Truck drivers log 432 billion miles annually, so it’s no surprise that breakdowns are inevitable. Unfortunately, when a truck in your fleet breaks down, you lose time, money and, potentially, client trust if services or products are delayed. Considering how important it is to maintain your fleet, maintenance is top of mind for fleet managers.
It’s a best practice to track maintenance and repairs to determine if your fleet has unique areas that should be addressed immediately. There are, however, several leading causes of
- Tires
This is often the most common issues semi-trucks within your fleet will face. The right tires will increase performance, provide better gas mileage, improve traction and safety and provide a better driving experience. But even with the right tires, wear and tear or a stray nail can eventually lead to a flat. Be sure to be checking tire pressure regularly and invest in quality tires for longer life.
- Electrical problems
Issues with a truck’s alternator, battery or starter motor will almost certainly keep your truck off the road until repairs can be made. Semi-truck batteries (there are two) should be replaced together, meaning it can be even more expensive to ignore an electrical issue like a failing alternator, which could be the cause of your battery issues. The bottom line is to listen to your drivers and have your fleet trucks inspected when reports of flickering lights, a clicking noise or other warning signs appear.
- Cooling System
Driving long distances in the heat is a recipe for cooling issues, but it’s often unavoidable. Having a clean radiator, a working cooling fan and water pump and monitoring coolant levels are the basics of keeping your fleet’s cooling systems running smoothly. Unfortunately, this is just the start. There are a wide variety of cooling system issues that can cause serious damage to your fleet’s engines. Make sure all gauges, like the thermometer, are working well so your drivers can report issues before they become critical.
- Fuel Issues
Just like your personal car, semi-trucks need to have their fuel filters changed. The difference is semi-trucks need their filters changed much more frequently as constant travel speeds up the process. Water in the fuel tank is also a serious issue, often resulting from poorly fitting or missing caps. Be sure the fuel going into your trucks is from a reputable source and be prepared for emergencies with backup fueling options to keep your trucks on the road.
Minimize Breakdowns as Much as Possible
A long-haul driver will log more than 100,000 miles annually, but maintenance issues and breakdowns will keep your drivers off the roads longer than you want. To avoid unnecessary stops, provide your fleet with easy options for communicating warning signs and invest in maintenance that will keep your drivers on the road making your customers happy.
Learn how you can be prepared to handle any roadside emergency with PS Energy's risk management solutions.
