Can you imagine running a marathon in the heat with no water, no breaks, and no help? The idea seems so silly—but when summer comes around, truckers subject their rigs to the same kind of torment when they don’t conduct summer maintenance.
Summer heat can speed up several varieties of wear and tear on your rig. To prevent a mid-summer mechanical breakdown, feel free to print this list and inspect your truck.
Inspect the Cooling System
- Review coolant levels. Top off the coolant if necessary.
- Check hoses and belts for signs of damage.
- Remove dirt and debris from the radiator and condenser.
Inspect Steer and Trailer Tires
- Check the tire tread depth to ensure the legal limit isn’t exceeded.
- Evaluate tire pressure, including your spare!
- Inspect each tire for signs of damage that could amount to a blowout.
- Rotate tires if necessary.
Check the Battery
- Ensure that the battery terminals are firmly connected.
- Check your battery’s charge level with a multimeter.
- Inspect the batter for signs of corrosion.
Evaluate Air Conditioning
- Inspect the air cabin filter. Replace if necessary.
- Clean condenser fins to remove dirt.
Review Fluid Levels
Fluids to inspect include:
- Engine oil
- Transmission oil
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
Carefully Inspect Brakes
- Evaluate brake pads, rotors, drums, and shoes for signs of wear.
- Test the parking brake to ensure functionality.
Examine the Proper Functioning of Lights
Lights to inspect include:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
Review Safety Equipment
Take inventory of the following items:
- Fire extinguishers
- Triangles
- Blankets
- Flares
- First aid kit
Schedule Professional Inspections
- Comply with recommended intervals to have your truck serviced.
Most of the items included on the checklist only take a few minutes to complete but could potentially save a trucker hours of labor in the event of repairs. Using this summer trucking maintenance checklist, you can beat the heat this summer!
If you’d like a professional’s help with your summer maintenance efforts, use this form for exceptional service.
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The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.