Maintenance checklist for your truck

To be profitable, our business tools must be well maintained, and as truck drivers, we need to maintain our trucks well. A preventative maintenance program is the first step in accomplishing just that. If a maintenance schedule is not created or followed, the result could mean equipment failure, costly repairs, and long term problems.

The best way to implement a preventative maintenance plan is by performing daily and hourly maintenance checks. A heavy equipment maintenance checklist helps to keep fleet managers truck operators accountable and extends the equipment life expectancy.

Pre-start checks (walk around)

Before you start the your vehicle, perform these checks:

· Parking: Is it parked in a safe space? 

· Damaged/worn/loose parts: Inspect the overall condition.

·  Leaks: Look under the chassis for any wet spots.

· Fluid analysis: Check engine oil fluid levels, power steering fluid levels, windshield washer fluid.

· Check tires: Look for low or sagging tires, damage, and general wear.

· Valve stems: Are caps present and securely screwed?

· Steering: Check for excessive play.

· Safe Belts: Check for cracks, fraying, or splits.

· Hoses: Check for pinched, cracked, or loose hoses.

· Suspension system: Does the equipment bounce or vibrate when it’s in motion? Listen for any irregular noises when going over bumps or turning the wheel.

· Battery: If accessible, inspect cables, clamps, and connections. Are any loose? Is there any corrosion?

· Cab condition: Check glass, mirrors, wiper blades, horn, and seat belts.

Warm-up checks

Perform these checks after the equipment has been running for five to 10 minutes:

· Air filter system: Check for warnings. Replace or clean the filter if necessary.

· Listen for unusual noises

· Dashboard gauges: Do they appear to be working properly?

· Lights: Test the lights. Headlights, high beams, signal lights, brake lights, and backup lights.

· Hydraulic system: Test all hydraulic lines and systems. For example, using a dump truck to lift the dump body, note if there are any leaks, is everything functioning properly? Are there any irregular noises?

· Check fluid levels: Engine, steering tank, hydraulic oil, engine coolant and swing drives.

· Brakes: Test that the brakes work properly. 

Daily operating checks

· Listen for unusual noises

· Monitor gauges

· Feel for excessive vibrations

· Watch for any equipment performance changes

Shutdown check

After every shift, take the following actions:

· Fill the fuel tank: Fill the tank all the way to full.

· Idle engine: Allow the vehicle to idle for five minutes before shutting down completely.

· Park the vehicle in a safe place: Engage the parking brake. 

· Clean or wash vehicle.

Every 10 to 20 days:

Around 10 to 20 days, it is best practice to schedule a basic engine service. This involves a number of checks and actions:

· Perform oil changes

· Change oil filters

· Change engine air filters

· Change fuel filters

Oil change intervals will rely on the quality of oil and filter being used.

Every 40 to 50 days 

· Replace cabin air filters

· Replace coolant filter (if applicable)

· Inspect air dryer (if applicable)

Every 6 months 

· Check hydraulic filters: Replace at 80%.

· Check hydraulic oils: Fill or change if necessary.

· Check pins and bushing: How much play is in the joints? Are they worn out?

· Check radiator 

· Change antifreeze, except when coolant is Extended Life Coolant (ELC).

· Check hydraulic tank