When you own a trucking company or manage a transportation business, you know that maintaining a fleet of vocational trucks is no small task. Vocational trucks endure some of the most challenging conditions, whether hauling heavy loads, navigating rugged terrain, or idling for hours at job sites.
Like anything, the better you care for your trucks, the longer they last. Establishing a preventive maintenance strategy is crucial to preserving reliability and durability. At Velocity Truck Centres, we understand the unique demands of your industry. We are committed to helping you keep your fleet running smoothly with the highest-quality vocational truck maintenance services.
One of the most effective ways to minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of your vocational trucks is with a regular preventive maintenance schedule. This schedule should be based on the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations but customized to fit the specific needs of your industry and operations.
For example, trucks that spend long hours idling or working hard in extreme conditions may require more frequent inspections and maintenance than those in less demanding roles.
We recommend that fleet managers regularly review and adjust their PM schedules. If routine maintenance inspections frequently uncover issues, it may indicate that the vehicles need to be serviced more often or that maintenance thresholds are set too close to critical limits. By refining and adjusting your PM schedule, you may catch problems early, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns on the road.
Today’s vocational trucks are equipped with advanced technology designed to monitor system health and provide early warnings of potential issues. Systems like tire pressure monitoring, telematics, and preventive maintenance schedulers offer valuable insights that can help maximize vehicle uptime. Our factory-trained technicians are experienced in utilizing these technologies to ensure your trucks operate at their best.
For instance, our 18 locations across BC and Alberta are equipped to handle the latest diagnostic tools, ensuring that any faults or alerts are addressed promptly. Whether it’s a warning about tire pressure or an alert from the engine management system, our team can identify and resolve the issue, keeping your trucks on the road where they belong.
Daily walkarounds are a critical component of any preventive maintenance program. These inspections allow drivers to spot trouble areas before serious problems arise. Checking for fluid leaks, listening for air leaks, and inspecting tires, brakes, and lights should be part of every pre-trip routine. These simple checks can prevent a small issue from becoming a major repair.
We emphasize the importance of these daily inspections to all our customers. By making these checks a routine part of your day, you can catch minor issues before they escalate, saving time and money in the long run.
Brakes are one of the most critical systems on any vocational truck and deserve close attention during maintenance. Regular brake system inspections, including the air chambers, push rods, and friction material, can prevent serious issues down the line. Our technicians conduct thorough brake inspections, ensuring all components are in good working order.
Brake inspections should include:
Checking for leaks during a 90- to 100-psi brake application.
Measuring chamber stroke.
Examining rotors and drums for wear.
Regular attention to these details can prevent brake-related issues from causing unexpected downtime.
Modern diesel engines feature aftertreatment systems that are vital in reducing emissions. These advanced systems require regular maintenance to function correctly. Components like the EGR cooler and DEF pump filter should be cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent failures that could take a truck out of service.
Our technicians are well-versed in maintaining these complex systems. Keeping the aftertreatment system in top condition can avoid unnecessary downtime and ensure your trucks comply with emissions regulations.
Every vocational fleet is different, and a preventive maintenance program should reflect that. Whether your trucks are logging heavy miles in Alberta’s oil fields or navigating the challenging terrain of British Columbia, your PM schedule should be tailored to your specific operations.
At Velocity Truck Centres, we work with you to develop a PM program that meets your needs. We offer the expertise and support to keep your fleet running at peak performance. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can reduce costs, increase uptime, and ensure the safety and reliability of your vocational trucks.
Preventive maintenance is the foundation of a vocational truck fleet. By establishing a tailored PM schedule, utilizing modern technology, and performing regular inspections, you can keep your trucks running smoothly and minimize unexpected downtime.
Velocity Truck Centres is here to support you every step of the way. Expert vocational truck maintenance service is available across our 18 locations in Alberta and British Columbia. Trust us to help you keep your fleet on the road where it belongs.