The Real Cost of Skipping Regular Truck Maintenance

When drivers miss their routine maintenance, it costs you more for each truck and it adds up, quickly. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and engine tune-ups should all be on your fleet maintenance checklist to avoid business and driver downtime and to not shorten the life of your trucks. 

How Often Do You Change the Oil in a Diesel Truck? 

When it comes to your fleet of diesel engines remember the temperature is higher than gasoline engines and the emission system uses up oil more. The average recommendation is 5-7,000 miles but check the owner’s manual for each model of truck. The logistics of having a driver bring the truck to the shop vs. staying on their route doesn’t come without its challenges, but it’s certainly better than towing that same driver’s truck because the engine started smoking on the highway. Schedule your routine truck maintenance in advance.

When Should You Rotate the Tires on an 18-Wheeler?

While the action of rotating tires is recommended when the tread reaches half of its original depth, checking tires should be part of every driver’s pre-trip inspection to avoid a tire blowout on the road. There are many tires in your fleet, examining them for bubbles, cracks, and tire pressure will maintain tire health. One of the many benefits of routine truck maintenance is increasing how many miles you get out of each set of tires. Tire rotation, wheel balance and alignment are all ways to stay on the road with your tires longer.  

Are Your Brake Pads in Good Order?

The average lifespan of brake pads is 25-50,000 miles but can vary from truck to truck. Factors like load weight, driving conditions, and driver habits can heavily influence the life of brake pads. Drivers may not want to stop to bring their trucks in, but to make their miles they’ll need an operational vehicle. The downtime of regular truck maintenance is far less than the downtime caused by an accident. Regular inspections save drivers from brake failure that leads to accidents causing undue stress and drivers a decrease in pay.  

When Was the Last Time Your Engine Was Looked At?

If you answered for more than 6 months, it may be time to bring your fleet in for regular truck maintenance. Odd smells or noises coming from the engine can indicate a larger issue and may not be perceptible to the driver. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Our expert technicians can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road. Lucky for you, Master Fleet has the experts ready for you.  

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Schedule Your Routine Truck Maintenance

The bottom line, there is no simple answer for when your fleet needs maintenance.

Stay proactive and schedule your routine truck maintenance with Master Fleet and we’ll keep you on the road.