Every truck purchased or leased from a reputable dealer should come with maintenance manuals. These are a vital accessory and should be kept in a safe place and be readily available. They contain valuable information on topics such as determining scheduled maintenance intervals, lubrication and fluid level checks, noise emission controls maintenance, and torque specification.
A preventive maintenance (PM) schedule should be based on the distance you drive, along with wear and tear on your truck. To determine the correct maintenance schedule for your vehicle you must first define the conditions you drive in and how you drive. If you run 80 mph you will have higher maintenance costs than if you run 65 mph. If you haul heavy loads through mountains, the wear and tear on your truck is obviously greater. Most maintenance manuals have a list of schedules from which you can identify the one that is best designed for your situation.
When conscientiously followed, the PM can anticipate, identify and solve potential problems that can harm your truck and business. Procedures can be as simple as checking the engine oil and tire air pressure frequently, or more sophisticated, such as using engine oil analysis to extend the drain intervals. Most owner-operators perform some maintenance activity. As you gain experience, you will become more capable of performing tasks yourself.
A simple plan that doesn't require technical skill and special equipment will include tires, engine oil, wipers, lights, filters, coolant and belts/hoses. A more technical PM will include brakes, drive axles, wheel seals, transmission, batteries, exhaust, driveline, suspension, steering, clutch and engine. At L.A. Fleet Care, Inc. we can help you with your Predictive and Preventive Maintenance Program.