Truck Maintenance Tips

A truck earns money only when it is on the road. Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to keep it there: it prevents breakdowns, keeps fuel use down, protects resale value and keeps you on the right side of roadside inspections. These are the habits that matter most.

Daily pre-start checks

A five to ten minute walk-around before each shift catches most problems before they become breakdowns. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, operators and drivers share responsibility for a vehicle being safe to drive, and a documented daily check is part of showing that.

• Engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid and AdBlue levels.
• Tyres: pressure, cuts, bulges, tread depth and wheel nut indicators.
• Lights, indicators, reflectors and horn.
• Air system: build-up time, leaks and drained air tanks.
• Brakes, steering free play, mirrors, wipers and windscreen.
• Load restraint equipment, couplings and the fifth wheel.
• Dash warning lights after start-up.

Service on schedule, by hours as well as kilometres

Follow the manufacturer's service intervals, and remember that trucks idling for long periods, running short trips or working in dust and heat are in "severe" service and need shorter intervals. Many operators use oil analysis to set intervals based on what is actually in the oil. Keep every invoice: a complete service history is worth real money when you sell.

Look after the tyres

Tyres are one of the biggest running costs after fuel. Check pressures weekly with a gauge rather than by eye, because under-inflation wears tyres faster, raises fuel use and builds heat. Rotate steer tyres as recommended, keep wheel alignment right, and match tyre types and tread depths across dual wheels.

Brakes and air system

Check brake adjustment and lining wear at every service, drain air tanks daily if they do not have automatic drains, and replace the air dryer cartridge on schedule. Moisture in the air system corrodes valves and can freeze in cold weather.

Cooling and air intake

Keep radiators and intercoolers clean of bugs and dust, check hoses and clamps, and keep coolant at the correct mix. Change air filters on schedule or by restriction indicator. A blocked filter costs power and fuel, and dust getting past a damaged filter can wear out an engine.

Emissions systems

On modern trucks, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and AdBlue (SCR) systems need attention. Use quality AdBlue, keep the tank and filler clean, let regenerations complete rather than switching off mid-cycle, and act quickly on warning lights. Repeated short trips can block a DPF; a run at highway speed often helps it clear.

Driveline, chassis and body

• Grease the chassis, kingpins, fifth wheel and drive shafts at the recommended interval.
• Check clutch adjustment, gearbox and diff oil levels, and uni joints for play.
• Inspect the chassis for cracks around spring hangers, crossmembers and body mounts.
• On tippers, cranes and hook-lifts, check hydraulic hoses, rams and oil levels, and keep the PTO serviced.
• Wash the truck regularly, especially underneath after salt, coastal or muddy work, to slow corrosion.

Keep records

A simple log of checks, services, repairs and defects shows when something is trending the wrong way, supports warranty claims, helps with compliance, and increases the price a buyer will pay. When the time comes, you can list your truck on Aus Truck Market with the history to prove it.

Thinking about what maintenance will cost you? See our guide to truck running costs.