Fleet maintenance might not be the flashiest part of running a trucking business, but it is one of the most important. When a truck breaks down, it costs more than just a repair bill. You lose time, productivity drops, deliveries get delayed, and your customers notice.
The truth is, a lot of those breakdowns never had to happen. With the proper maintenance strategy in place, you can keep your trucks on the road and your business running smoothly.
Here’s how to do it.
Stay Ahead with Preventive Maintenance
If you wait for something to go wrong before fixing it, you’re already behind. A preventive maintenance schedule helps you catch problems before they take a truck off the road.
Build your plan around:
- Regular oil and filter changes
- Brake checks
- Tire pressure and rotation
- Fluid levels
- Electrical system checks
Start with the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjust based on how your fleet is used. Older vehicles, high mileage routes, and heavy loads might need more frequent attention.
Let Technology Do the Heavy Lifting
Modern telematics systems are packed with insights. They tell you when a truck needs service, when fuel efficiency drops, and when something isn’t running right. Pair this with fleet maintenance software, and you’ve got a powerful tool to track, schedule, and manage it all in one place.
With the proper setup, you can:
- Get alerts based on mileage or performance
- Eliminate the need for paper logs
- Spot repeat problems across your fleet
Keep Solid Service Records
Accurate maintenance records are more than just good practice—they’re essential for DOT compliance and warranty support. They also help you plan, track costs, and know when to replace a vehicle.
At a minimum, keep logs of:
- Inspections
- Repairs
- Parts replaced
Train Drivers to Speak Up
Your drivers are out there daily and often spot issues before anyone else. Give them simple tools to report problems, and make inspections part of the routine.
Encourage daily pre-trip and post-trip walkarounds. If something sounds off, smells funny, or doesn’t feel right, it needs attention. That minor fix could prevent a major breakdown.
Standardize Inspections
No matter what kind of trucks you run, every inspection should follow a consistent process. Build checklists for each vehicle type to ensure nothing is missed.
Include:
- DOT-required items
- Known problem areas
- Notes from recent repairs or video triggers
Stock Up on the Essentials
Waiting on a basic part like a belt or filter can leave a truck parked for days. Keep a supply of high-turnover items so your team can handle quick fixes without delay.
Choose Vendors You Can Count On
If you outsource maintenance, take time to review your service partners. Are they doing the job right? Are repairs taking longer than expected? Hold them to your standards and track their performance like you would your own crew.
Watch the Big Picture Costs
Maintenance is only part of the cost of keeping a truck rolling. You also have to consider fuel, downtime, and the vehicle’s age. Track the total cost of ownership to know when it’s time to stop fixing and start replacing.
Think about:
- Purchase price
- Ongoing repairs
- Lost time from breakdowns
- Operating costs like fuel
Final Thoughts
Good maintenance keeps your trucks moving, your drivers safe, and your business in the black. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
S.A.F.E. by My Fleet AI makes it easier. It plugs into your existing telematics and helps you monitor real-time maintenance needs, driver behavior, and vehicle performance.
If you’re ready to spend less time reacting and more time staying ahead, it’s time to put SAFE to work.
Get started today and give your fleet the care it deserves.
