Article by Melanie Broemsen

A truck tractor can operate for hundreds of thousands of miles without trouble, especially when you take proper care of it. Protect your investment and your livelihood, and avoid some of the common, and often expensive, pitfalls associated with commercial truck maintenance by performing a thorough pre-trip inspection before you hit the road.

Why pre-trip inspections are important

The largest overhead expense you will experience as a commercial truck owner will be the cost of repairs, including parts and labor. However, vehicle downtime can be a much larger problem. Every day that your truck isn’t on the road, you lose money. The losses associated with downtime due to repairs can make or break a business. And as any experienced truck driver will tell you, preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring your commercial truck stays operational and profitable.

Following a thorough pre-trip inspection regimen on a regular basis can help prevent expensive breakdowns from occurring. Any necessary repairs can be made more efficiently and less expensively than when you are on the road. In addition, you are less likely to experience an accident. According to the Oregon Trucking Association, most commercial vehicle accidents that are attributable to vehicle component failure could have been avoided by detecting the deficiency prior to departure. Plus, your delivery schedules will not be impacted by unexpected delays.

Of course, pre-trip inspections are also mandatory, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR, Part 396.13). Following this pre-trip inspection checklist not only can help extend the life of your investment, but also reduce the amount of time and money lost due to truck repairs and downtime – and keep you legal.

Commercial vehicle pre-trip inspection checklist

Check your tires – According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tire-related costs are the single largest expense, accounting for as much as one-third of total maintenance costs, associated with commercial vehicles. Plan to spend about half an hour examining your tires, each and every time, before you hit the road.

First, check the air pressure in your tires. If you have a vehicle with dual tires, it is imperative that you check the inner tires, as well as the outer ones, even though they can be more difficult to reach. The outer tires can mask issues, such as under-inflation, which is the most common tire-related problem experienced by truck drivers. In fact, nearly 90 percent of tire breakdowns are the result of under-inflation, and a third of tire life is lost when under-inflated by 20 percent. Low tire pressure can cause heat build-up and reduce your fuel efficiency, too. Fortunately, even though tire under-inflation can create expensive problems, they can usually be avoided with proper attention.

In addition to checking the tire pressure, you should examine the tread. If you notice cracks or irregular wear, you may need to replace, rotate or adjust the inflation in your tire. If you aren’t sure, ask a professional commercial vehicle repair shop for an evaluation. Finally, replace your tires every three to five years, regardless of wear and mileage.

Check your fluids – First, look to see if there are signs of fluid leakage on the ground under your commercial vehicle. Then, take a look under the hood and check the coolant, antifreeze, oil and fuel. Look for leaks, and ensure you have the proper amounts of the fluids. Finally, turn on your truck and ensure the oil pressure, temperature and air pressure gauges are working properly.

Check your electrical system and wiring- All warning lights and buzzers should be working properly. In addition to checking your headlights (low and high beam), four-way flashers, clearance lights, turn signals, brake lights and other electrical components to be sure they are working properly, examine your truck for frayed or loose wiring. Common culprits include dangling fuel lines and worn battery cable that due to rubbing, can become exposed and cause a truck fire.

Check your brakes – First, test your parking brake. Also be sure your standard brakes have the proper amount of lining left. Review the manufacturer’s specifications for these guidelines, including any notations around these other brake-related items:

Leaks in the air pressure system, including the leakage rateLow pressure warning alarm Parking breaks turn on automaticallyRate of air pressure build-up

Invest in a good commercial truck insurance policy - Finally, be smart about your commercial truck insurance policy. Be sure you understand how much and what type of coverage you need to adequately protect your investment, and your livelihood.

Even with proper maintenance, commercial vehicles can break down, or accidents can occur. If downtime could pose a problem for you, choose a commercial auto insurance company that can respond to your needs quickly, like Progressive insurance, which offers roadside assistance and rental reimbursement, as well as a large network of expert technicians. Progressive is one of the fastest growing commercial auto insurance groups, and specializes in fulfilling the commercial vehicle insurance needs of small businesses like yours. For more information, visit ProgressiveCommercial.com.

About the Author

Melanie Broemsen is a content specialist at Rosetta, one of the top 10 interactive agencies in the U.S. Broemsen has a degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and more than 10 years of experience in interactive marketing.

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