If you have a delivery service, then you should be aware of the importance of regular truck maintenance. Without appropriate preventive checkups, there is a significant chance that your vehicles could experience serious problems, especially when making deliveries.

Think of truck maintenance as a preventive measure. Regardless of whether you adhere to traffic laws and regulations or how skilled you are behind the wheel, your safety is not guaranteed unless you are driving a vehicle that is in good condition. Vehicles that have not undergone regular checkups are more prone to extensive breakdowns and costly repairs.

An Excellent Investment for Your Business

Apart from keeping you safe, truck maintenance is also an excellent investment for your delivery business. By practicing regular maintenance routines, you can prevent or reduce vehicle breakdowns in the future. Performing regular checkups is much cheaper than purchasing new parts for your vehicle. If you analyze it, precautionary maintenance costs less than frequent repairs.

Furthermore, regular maintenance can save you from the headaches that come with vehicle breakdowns. Remember that repairing broken parts can take time, often weeks or days, to get your truck fully repaired. Instead of earning profit from your business, you could be wasting money, time, and effort.

Regular truck maintenance keeps your vehicles in good condition, avoids operational delays, and boosts productivity. Additionally, by maintaining your trucks regularly, you build up the reputation and trust of your company due to the outstanding quality service you provide.

How to Maintain Your Trucks Properly

Preventive maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. There are simple ways you can incorporate it into your routine. As a driver, it’s essential to have some skills in checking your vehicle. To make things easier, create a list or follow a specific routine. The following are some essential and recommended tips for truck maintenance:

1. Keep a Truck Maintenance Log

It is essential to record the condition and all the repair work done on your vehicle. This will serve as a to-do list and guide you in planning preventive checkups and maintenance for your vehicle. Additionally, the historical record of your truck can help you keep track of any issues that require quick resolution. This can help you easily track and recognize which particular component could be at risk.

2. Perform Tests and Inspections to Avoid Mishaps

To provide a quality delivery service, you should conduct regular inspections. Simple inspections can help you identify symptoms of an unhealthy truck engine.

Some common truck problems include low production of power, loss of oil pressure, and excessive smoking. The following issues require proper diagnostics and immediate action so appropriate repairs can be made.

Brakes

If the brakes on your truck suddenly fail in the middle of the road, there is a possibility that an accident might occur, leading to vehicle damage, lawsuits, or, worse, serious injuries. However, this can be prevented by periodically performing brake tests. Ultimately, the lifespan of your vehicle’s brakes will likely depend on the driver’s driving habits, and they should be replaced regularly.

Engine

Regular compression tests should be performed on engines. A compression test allows you to determine the condition of your engine’s valves, piston rings, and valve seats. You can identify whether the wear on these parts is even.

In addition, you will learn about the engine’s condition and the length of time it will last. Besides compression tests, you should also monitor the engine coolant, oil, exhaust temperature, and boost pressures. These routines can keep your engine in good running condition.

Tires

Faulty tires are another issue that can affect your delivery business’s performance. So, before taking a trip, be sure to check the tire pressure. Overinflated tires could be prone to blowouts or untimely tread wear.

Keep in mind that tire tread wear can negatively impact overall tire performance. Friction can occur, putting driving at risk, while underinflated tires tend to consume more fuel. That is why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for inflation pressures.

Electrical Systems

The major components of electrical systems are the alternator, battery, and motor. All of these are necessary for the engine to start. An inspection should be conducted on every electronic part of a truck to ensure that there are no loose wires or signs of wear. If there are any complications, be sure to get them fixed right away.

3. Take Care of the Truck’s Body

Sadly, trucks often retire early due to deterioration and corrosion. Rusting can occur because of exposure to various chemicals, especially if you are traveling in different areas. However, there are some things you can do to extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

• Wash your vehicle regularly: Be sure to wash your trucks at least every ten days to prevent contaminants from eating through the metals, paint, and clear coat of your vehicle.
• Use good quality paint: Most parts of your truck are made of metals that can wear over time. Aside from making your truck look appealing, a well-sealed coat of paint can also make the body of your truck more durable.
• Wash your truck after the rain: Rain can corrode the chassis of your vehicle and damage its protective finish.
• Avoid driving through mud or large puddles: These can gather contaminants, which could cause severe corrosion not only on the body but also on the undercarriage of the truck.

4. Parts Replacement

Some parts could wear out over time, which is only natural and cannot be avoided. Unfortunately, having a worn-out part could sabotage the entire operation, leading to costly delays and potential safety hazards.

To prevent this from happening, the best thing to do is to replace the part promptly. However, there are times when you need the part right away, and you can’t find it anywhere. That is why it is important to store parts that you usually need or replace. Keeping an inventory of essential components like brake pads, filters, and belts can save valuable time and money in emergencies.

Additionally, building a relationship with reliable suppliers can ensure quick access to necessary parts and streamline the replacement process. Regularly reviewing and updating your inventory can further help you stay prepared for any maintenance needs.

5. Understand the Trip Conditions

After you have completed the checklist for your truck maintenance routine, there is still one thing that’s important for long-term care: understanding how much care your truck requires depending on how you use it. Whether you are going on a long trip, delivering heavy loads, or doing several trips daily, the way you handle your truck will define the type of maintenance you require.

Treasure Valley Auto Care in Garden City, ID, is the auto shop you can trust. We service different kinds of vehicles, including trucks. We also provide various services, such as emission repair, oil changes, and many more. Call us now at 1-208-385-0339 or email us at quality@treasurevalleyautocare.com.