Are you inspecting your semi-truck fleet regularly enough? Here are some reasons you might want to consider adjusting your maintenance schedule.
How often do you have someone inspect your semi-truck fleet? Yearly? Monthly? Most owner-operators recommend having inspections every 90 days or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. While that may seem frequent, regular maintenance matters for your semi-truck fleet. If you want to prevent issues like unexpected breakdowns and costly fixes, here’s why you might need to adjust your fleet’s schedule.
You’ll Catch Issues Early
Routine inspections help technicians spot small problems before they become big ones. For example, a technician who notices a hydraulic cylinder is leaking while the damage isn’t too great might be able to repair it over replacing the hydraulic cylinder entirely. A quick fix now saves you from a much larger, more expensive repair later.
It Extends Your Fleet’s Lifespan
Consistent care keeps your trucks running longer. When mechanics regularly check and service components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, they can catch and fix issues early to prevent them from spiraling into bigger problems. The less damage your vehicles sustain over time, the longer they’ll last—and the more bang for your buck you’ll get out of them.
It Boosts Driver Confidence
No driver wants to drive a truck that hasn’t had recent servicing and is potentially dangerous. Regular checks on tires, brakes, and steering systems assure your team that the wheels won’t just roll off or the steering won’t suddenly decide to go rogue. When drivers are constantly worried about their truck breaking down, it can ironically ruin their focus and make them more likely to get into an accident. But when they feel confident about their vehicle’s reliability, they can spend less time fretting and put their full attention on the road.
It Reduces Unplanned Downtime
A truck in the shop doesn’t make you money. Scheduled maintenance appointments are far less disruptive than sudden, emergency repairs. You can plan for a truck to be out of service for a few hours, but an unexpected breakdown can sideline a vehicle for days.
It Helps Maintain Resale Value
Well-maintained trucks with complete service records are more attractive to future buyers. When it’s time to upgrade your fleet, you can get a better return on your vehicles if you can show they received consistent care. This makes your initial investment work harder for you.
Your Fleet’s Road to Reliability
You want your semi-truck fleet to remain reliable and profitable, and that’s the number one reason regular maintenance for your semi-truck fleet matters. Consider more frequent inspections so you can prevent problems that affect your operations and cost you money down the line.