There’s a lot that goes into truck and trailer maintenance, but neglecting to take the different steps into account can have major repercussions. Maintaining your truck and trailer therefore is crucial for ensuring safety, maximising performance and prolonging the life of your vehicle. It doesn’t matter how large your fleet is, ensuring regular maintenance is carried out not just before a journey, but whilst on the road also, will ensure your shipping and logistics operations continue running smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll share twelve essential tips to help you stay on top your truck and trailer maintenance, so that you can hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.

Why is it important to maintain your trucks and trailers?

By maintaining your truck and trailers, you’re ensuring safety, reliability and cost-efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents accidents from occurring by keeping all your vehicle components in good working order, which will in turn lower the risk of breakdowns. Staying vigilant when it comes to the condition of your trucks and trailers is also important when it comes to staying within regulatory guidelines, especially those related to lowering emissions. Overall diligent maintenance is key to smooth and efficient trucking operations, which means its key to maintaining your overall fleet.

Pre-trip truck inspection

Check Fluids: Verify levels of engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Inspect Tires: Ensure tires are properly inflated and check for any signs of wear or damage.

Brake Check: Test both truck and trailer brakes for proper function.

Trailer Connections: Securely fasten all trailer connections, including hitch, chains and electrical connections.

On the road maintenance

Regular Stops: Make regular stops to inspect the truck and trailer, paying particular attention to tires, brakes and lights.

Monitor Gauges: Keep an eye on the dashboard gauges to catch any potential issues early.

Listen for Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any unusual sounds that may indicate mechanical problems.

Check Load Security: Regularly ensure that the load is secure and hasn’t shifted during transit.

Routine checks

Brake Maintenance: Replace brake pads and check the brake system regularly.

Filter Replacements: Change air, fuel, and oil filters as recommended.

Battery Check: Regularly test the battery and keep terminals clean.

Fluid Checks: Regularly top off and replace fluids as needed.

Work with names you trust

While we have only outlined a few truck maintenance techniques here, there’s still plenty you can do to ensure your vehicle is in good working order – and that starts with making sure you hire your used vehicles from a reputable dealer like Law Trucks. Get in contact now or browse our full stock collection of rigids, tippers, tractor units and more all from great brands that you can trust.