Whether you have a fleet of trucks or just a couple, beverage truck maintenance is something that should be at the very top of your list of things to do. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to let such an investment simply run until it breaks down on the road side somewhere. If you want to spend less time in the shop, and more time on the road, at appropriate intervals, regular preventative maintenance must be performed. Better to be proactive than reactive.
Why Do Preventative Maintenance?
As just said, rather than being reactive to problems that occur, be proactive with your preventative beverage truck maintenance for these reasons:
If an accident occurs, you can be protected against lawsuits.
For yourself, and everyone else on the road, enjoy improved safety.
Your budget and schedule will be less likely to be thrown off due to unexpected repairs.
You may not lose as much revenue or have to raise costs if you can limit break down occurrences.
Lower replacement costs by extending the life of your vehicle.
Scheduling Maintenance
There are different thresholds upon which you can base your beverage truck maintenance schedule. Some of these are as follows:
Since your last appointment, the number of gallons of fuel that have been used.
Between appointments, engine hours.
Since your last maintenance appointment, mileage driven.
And how much time has elapsed since your last scheduled maintenance appointment.
Scheduled Preventative Maintenance – What Should Be Done?
You will be more likely to notice what needs replacing, what’s worn out, what needs repair, and other trouble spots through preventative maintenance inspections. Cleaning, adjustment, and lubrication will also take place during these inspections. The following items should be addressed by your technician:
Auxiliary systems
Electrical components
Windshield wipers
Mirrors, glass, and body
Interior and exterior lights
Frame and undercarriage
Exhaust system
Suspension and steering
CV joints and driveshafts
Transmission and engine mounts
Braking system
Tune ups
Hoses and belts
Cooling system
Fuel system
Fluid leaks
Transmission fluid
Safety features
Rims, wheels, and tires
Filter and oil changes
Encourage Participation and Record-Keeping
Though some companies hire individuals to coordinate preventative fleet maintenance, a company’s technicians and drivers should work in conjunction to do daily inspections and scheduled maintenance duties. Before driving, daily inspections should be done by drivers. Included in these inspections will be any issue needing repair, body condition, safety features, and more.
Detailed records should be kept as far as fleet maintenance is concerned. There is software available today that can help you keep track of your repair history, future maintenance, scheduled inspections, etc. This kind of software can also help keep track of budgeting, repairs, mileage, etc. Don’t forget to track collisions, labor, and parts.
Comments