April 21, 2025
Keeping your rig running like a champ isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it’s about protecting your livelihood, staying safe, and saving money over the long haul. A structured, year-round truck maintenance plan helps you prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and ensure peak performance. Below is a detailed maintenance checklist designed specifically for professional truck drivers and fleet operators.
A solid day starts with a solid truck. Get in the habit of running through these daily checks before you hit the road:
Tires: Verify proper inflation and inspect for tread wear or visible damage. Legal thread depth limits are 4/32 on steer tires and 2/32 on all others, and notice irregular wear, it is a sign of something larger)
Brakes: Test both service and parking brakes for effectiveness; listen for unusual sounds or air leaks.
Lights and Signals: Confirm all lights and indicators are operational.
Steering System: Ensure steering is responsive with no excessive play.
Mirrors: Adjust and inspect for cracks, looseness, or obstructions.
Windshield Wipers: Test function and check washer fluid levels.
Horn: Confirm the horn works properly (both horns air and city)
These weekly checks go beyond daily inspections and focus on wear and tear that accumulates with mileage:
Engine Oil and Fluids: Check engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and washer fluid levels.
Battery: Inspect terminals for corrosion and ensure cables are tight.
Belts and Hoses: Look for cracks, fraying, or other signs of deterioration.
Air Filter: Clean or replace if dirty to maintain engine efficiency.
HVAC System: Test heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functions.
Taking a deeper dive each month helps catch issues before they become expensive problems:
Oil and Filter Change: Replace engine oil and filters as recommended.
Transmission Fluid: Inspect fluid levels and condition.
Fuel System: Check for leaks, damage, or blockages in the lines and filter.
Exhaust System: Look for rust, leaks, or loose fittings.
Brake System: Inspect pads, rotors, drums, and brake fluid levels. Make sure to check the shoe lining for cracks, this is also a good time to find leaking or seeping wheel seals
Adjusting maintenance by season helps you stay ahead of weather-related challenges.
Use winterized diesel with anti-gel additives.
Keep the fuel tank at least half full to reduce condensation.
Drain air tanks daily to prevent frozen brake lines.
Monitor fuel filters and water separators for moisture buildup.
Avoid letting the engine sit inactive for more than 24 hours.
Plug in the engine block heater when temperatures drop below 5°F.
Inspect and replace wipers as needed.
Confirm that coolant and antifreeze levels are optimal.
Check trailer gladhand seals and get a bottle of airbreak antifreeze.
Keep emergency supplies on board (blankets, food, water, first aid kit, etc.).
Check or replace the air dryer cartridge
Inspect and test the air conditioning system.
Check the coolant level and inspect hoses for leaks or soft spots.
Watch for heat-related tire damage and maintain proper inflation.(Underinflation is the most common reason for tire failure, virgin and recap.)
Always verify that your truck is equipped with these essential items:
Fire extinguisher (charged and easily accessible)
Sticking to a year-round maintenance checklist improves fuel economy, extends the life of your truck, ensures regulatory compliance, and most importantly, keeps you safe on the road. Preventive maintenance pays for itself by avoiding breakdowns, roadside repairs, and lost revenue.
Keep Your Rig Running Strong: A Year-Round Semi-Truck Maintenance Guide
Keeping your rig running like a champ isn’t just about dodging breakdowns. It’s about protecting your livelihood, staying safe behind the wheel, and saving serious money in the long run. A solid, year-round maintenance plan is the backbone of a reliable truck—it helps you catch issues early, cut down on costly repairs, and maximize performance mile after mile.
To help you stay ahead of trouble, we’ve laid out a comprehensive maintenance checklist tailored to professional drivers and fleet operators. Use it to stay on top of your game, every season of the year.
A good day starts with a dependable truck. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to walk through these basic checks. They might seem small, but they make a big difference.
Start with your tires. Make sure they’re properly inflated and inspect them for tread wear, sidewall damage, or any signs of irregular wear patterns. Steer tires need at least 4/32” of tread depth, and all others should have no less than 2/32”. Uneven wear can be a red flag for alignment or suspension issues.
Next, test your brakes, both service and parking. Listen for any unusual noises or air leaks, and make sure they’re engaging smoothly. Don’t ignore a spongy pedal or delayed response.
