I used to lose up to 32% of my money a year on truck maintenance, that’s a lot of money as you can imagine.
My truck was old, I was never doing any preventative maintenance, and I was neglecting a lot of stuff anyways.
Why all of this is important?
Because you’re losing money the same way as I was losing money.
Truck maintenance costs can take a significant chunk out of your profits as an owner-operator, especially if you’re neglecting regular preventive maintenance.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of preventive maintenance and share practical tips on how to reduce maintenance costs, increase operational efficiency, and ultimately, boost your profits.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance
If you’re spending a large portion of your income on truck maintenance, it’s time to reevaluate your approach. By cutting down your operating costs, you can significantly increase your earnings.
Implementing a preventive maintenance plan has several benefits
- Reduces the risk of unplanned downtime.
- Increases operational efficiency by preventing reactive maintenance.
- Extends the useful life of your equipment.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To reap the benefits of preventive maintenance, follow these guidelines:
- Develop and stick to a maintenance schedule that addresses minor issues before they become major, expensive problems.
- Conduct pre-trip, on-the-road, and post-trip inspections to ensure your truck runs safely and efficiently.
- Use a mileage-based maintenance checklist, following the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for oil and oil filter changes.
- While performing maintenance, also:➼ Lubricate the chassis, steering, suspension, and driveline.
➼ Check belts, hoses, and fill fluid levels.
➼ Drain fuel filter/water separator.
➼ Rotate tires.
➼ Check brakes.
➼ Replace external fuel filters.
➼ Inspect engine and cabin air filters.
➼ Check differentials and transmission fluids.
- Combine maintenance with home time to maximize efficiency
- Find a reliable local shop to ensure your truck is fixed promptly and properly6.
Create seasonal maintenance checklists
Winter Maintenance
- Check the heater;
- Check the defroster;
- Check DEF systems;
- Check fuel levels;
- Check batteries;
- Check the exhaust system;
- Check the fuel filter;
- Check the windshield;
- Check the wiper blades;
- Check the air dryer;
- Check the antifreeze;
- Wash the truck weekly, treat fuel, and drain air tanks daily.
Summer Maintenance
- Inspect the AC system;
- Perform a coolant system pressure test;
- Inspect the radiator and hoses
- Check the vehicle’s electrical system, batteries, and battery connections.
Conclusion
By prioritizing preventive maintenance and implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your truck maintenance costs, which can lead to a profit increase of up to 20%.
Remember, profits are the result of income minus expenses, and by effectively cutting down your expenses through better maintenance practices, you’ll be setting yourself up for success as an owner-operator.
