Commercial Truck Maintenance
Your commercial truck provides you with a means of transportation for your work, ensuring you get your cargo where it needs to go in a timely manner. However, that truck is only going to operate well so long as you keep it properly maintained, which can be a challenge for both fleet managers and independent contractors alike.
K. Neal Truck and Bus Center is on your side! With four locations throughout Maryland and Virginia, we’re here to serve you however we can. Check out our guide to commercial truck maintenance below to keep your truck in good working condition.
1. Change Oil
The oil in your commercial truck’s engine keeps all its parts lubricated and working smoothly. Just like the oil in your car, it has to be changed on a regular basis. Consult your owner’s manual to determine when that point is. You should also check the oil before a long trip to make sure it’s still clear and runny, rather than sludgy. Make sure to change the oil filter as well.
2. Check Tires
Your truck’s tires hold up its heavy weight and maintain constant contact with the road, so they can take a real beating. Low tire pressure is more liable to cause a blowout on the highway, which can be downright dangerous, but it also contributes to lower fuel efficiency, costing you money on gas. Use a tire-pressure gauge to check each tire’s pressure and examine the treads to make sure they aren’t balding. Check for cracks in the sidewalls and embedded objects.
3. Test Brakes
The brakes on a commercial truck have to be very strong to bring the full weight of the truck to a halt in a hurry. Make sure that your brakes are always well-maintained with regular inspections of the brake pads, drums and shoes. If you hear any squealing as you’re braking or feel vibrations, make sure you get your truck into a mechanic posthaste.
4. Clean Glass
It’s important that you’re able to see clearly when driving your truck. To that end, make sure you wipe down the exterior and interior of your windshield and clean your mirrors and windows regularly. Replenish windshield-wiper fluid as needed and check on the condition of your wiper blades before a long trip.
Remember: if you require some professional maintenance on your commercial truck, you can always get in touch with the service department here at K. Neal Truck and Bus Center. Schedule an appointment to get your truck in first thing so we can have you all fixed up and back on the road as soon as possible.
Looking to buy a new truck? Visit one of our four Maryland and Virginia locations to check out our fine selection of new and used commercial trucks for sale. K. Neal Truck and Bus Center serves the communities of Hyattsville and Gaithersburg, MD, as well as Lorton, VA.