how well you maintain your equipment.
It’s not glamorous work, but it’s what keeps your drivers safe and your business running.
Every single trip should begin with a proper walk-around. Your drivers need to check lights, look under the truck for leaks, make sure nothing’s cracked or hanging loose. Takes about 15 minutes, maybe 20 if they’re being thorough.
Some drivers get into a rhythm with this – they’ll start at the driver’s side front and work their way around clockwise. Others prefer to check all the lights first, then move to tires, then underneath. Doesn’t really matter what system they use as long as they actually do it and don’t rush through it.
Oil changes are basic, but you’d be amazed how many fleet managers try to squeeze extra miles out of old oil. Modern synthetic oils are definitely better than what we had years ago, but your engines are also working harder than ever.
When you’re changing oil, check everything else too. Transmission fluid should be clear and smell normal – if it’s dark or has a burnt smell, you’ve got problems brewing.
Same goes for differential oil, hydraulic fluid, all of it. These fluids are like a health report for your truck’s internals.
Power steering fluid that’s foamy or has air bubbles usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Better to catch that early than deal with a steering failure on the highway.
Tires cost serious money. A complete set for a big rig can easily run $3,000 or more, so you want every mile you can get out of them. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realize – running even slightly underinflated tires doesn’t just wear them out faster, it kills your fuel economy too.
Check pressures regularly, not just during inspections. Temperature swings affect tire pressure more than most people think about. A tire that was perfect at 6 AM might be 10 psi low by 2 PM when it’s hot outside.
Look for weird wear patterns too:
Brake problems can literally kill people. That’s not being dramatic, it’s just the reality of moving 80,000 pounds down the highway. Commercial brake systems are complex – you’ve got air lines, chambers, slack adjusters, and all kinds of components that need to work together perfectly.
Drivers should check brake adjustment and listen for air leaks every time they start up. If you hear squealing, grinding, or any unusual noises when braking, something’s wrong and needs attention immediately. Air brakes that are adjusted too tight will drag and overheat. Too loose and you won’t have stopping power when you need it most.
Today’s trucks have computers managing everything from fuel injection to transmission shifting. Plus GPS, communication equipment, sometimes refrigeration units. All this electronic stuff puts way more demand on your electrical system than older trucks had.
Keep battery terminals clean and test the charging system regularly. A battery that cranks fine in summer might leave you stranded when it drops to 20 below. And when you’re dealing with suspension components or other critical systems, working with reliable suppliers like Point Spring helps ensure you’re getting parts that won’t fail when you need them most.
An overheated engine can be completely destroyed in minutes. The cooling system in a heavy truck works incredibly hard, especially when you’re pulling grades in hot weather or sitting in traffic.
Check coolant levels, but also look at the condition of the coolant itself. Should be clear, not rusty or full of floating debris. Radiator fins get packed with bugs, dirt, road salt – clean them regularly or airflow gets restricted and temperatures start climbing.
This seems obvious but fleets get sloppy about scheduled maintenance when trucks are busy making money. That’s exactly backward thinking – when your trucks are generating revenue is when you most need to protect that investment.
Your drivers spend more time with these trucks than anyone else. They know when something sounds different, feels different, or just seems off. Train them to trust those instincts and speak up early.
A $200 repair today beats a $5,000 breakdown next month.
Good maintenance records help you spot patterns, plan ahead for major repairs, and prove compliance during DOT inspections. They also help with warranty claims and increase resale value when it’s time to replace equipment.
Taking care of a heavy-duty fleet isn’t exciting work, but the alternative – dealing with roadside breakdowns, missed deliveries, and safety violations – is a whole lot worse.
