Every truck fleet owner should be prepared for the year ahead. 2022 could keep your fleet busier than ever, and trucking fleet maintenance should be taken into account before you plan all your TX trips. Before you get ahead of yourself and search for “how to maintain trucks in Texas,” do realize that there are only a few crucial tips you need to keep in mind.
Read on to find out how to prepare your fleet for the rest of the year:
Take note of the vehicles in your fleet
Whether you’re a novice truck fleet owner with a few reliable trucks at your disposal or have something of an empire at your hands, it’s important that all the information you need about each truck is kept secure and filed away. All of your trucks are different from each other, and have different needs. Some are newer, and some may need more TLC.
We suggest that the following info about each truck is within your reach:
- Tire size
- Make, model, year
- Fleet number
- Current and past schedules for maintenance
- VIN
- Owner name
- Driver name
Block heaters and batteries
This step is especially crucial for trucks that will be going on long trips in cold weather. Be sure to check that your batteries are in tip top shape, and be conscious enough to record signs of wear and tear. Loose wiring could cause accidents in the long run, too! Make sure that this isn’t an issue before you sign off on a truck for a drive.
We consider investing in a block heater if trips in cold weather will be a regular thing. It can help prevent engine damage or a cracked block whenever your truck needs to be parked. It also safely warms up your engine and related fluids so you’re safe enough to be on your merry way.
Don’t miss oil changes
Because of how easy this step is, drivers and truck owners alike might tend to forget it more often than not. There are different mandatories for changing oil for a newer truck and a much older one, so take note of the following:
Consult your owner’s manual to determine the right kind of oil for your truck. For older trucks, you might want to change the oil filter along with the oil. On the other hand, trucks that were released in 2008 and onwards, you can safely change oil every six months or 7,500 miles.
Be loyal to brands
Sticking to a singular brand when it comes to most of your truck’s parts can save you more trouble than you’d think. With how complex and complicated trucks can be these days, it’s best to understand what brands work for certain trucks at your disposal.
Experimenting with different brands may save you some cash when it’s time for maintenance or upgrades, but it may not be worth it if it turns out that your truck won’t agree with a new brand you like.
Keep note of your maintenance schedule
You need to be particularly organized with this if you own a huge fleet already or are dreaming of one day expanding your fleet to accommodate your business. Because of how different each truck can be, their maintenance schedules may not be in sync all the time.
Important benchmarks to consider include fuel levels, mileage, and engine hours for each truck. Always keep these on track so you won’t be confused as to which truck needs to be serviced next. It also pays to train your drivers in basic repair, especially if they find themselves busier than ever on the road.
Need help weatherproofing your truck?
Your one-stop shop for all your truck maintenance needs in Dallas, TX is here, at your service! Feel free to contact us at WTX Truck Repair, LLC for 24 hour roadside service and repair for any of your trucks.
We are experienced with heavy equipment and understand how to service semi trucks, trailers, along with reefer & buses. Truck inspection is also our forte, so you can easily drive over to us if anything concerns you regarding your truck.
To get your quote today, feel free to contact us on our website today.