All lights and indicators should be working. Walk around the vehicle to confirm brake lights, turn signals, and headlights are fully operational. Visibility is non-negotiable.
Check the steering system for excessive play or stiffness. Your steering should be responsive and consistent.
Mirrors should be clean, properly adjusted, and free of cracks or obstructions. This is a key safety check, especially when hauling oversized loads or driving in tight conditions.
Don’t forget the windshield wipers—verify they’re functioning and that your washer fluid reservoir is full. Clear visibility during rain or snow can prevent accidents.
Your horn should be loud and functional—both the city and air horn. You never know when you’ll need to get someone’s attention quickly.
Lastly, give a listen to your air system. Drain the tanks and check for leaks. Moisture buildup can cause serious issues, especially in cold weather.
Each week, go a little deeper. Mileage wears things down, and weekly checkups can help you stay ahead of potential failures.
Start by checking all engine oil and fluid levels, including coolant, transmission fluid, and washer fluid. Top off as needed and note any signs of leaks.
Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. Make sure all connections are clean and tight to avoid electrical issues.
Belts and hoses deserve close attention—look for signs of cracking, fraying, or softness. Catching a failing belt early can save you from a breakdown on the highway.
Check the air filter to see if it’s clogged or dirty. A clean filter means your engine breathes better, runs smoother, and uses less fuel.
And don’t skip your HVAC system. Make sure both heat and AC are functioning. Comfort isn’t just about convenience—it keeps you alert and safe during long hauls.
A once-a-month deep dive can uncover hidden problems that might otherwise turn into expensive repair jobs.
Start with an oil and filter change, following manufacturer's recommendations. Clean oil keeps the engine running efficiently and reduces wear over time.
Check your transmission fluid, not just for level, but also for clarity and smell. Burnt or cloudy fluid could be a sign of internal damage.
Inspect the fuel system for any leaks or blockages, including the lines and filter. Fuel issues can seriously impact performance and mileage.
Scan the exhaust system for rust, leaks, or loose fittings. A healthy exhaust system protects both your engine and the environment.
Revisit your brake system in more detail. Check pads, rotors, drums, and brake fluid levels. Take this opportunity to inspect shoe linings for cracks and look closely for signs of leaking or seeping wheel seals.
As the seasons change, so should your maintenance routine. Weather puts different strains on your truck, and being prepared can save you time, money, and headaches.
When temperatures drop, switch to winterized diesel with anti-gel additives. Cold fuel can wreak havoc on your engine if not treated.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full to minimize condensation, which can lead to water contamination in the fuel system.
Drain your air tanks daily to avoid frozen brake lines, and keep a close eye on your fuel filters and water separators for moisture buildup.
Avoid letting your truck sit idle for more than 24 hours in extreme cold, and plug in your engine block heater when the temperature dips below 5°F.
Inspect and replace wiper blades if needed, and confirm that coolant and antifreeze levels are properly balanced for cold weather.
Check your trailer gladhand seals, and carry a bottle of air brake antifreeze just in case.
Always carry emergency supplies like blankets, food, water, and a first aid kit. Also, inspect or replace your air dryer cartridge—this is key for preventing frozen air lines.
Summer brings the heat—and a different set of challenges.
Check and test the air conditioning system to ensure it’s up to the task of keeping you cool during long, hot drives.
Make sure your coolant level is adequate, and inspect all hoses for leaks or soft spots, which are signs of impending failure.
Heat can wreak havoc on tires, so stay vigilant. Proper tire inflation is critical—underinflation is the number one cause of tire blowouts, both for virgin and retread tires.
No matter the season, make sure your truck is always stocked with these critical items:
A charged and accessible fire extinguisher
Reflective triangles to alert oncoming traffic in case of a breakdown
A well-stocked first aid kit for minor injuries or emergencies
Consistent, year-round maintenance does more than just protect your truck—it protects your business. It improves fuel economy, extends the lifespan of your rig, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and most importantly, it keeps you safe on the road.
Preventive maintenance pays for itself. It helps you avoid the unexpected, like costly breakdowns, roadside repairs, and time lost when your rig should be running. Take care of your truck, and it’ll take care of you.
Click link for printable checklist.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Za3n8s6dOq1WsJcVwG6iPpTkwzMhtOFD/view?usp=drive_link
