Trailer Maintenance: What You Need to Know
The United States is expected to fill over 200,000 truck driving positions every year until 2030.
With so many new drivers hitting the road every year, there is a lot of on-the-job learning. Truck and trailer maintenance is one of those areas. Some truck drivers have mechanical knowledge, but it is not required for a CDL.
It's important you know everything you can about truck trailer maintenance. By doing so, you'll stay safe and on the road longer.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about trailer maintenance.
How Often Should You Conduct Trailer Maintenance?
Routine maintenance is the key to safe driving. You should inspect your truck and trailer every time you walk past it.
Trailer maintenance can be more complicated though. There are many parts that need maintaining on schedules. These schedules do not always align with one another.
Even for the most diligent inspectors, it is not uncommon for annual semi-truck maintenance to total over $15,000.
In order to reduce your annual maintenance bill, it is important to have every part serviced as often as it should be. You should always follow the recommended guidelines for part inspection and replacement.
There are still areas that many people overlook in addition to the basics.
Inspect the Inside
Many drivers have an easy time inspecting the outside of a semi-trailer, but the inside is often forgotten.
Semi-truck trailers add up to a large amount of total truck maintenance. Drivers maintain the tires and components on the bottom of the trailer, but the trailer interior is just as important.
Trailer cargo is not cheap. Overlooking problems like holes or broken internal support could damage cargo or let in moisture. Taking a moment to inspect the trailer inside will ensure your cargo is safe and protected as you drive to your dropoff.
Maintenance Is About Prevention
Routine maintenance should always be taken seriously. Following regulations and guidelines will keep you on the road safer and longer.
Ultimately, truck trailer maintenance is about prevention, but inspecting and servicing every component at the right time can be tiresome if not impossible.
Because of this, fleet maintenance software is being used more often than ever. Modern software notifies you with reminders for maintenance and organizes your records.
Maintaining your fleet and equipment can be very stressful, but fleet software will ensure your trucks are up to date and inspected.
While software handles routine maintenance, making inspections a continual process will prevent major problems from occurring. Noticing small symptoms before they turn into major issues is an essential skill for quality truck drivers.
Take Care of Your Trailers
Trailer maintenance is the foundation of keeping your trucks on the road. It is a multi-step process that involves staying ahead of problems before they can arise.
Technology is continuing to improve in every industry. For truck drivers, fleet maintenance software is one of the many ways technology is improving and expanding.
Checkout TATEMS Trailer Maintenance Software to learn more about how you can pass more inspections and keep your fleet safe.
More Resources
Why Fleet Maintenance Software Is Essential to Your Business
Truck Fleet Maintenance: Tips and Tricks