The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance (PM) plays an obvious and crucial role in a fleet’s performance and efficiency. Manufacturers will have set maintenance schedules for their products, but most fleets will have their own maintenance schedules and in-depth inspections as a part of their PM programs. Inspections and PM can help avoid costly break downs, possibly life-threatening accidents and avoid Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) violations. Tracking PM compliance is equally as important as scheduling the maintenance services. Tracking makes it possible for the fleet managers to see when scheduled maintenance has been missed so they can make sure to get any missed PM completed.

The current state of the trucking industry has forced PM to be more important than ever. The number of new trucks being manufactured has significantly decreased with the chip and materials shortages. Truck manufacturers are already closing orders for 2022 as they are unsure of the availability of chips and raw materials. If the availability takes a step forward, the industry should expect to see more new trucks available for sale. With this in mind, most fleet owners are making it a point to keep their existing trucks longer than originally planned.

It is important to consult drivers to see if they have noticed any problems on the road and to develop a comprehensive preventative maintenance checklist and track any maintenance. That checklist should include at least the following:

Engine oil and filter changes		Electrical System Components
Transmission Fluid		Braking System
Fuel System		Steering and Suspension System
Cooling System		Tires, Wheels, Rims
Engine and Transmission Mounts		Exhaust System
Drive Shafts or CV Joints		Undercarriage and Frame
Belts and Hoses		Exterior and Interior lights
Tune-ups		Body, Glass and Mirrors
Windshield Wiper System		Seatbelts and Seats
The Horn		Checks Fluid Leaks and the Auxiliary Systems