For fleet owners, servicing the trucks at the right interval is a priority. Like any other truck, your heavy trucks call for routine maintenance. Of course, you would like to keep your expenses at the minimum and prevent the vehicles from running into major problems. As compared to other commercial vehicles, trucks are larger, and run for longer stretches. This explains why they have proper servicing schedules. Visiting a reputed truck center is a necessity, considering the value of timely maintenance.
Factors that decide the interval of servicing heavy trucks?
Check out the factors that largely determine the frequency at which you need to get the heavy trucks services:
- The truck’s mileage
For long-haul trucks, the average mileage should be 30,000 miles, after which they need a routine servicing. Alternatively, fleet owners get the vehicles serviced once a year. You may go for the interval which comes first for your fleet.
The servicing includes certain basic procedures like changing filters and oils, along with safety checks. During the process, the mechanic inspects possible signs of wear, before they jeopardize the vehicle. For a more acute inspection, most of the manufacturers recommend bringing the truck in every 1,25,000 miles.
- Applications of the truck
The way fleet owners use the truck, or their application is yet another aspect that decides the frequency of servicing the trucks. Long-haul trucks, for instance, remain on the road for longer periods of time. In such cases, all the parts of your truck carry out heavy work each day. This indicates that the servicing should be more frequent. The load brake and large size also imply that these trucks would need more frequent maintenance.
- Location and season
The season and location define the environment to which the trucks are exposed. Heavy trucks encounter harsh environmental elements during the winter months. Therefore, you need to get your fleet serviced before this phase sets in. During winters, the drivers would find it easier and safer to control the vehicles. You need to get winter tires installed in the trucks. Besides, the air system has to be inspected and the batteries are to be tested. Reaching out to one of the reputed truck centers ensures that the professionals test the engine block heaters and coolant, besides carrying out other necessary repairs.
Identifying possible problems before they create an issue, you would be making significant savings.
Servicing your heavy truck: How to make possible savings?
Being the fleet owner, you would strive to make possible savings while your vehicles undergo servicing. While servicing is indispensable, you can be economic with your approach.
- Go for a basic servicing every 15,000 miles
Visit your trusted truck center after your vehicles run every 15,000 mules. The basic servicing includes a fast inspection of the vehicle. In the process, the mechanics check out whether or not the brakes and lights are functioning perfectly. Besides, they would refill all the fluids, including the lubricant and oil.
- Go for a thorough inspection every 30,000 miles
Once the truck reaches the 30,000-mile mark, they would need a thorough inspection. This process involves changing the lubricant and oil. Besides, the mechanics would work on the fuel filter, air filter, and oil filter. This would be the most suitable time for fleet owners to carry out minor repairs in the vehicles, so that the heavy truck doesn’t suffer any major damage. This inspection would also certify that your trucks would adhere to the established codes.
- Go for an annual premium inspection
This is a full inspection, necessary once a year. Along with other inspections, the mechanics at the truck center would change all the fluids and filters. Besides, they would make any necessary minor repair, as and when relevant. Most importantly, they would check the engine performance of the truck. This premium inspection may last up to 24 hours.
Choosing the right truck center is critical, as the overall health of your fleet depends on the competence of the professionals. Choose the right truck center around to ensure economic and effective servicing for your fleet.
