Properly maintaining trucks and heavy equipment is a demanding task, but you will develop a more efficient fleet when you emphasize preventative upkeep. From routine tire changes to more advanced diagnostic checks, regularly scheduled care will lead to fewer repairs and more time out on the road getting the job done. Platinum Towing and Transport, a roadside assistance service in the St. Louis, MO, area, explains what it takes to keep heavy-duty machinery running.

Roadside Assistance Experts’ Guide to Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Sticking to a Schedule

Whether you're dealing with a truck or a piece of heavy equipment, the most important thing you can do is develop a maintenance schedule and stick to it. This includes tire changes, filter checks, and other basic but essential maintenance steps. Pay special attention to the hydraulics, shocks, suspension, and — when working with equipment like forklifts and wreckers — mast and boom maintenance. The more thorough your preventive procedures are, the more reliable your machinery will be in the long run. 

Protecting Against Corrosion

Keeping your equipment clean will go a long way toward protecting your investment. Not only is regular cleaning a great way to spot any areas needing repair, but it will prevent corrosion and lead to a longer life as well. Failure analysis, oil analysis, and other diagnostic measures also pair well with this aspect of maintenance.

Handling Repairs Right Away

All the preventive maintenance and detailed cleaning in the world won't prevent repairs forever. In the case of minor repairs that don't directly affect operation, it may be tempting to leave them for later and come back to them during a routine tuneup. This can lead to more serious issues, though, potentially requiring roadside assistance and more extensive, expensive repairs. Plus, any downtime that results will have a huge impact on your business. 

If you need minor repair work, tire changes, or timely roadside assistance, Platinum Towing and Transport is the most reliable company in the St. Louis area. Head to their website for more information on their heavy-duty wrecker services, and give them a call at (314) 300-8694 to request a tow today.