Fleet Management

Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Semi Trucks

Post Share

We’ve discussed the fleet maintenance process in several of our previous blogs. If you’ve been following those articles, you likely know that one of the steps in creating a solid fleet maintenance plan is to build a preventative maintenance checklist. This part of the process can be challenging, as it needs to be comprehensive and inclusive. It’s not only critical for maintenance but safety as well. A fleet maintenance checklist is the same as a truck safety inspection checklist, which you will use before you embark to ensure that your vehicles are safe to operate. How can you ensure that you include everything? There are a few precautions you can take during the process. Let’s go over how you can create a preventive maintenance checklist for semi trucks. 

Evaluate All Vehicles

Before you sit down and create your checklist, you will want to evaluate all vehicles in your fleet. This means collecting service records and owner’s manuals, then combining them with your fleet’s real-time stats. You can use stats like mileage, tire pressure, and odometer readings to get an idea of your vehicles’ health and performance, so you know what you’ll need to do to keep it moving for years to come. 

What to Include on the Checklist

Of course, every vehicle is different, so checklists won’t look the same for everyone. However, these are some general items that should be included on every fleet maintenance checklist. 

  • Body check
  • Check frame and undercarriage condition
  • Suspension
  • Mirror check
  • All exterior lights working
  • Glass integrity
  • Doors and windows operable
  • Oil change
  • Any leaks
  • Fluids topped up (brake, steering, antifreeze, etc.)
  • Basic engine check
  • Replace windshield wipers if needed
  • Brakes and rotors
  • Oil filter change
  • Tire pressure and tread
  • Cooling and fuel systems check
  • Rust check
  • Transmission check (especially the mount)
  • All belts and hoses in proper condition
  • Driveshaft
  • CV joints
  • Rotate tires as needed
  • Seasonal tire change
  • Check seat and seatbelt integrity
  • Heating, A/C, and defrost working
  • Electrical system components
  • Spark plugs
  • Exhaust system
  • Horn

Different Checklists to Use

You won’t have just one fleet maintenance checklist. Of course, you won’t need to run through the entire checklist every time you operate the vehicle, but it is still essential to do it regularly. Fleets typically have two types of checklists: mileage-based and seasonal maintenance checklists. Let’s go over both. 

Mileage-Based Maintenance Checklist

These lists are based on the checklist above, split into different intervals depending on your mileage. 

Every 10,000 Miles

  • Change oil 
  • Change oil filter
  • Lubricate chassis, suspension, steering, and driveline
  • Check belts and hoses
  • Fill fluid levels
  • Drain fuel filter and water separator
  • Rotate tires and adjust air pressure
  • Check brakes
  • Replace external fuel filters

Every 30,000 Miles:

  • All of the above, plus
  • Inspect air filter restriction gauge and replace the filter
  • Replace cabin air filter

Every 60,000 Miles

  • All of the above, plus
  • Replace the front and rear fluid
  • Replace transfer case fluid
  • Service the transmission
  • Replace coolant

150,000 Miles:

  • Inspect the engine air filter restriction gauge, replace filter
  • Replace cabin air filter

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Of course, we know the seasons affect our vehicles significantly as well. You should perform certain types of maintenance at specific times of year to meet the demands put upon your fleet by the weather. 

In Winter

  • Check heater and defroster
  • Test batteries and connections
  • Service the fuel filter and drain the water separator
  • Remove buildup of road salt weekly from the undercarriage
  • Check pre-heater and block heater operation
  • Treat your fuel
  • Monitor your DEF systems and fuel levels
  • Check for leaks in the exhaust system
  • Check the windshield for cracks
  • Replace wiper blades when necessary
  • Equip each vehicle with an emergency kit
  • Inspect tires and tread
  • Service your air dryer

In Summer

  • Examine belts for wear and tear
  • Inspect cooling system
  • Drain and flush antifreeze
  • Check vehicle electrical systems
  • Inspect air conditioner cooling coils and cleaning them
  • Perform coolant system pressure test
  • Inspect radiator and radiator cap
  • Inspect radiator heater hoses 
  • Check vehicle batteries
  • Monitor water pump pressure for leaks
  • Inspect tires, tread, and air pressure

Keep Your Fleet Safe and Well Maintained

The best way to keep up with your fleet’s maintenance is to install fleet maintenance software. Azuga offers state-of-the-art maintenance software that alerts you whenever your vehicles need attention, so your vehicles are efficient, and your drivers are safe. Try a software demo with one of our experts and see for yourself how easy it can be!