You can’t be a trucker without a truck. Heck, it’s the most crucial part of the word! Whether you are a company driver, leased, or own your own fleet, they are more than essential to your job. So it should go without saying you need to keep your vehicle(s) adequately maintained. This way you’ll get every penny out of your rig and give it a good long life So, let’s take a look at what needs regular maintenance on your truck the most to ensure long life and prepared for the CVSA Brake Safety Week.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist For CMVs

• Air cleaner
• Air Dryer
• Air Compressors Function and Condition
• Brake cylinders, levers and, forks
• Brake linings
• Cab lubrication
• Chassis frame and cross members
• Chassis lubrication
• Coolant level
• Discharge lines and hoses.
• Dirt on batteries, leakage attachment, the exact gravity of battery acid, fluid level connections and battery box
• Discharge lines and hoses.
• Drive belts
• Exhaust leakage
• External lamps
• Fault codes displayed in the vehicle instrument cluster
• Fluid levels in windshield wiper reservoirs
• Front shock absorbers
• Front wheels and bearings
• Fuel tank, hoses, pipes venting and mounting
• Fuel water separator, and draining of condensation
• Headlamps
• Hinges, locks, doorstops, and sealing strips
• Hood attachment and locking devices
• Oil level in hubs for oil lubricated wheel bearings
• Oil in the front drive axle
• Oil level in manual transmission given your truck is a manual
• Oil in retarder
• Oil level in power steering
• Radiator fan, bearing tolerance, fan cover, bolt unions, and fan ring with rubber seal
• Rear spring bolts
• Rear wheels and bearings
• Rear view mirrors and reflectors
• Steering linkage
• Tire wear
• Transmission oil cooler hoses and connections for leaks
• Turbocharger
• Wiper and washer functioning

Be Prepared For The CVSA Level 1 Inspection

The CVSA or Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance as many of you already know uphold the commercial vehicle safety inspections in North America. They monitor the contravention, inspection, and accident information on your carrier profile. There are many inspection types by the level 1 is the most thorough and common. Click here to review the level 1 inspection list from the CVSA website. https://cvsa.org/inspections/inspections/inspection-procedures/

Keep On Truckin’

Make sure your brakes are working properly. If you have questions be sure to consult a professional about brake adjustments. Sometimes automatic adjusters don’t correctly adjust your brakes. It’s also important to check your brake lines to make sure that they aren’t being blocked and are clear of debris. Also, your brake lines also shouldn’t be leaking.

Just remember if you perform regular preventative maintenance and give it the care it deserves you’ll increase the longevity and quality of your truck's life. Your vehicle is an essential business tool that you have, so take good care of it! Also, avoid any unnecessary fines from the CVSA during the upcoming