Regular truck maintenance is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and extending vehicle lifespan. Using a truck check sheet helps you perform systematic inspections and avoid overlooking any important details. This article will guide you on how to use a check sheet for effective truck maintenance.
Truck Check Sheet: Detailed Inspection Items
Below is a list of items to check during truck maintenance, categorized by different service levels:
A-Service (Maintenance after 4,800km or 3,000 miles)
The truck check sheet for A-Service includes the following basic inspection items:
- Exterior: Inspect vehicle paint, mirrors, windows, license plate screws. Identify scratches, dents, and damages. Ensure mirrors are functioning properly and windows move smoothly.
- Lighting System: Check headlights, taillights, turn signals, and indicator lights. Ensure all lights are functioning normally.
- Dashboard Instruments: Check instruments on the dashboard and indicator lights on the instrument panel. Verify the operation of the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, etc.
- Interior: Inspect door handles, control buttons, heater, and air conditioner. Ensure everything is operating smoothly and comfortable for the driver.
- Safety Equipment: Check the horn and seatbelts.
- Parking Brake: Check brake pad wear and parking brake operation.
- Hood Latch: Check operation and lubricate if necessary.
- Gearbox (Automatic Transmission): Check operation, hoses, and gearbox oil level. Add the correct type of oil if low.
- Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid: Check motor operation and fluid level in the reservoir.
- Steering Wheel: Check operation and power steering fluid level.
- Radiator: Check hoses and coolant level. Add distilled or purified water if necessary.
- Battery: Check fluid level (if it’s a wet-cell battery), cables, and terminals. Clean terminals if oxidized.
- Engine Mounts: Inspect the condition of engine mounts.
- Drive Belt: Check condition, tension, and replace if necessary.
- PCV Valve: Check PCV valve operation.
- Fuel System: Inspect fuel tank and fuel lines.
- Braking System: Check operation, brake fluid level, brake pad wear, and brake discs.
- Oil and Oil Filter Change: Change engine oil and oil filter. Inspect oil lines.
- Tires: Check wear, pressure, and rotate tires if necessary.
- Wheels and Lug Nuts: Inspect and tighten lug nuts to the specified torque.
- Rear Differential (if applicable): Check oil level and oil quality in the differential.
- Exhaust System: Inspect the condition of the exhaust system.
- Shock Absorbers/Struts: Check operation and lubricate grease fittings.
- Chassis: Inspect for cracks or deformation.
- Wiring: Check the condition of wiring and connectors.
B-Service (Scheduled Maintenance as per Manufacturer’s Recommendation)
Includes all items from A-Service plus:
- Radiator Cap Pressure: Check radiator cap pressure according to specifications.
- Air Filter and Fuel Filter: Replace air filter and fuel filter.
- Alternator: Check current and voltage.
C-Service (Scheduled Maintenance as per Manufacturer’s Recommendation)
- Automatic Transmission Service: Change transmission fluid, filter, and gasket.
D-Service (Maintenance after approximately 100,000km or 60,000 miles)
- Replace spark plugs, wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, and rotor.
E-Service (Cooling System Service after approximately 80,000km or 50,000 miles)
- Drain all coolant, replace thermostat and gasket, refill with new coolant, check pressure, tighten hoses. Bleed air from the system.
Conclusion
Using a truck check sheet is the best way to ensure maintenance is performed thoroughly and effectively. Regular maintenance will help your truck operate better, save fuel, and extend its lifespan. Always record the date and mileage after each service to easily track your maintenance schedule.
