Preventive maintenance: more safety and savings on the road

Mechanical problems can bring risks of accidents and delays in the delivery of products. There is no need to wait for a mechanical issue to appear to maintain the truck. Preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your truck as much as possible, reduce fuel consumption, in addition to preventing problems on the road, unnecessary costs and delays in delivering goods.

The lack of maintenance also triples the risk of traffic accidents, according to a survey by the Scaringella Traffic Institute. However, according to the study, 80% of vehicles circulating on the roads have some type of mechanical problem.

About 96.6% of transport companies consider preventive maintenance to be an important periodic action for the activity, according to the National Transport Confederation (CNT). Therefore, you should seek a professional you trust to check your truck regularly and repair the parts or components that need to be adjusted.

We have prepared some tips so that you can always keep your vehicle in order, increase safety, and ensure a good trip.

Learn how to review your vehicle parts

The revision of the most important parts must be done periodically, according to the model, the transported cargo, and the chosen logistics. Generally, the truck manufacturer’s manual indicates how many thousand kilometers the review should take place. But, if this has not been done, you should know how to identify some signs that the vehicle may be in trouble and needs an overhaul.

Be aware of mechanical factors such as brakes, suspensions, mileage, strange noises in the engine, and gearbox. The danger can be in small details that often go unnoticed.

It is important to check that the vehicle does not have leaks of water, oil, fuel, or fluids. Failure to change the oil, for example, can cause future engine problems, which can cost up to 20 times more.

If the vehicle suddenly starts to emit more smoke, it may be a sign that there is a problem, such as an engine in poor thermal conditions, unregulated oil intake, or catalyst malfunctions.

The fuel filter must be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. In this way, you guarantee the performance of the engine and collaborate with the preservation of the environment.

Stay alert for the brakes to work

To ensure that the brakes work, fill the hydraulic system with oil and do not forget to use up the water that has been concentrated in the pneumatic system’s reservoirs. Check for any air leakage and check the good functioning of tarpaulins and pads.

Be aware of different noises when applying the brake and check for changes in the braking system. The same goes for abnormal sounds when changing gears and handling the gear.

In addition, you should review the springs, shock absorbers, arms, bushings, and bars annually. These parts must be replaced if they show wear or looseness.

Also check the electrical part

The electrical system must also be checked regularly. Make sure the batteries and cables are clean, fixed, or corroded. Check the battery charge, the alternator condition, and the functioning of the headlights and arrow lights.

When changing a lamp, always replace it in pairs, so that there is no difference in brightness. Also, make sure that the reflective strips are clean in good condition. And have a box with spare fuses, in case you have to make any eventual changes.

Always check the tires

Tires are essential to ensure the stability and smooth operation of the vehicle and the effectiveness of the brakes. When you notice any signs of cuts, holes, bubbles, leaks, low calibration, or rust on the wheel bolts, repair as soon as possible.

Tire Maintenance

Calibrate the tires with each new load and make sure they are in good condition. Especially because the correct calibration also helps to reduce fuel consumption. Remember also to check the steppe situation.

Tires should be replaced when they are 1.6 mm deep in the grooves. In this case, the tires are already considered bald, and the risk of an accident becomes high.

Ensure good visibility on the road

Scratched, dirty, or cracked glass makes visibility difficult. Also keep the windshield blades up to date. The ideal is to change them every six months or when the rubber is already dry.

These precautions can help with visibility and make a difference in preventing accidents, especially on rainy days.

As we have seen, precautions with preventive maintenance are essential to have greater safety on the road, avoid delays in product delivery, and prevent accidents and losses.