Well-maintained trucks are a must for fleet managers and business operators who rely on commercial trucks to get daily work done. These trucks are essential for meeting delivery schedules, performing job-critical tasks, and ensuring business operations run smoothly. At Velocity Truck Centres, we understand the importance of proper on-highway truck maintenance, especially given the local climate and road conditions. Here are some professional tips from our experienced team to help you keep your fleet in top shape.

Promoting a Culture of Driver Safety

The motto of any industry using commercial vehicles in their work should be ‘home safe every day.’ Time spent on the road comes with inherent risks, and employees who drive on-highway trucks must remain alert and aware of their surroundings to prevent serious injury or bodily harm.

When you put together a regular truck maintenance schedule, you help contribute to a culture of driver safety. This is imperative for several key reasons:

• Setting the Tone for Drivers: Prioritizing vehicle maintenance shows your drivers that their safety is important. As a result, drivers are more likely to bring critical issues to your attention before they become significant problems.
• Valuing Drivers: Properly maintaining the vehicles your drivers rely on for their work demonstrates that you value their safety, which can help with driver retention.
• Keeping Everyone Safe on the Road: Well-maintained trucks are safer for drivers and other vehicles on the road.
• Preventing Dangerous Situations: Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of breakdowns, which can be particularly dangerous during inclement weather.

Preventing Costly Downtime

When even one truck in your fleet breaks down, it can seriously delay your work schedule. Downtime is costly, far more expensive than investing in a routine maintenance schedule.

Regular inspections and maintenance services allow you to catch minor issues early before they become major problems. Planning around predetermined maintenance allows you to manage fleet schedules more effectively and avoid unexpected downtime.

Adhering to Regulations

Transport Canada outlines tight regulations regarding commercial vehicle inspection, maintenance, and repair. Drivers must implement a regular or scheduled program to keep vehicles operating safely.

One of the best ways to ensure compliance with guidelines is to create a routine maintenance schedule. Work with your local service centre to determine the proper maintenance routine for your specific vehicles and keep track of all maintenance records.

Increasing Truck Trade-In Value

You may eventually decide to trade in some of your trucks to invest in newer models. Regular truck maintenance, backed by carefully organized records, helps maintain the value of your trucks. A well-maintained truck is in better condition and will command a higher trade-in value.

Dealerships evaluate trade-in value based on overall truck condition, frequency of maintenance tasks like oil changes and fluid flushes, and how well the vehicle has been cared for. Regular maintenance ensures your truck remains in good shape, maximizing its trade-in value.

Compliance with Regulations

Regular maintenance ensures your truck complies with Transport Canada and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) rules and regulations. All commercial vehicles in Alberta must undergo annual inspections as defined by the National Safety Code (NSC), including trucks that exceed a registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 4,500 kg when operating across provincial boundaries. Keeping up with maintenance is a great way to ensure you’ll almost always pass inspection.

Best Practices for Regular Maintenance

One of the best things you can do to avoid crashes and keep your truck in good condition is to maintain a truck maintenance checklist and log. Preventative maintenance involves keeping track of mileage and the last maintenance service performed. Stick to the manufacturer’s schedule, but consider specific requirements based on the time of year, truck age, mileage, and workload.

Ensure Your Truck’s Optimal Performance With Velocity Truck Centres

Trust our certified technicians at Velocity Truck Centres to keep your on-highway trucks in top condition. With comprehensive maintenance services tailored to the local climate and road conditions, we help you maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. Visit our Edmonton West or South Service Centres to learn more about our services and schedule your next on-highway truck maintenance appointment today. Let us keep your fleet running smoothly and safely.