No matter what you’re towing or how far you’re going, truck and trailer maintenance is essential. Preventative care will keep you moving safely, reliably and efficiently on the road. The guide below will help you understand some of the most important best practices for truck and trailer maintenance, as well as some of the common mistakes drivers make.

Do

Check tire pressure.

Your tires’ pressure is constantly changing. This can be due to any number of factors, such as the changes in the weight of your cargo, or the expansion and contraction of the air in your tires as the temperature changes. Keep a pressure gauge in your truck and check the pressure of every tire before any long hauls. Ensure that this pressure remains within the recommended range on the tire sidewall.

Look for suspension wear.

Your suspension system is constantly engaged, whether you’re hauling or not. Understanding your suspension’s condition is one of the most important parts of truck and trailer maintenance. Know the signs of suspension wear and pay attention to them. Common red flags include badly cupped tires, vibration after hitting bumps, bottoming out on rough roads, or a bouncy ride.

Schedule professional services.

Professional truck and trailer maintenance will extend their lifespan while improving reliability. You should have your trailers serviced every 6 to 12 months, depending on how much use they get. For your truck, follow the recommended oil change and mileage service schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Don’t

Neglect minor issues.

Small but bothersome performance issues won’t go away on their own. In most cases, they’ll only get worse with time, causing more extensive damage and expensive repairs. Addressing those minor issues immediately will save you a great deal of money on future repairs and prevent the possibility of an untimely breakdown on the road.

Forget seasonal changes.

Every season brings with it unique challenges, so you’ll need to be prepared for those. For example, each winter you’ll want to wash your truck and trailer more to remove that corrosive road salt. Each summer, get your AC’s air filters changed and the coolant levels checked.

Ignore the fuel vent.

Wasps and other creatures have been known to make their nests inside of fuel vents. Any blockages here could impact engine performance and give inaccurate fuel readings. If your truck has been sitting in one spot for a while, inspect this vent before heading out.

If you want a rewarding career as a long-haul trucker, you’ll need to start with a solid foundation. Professional Driver Institute Incorporated is the top truck driving school in the greater Rochester, NY, area. More than 5,000 drivers have graduated from their program. Students get hands-on training from industry professionals and information on truck and trailer maintenance. After you finish the one-month program, they’ll provide job placement to jumpstart your career. Get started on their website or by calling (585) 293-1203.