The adage “prevention is better than cure” has never been more true than in the world of used heavy-duty trucks. A rigorous preventative maintenance program is key not only to maximizing the lifespan of your investment, but also to ensuring its day-to-day reliability, optimizing operating costs, and ensuring safety on the road. For a vehicle with a long history, this proactive approach is even more essential.
At Gamache Truck Center, we know that a well-maintained truck is a high-performance and economical truck. Drawing on our experience, we offer this comprehensive guide to help you implement an effective preventative maintenance strategy for your used truck.
What is preventative maintenance and why is it crucial for a used truck?
Preventive maintenance consists of a series of checks, adjustments, replacements, and cleanings performed at regular intervals before a problem arises. Unlike corrective maintenance, which repairs an existing fault, preventive maintenance aims to prevent it from occurring.
For a used heavy goods vehicle , this approach is particularly critical because:
- History may be partial: Even with a good record, some aspects of past wear may be unknown.
- Natural wear and tear of components: Parts have been used before and may be closer to the end of their useful life.
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Optimization: Minor, regular repairs cost much less than major repairs due to neglect, not to mention the losses associated with vehicle immobilization.
Key Elements of an Effective Preventive Maintenance Program
A comprehensive preventative maintenance program should cover all of your truck’s vital systems. Here’s a breakdown of the essential checks and interventions:
Daily checks (Before each departure – “Safety round”)
These simple actions, performed in a few minutes, can prevent major problems.
- Fluid Levels: Engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid. An abnormally low level may indicate a leak or excessive consumption.
- Tires: Check the pressure when cold. Visually inspect the sidewalls and tread for cuts, bulges, foreign objects, or abnormal wear. Ensure the lug nuts are tight.
- Lights and Signals: Test all lights (main, dipped), turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, clearance lights and reflectors.
- Brake System Test brake responsiveness. For air systems, bleed the air reservoirs to remove moisture. Visually inspect the air lines for leaks or damage.
- Coupling device (for tractors): Check that the fifth wheel or hook is properly locked, as well as the condition of the trailer’s electrical and pneumatic connections.
- Clean windows and mirrors: Ensure optimal visibility.
Weekly inspections
These slightly more in-depth checks complement the daily checks.
- Batteries: Check that the terminals are clean and tight. For maintenance-required batteries, check the electrolyte level and top up with distilled water if necessary.
- Belts and Hoses: Inspect the condition of the belts (cracks, fraying, tension) and hoses (leaks, cracks, chafing areas).
- Exhaust System: Look for signs of leaks (soot), excessive corrosion, or loose fasteners.
- Cab and chassis: Regular cleaning makes it easier to spot leaks, damaged parts, or incipient corrosion. Check the tightness of accessible bolts.
Periodic maintenance (based on mileage, hours of service or time)
These interventions are planned and crucial for the longevity of major components. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the intervals specific to your model.
- Engine Oil and Filter Changes: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Strictly follow the intervals for changing the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter.
- General lubrication: Grease all lubrication points on the chassis, suspension, steering and fifth wheel as recommended.
- Thorough braking system: Have brake clearance inspected and adjusted regularly. Check the thickness of the linings or pads and the condition of the drums or discs.
- Transmission and Differential(s): Check oil levels and change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check for leaks.
- Cooling System: Inspect the condition of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses. Check the concentration and quality of the antifreeze.
- Steering and Suspension System: Have the steering play, condition of the ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers and suspension cushions checked.
Seasonal maintenance
Adapt your maintenance to the weather conditions.
- Preparation for winter:
- Check the coolant antifreeze protection.
- Ensure that the heating and defrosting system is working properly.
- Check the condition of the tires and consider suitable tires if necessary.
- Test the cold weather starting system.
- Preparation for summer:
- Check that the air conditioning system is working properly.
- Make sure the cooling system is optimal to avoid overheating.
Keep a detailed maintenance log: Your best ally
Documentation is an integral part of preventive maintenance. Carefully record:
- All checks carried out and their dates.
- All interventions (oil changes, part replacements, repairs).
- The mileage or engine hours at each intervention.
- The references of the parts replaced and the fluids used.
This logbook will help you plan future maintenance, diagnose potential problems more quickly and will be a considerable asset when reselling your truck.
When to call on qualified professionals?
While daily checks and some basic maintenance tasks can be performed by the driver or owner, many jobs require the expertise and equipment of specialized heavy-duty mechanics. Don’t hesitate to entrust the following to professionals:
- Complex electronic diagnostics.
- Major repairs to the engine, transmission or differential.
- Interventions on ABS/EBS braking systems.
- Precise adjustments (parallelism, injection, etc.).
At Centre du Camion Gamache, we know the importance of relying on in-depth expertise to guarantee the reliability of heavy goods vehicles.
To conclude: Preventive maintenance, a strategic investment
Preventative maintenance for your used heavy goods vehicle isn’t an expense; it’s a smart investment. It ensures greater reliability, reduces the risk of costly breakdowns and downtime, extends the life of your vehicle, improves safety, and can even contribute to greater fuel efficiency. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to protect your work tool.
Gamache: Trucks ready for the road, thanks to rigorous attention
At the Gamache Truck Center, we strive to offer used heavy-duty trucks that have received careful attention. Regular maintenance is a guarantee of quality that we value. Discover our inventory and don’t hesitate to ask our advisors about the history and maintenance of the vehicles you’re interested in. Your performance on the road starts with a reliable truck. Contact us to learn more !
