The Ultimate Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Commercial vehicles play a pivotal role in getting goods and services to consumers who need them. When commercial vehicles break down, it dramatically impacts the way a company does business. When they are working properly, your employees are safe, your products and services are delivered on time, and your business can run effectively. Here’s the ultimate commercial vehicle maintenance checklist to help you keep your vehicle or fleet in great condition.

Using a mobile device to perform routine inspections is the simplest way to keep your drivers compliant. Try Device Magic for free today to create custom inspection checklists that can be completed from anywhere.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

To ensure business as usual, preventive maintenance on your commercial vehicles is crucial. Your business can’t afford a stalled vehicle, and safety for your drivers and other drivers on the road is a concern as well.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recommended a maintenance requirement checklist that drivers should go through before they hit the road. Some of the things that should be regularly inspected include checking the tires, brakes, fluids, and all components of the wiring and electrical system. Taking the time to inspect each of these areas carefully can prevent accidents and breakdowns in transit. Let’s take a closer look.

Your Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Preventive maintenance is critical in keeping your entire fleet up and running. Here are the things you should inspect regularly:

Brake Inspection

• Check the brake system.
• Measure the width of the brake pads. If they are 1/8 inches thick or less, they need replacing immediately.
• Test the emergency brake.

Interior Inspection

• Honk the horn to make sure it is working and is loud enough to let other vehicles on the road know where you are.
• Make sure all seat belts are in good condition and work properly.
• Check that the defrosting system is working. This is especially important for vehicles that do a lot of driving in the snow or cold weather.
• Check the cooling and heating systems.
• Some states require commercial vehicles to have specific emergency equipment in their vehicles at all times. Even if your state does not, it is highly recommended to have emergency equipment such as a flashlight, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, shovels, chains, reflective jackets, and a warning triangle in the vehicle.

Lights Inspection

• Inspect high and low beams to ensure they’re working correctly and can light up the road in front of you.
• Look for condensation in the lighting case, as well as cracks.
• Test the taillights and the brake lights.
• Check that both turn signals are working and that your reverse lights activate when you back your vehicle up.
• Test your emergency flashers.
• Check the bulb that illuminates the license plate.

Mirror Inspection

• Check the exterior driver side and passenger side mirrors. Look for cracks or mirrors that are heavily scratched.
• Ensure that the mirrors are mounted to the exterior of the vehicle securely.
• Check the inside mirror. Move it around to make sure it is secured properly.

Tire Inspection

• Check that the tires and wheels match to provide consistent support.
• Check the tire condition and look for cuts, breaks, embedded objects, and excessive wear.
• Inspect wheel alignment.
• Check the condition of spare tire(s).
• Make sure you have all the tools needed to change a tire.

You can easily create custom inspection checklists, reports and maintenance logs using the Device Magic mobile forms app. Use the Photos feature to document any vehicle issues and submit them online or offline.

Under The Hood

• Check and top off all fluids, including wiper fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and oil.
• Carefully inspect the battery.
• Check all hoses.

Windshield & Accessories

• Make sure the windshield and back windows are free of cracks or deep scratches.
• Test all window controls to make sure windows go up and down properly.
• Test window wipers.

Documenting Commercial Vehicle Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on company vehicles is the first step to help ensure employee safety and uninterrupted transfer of goods and services. However, just completing the maintenance is not enough. Proper documentation of all vehicle inspections and maintenance is crucial in the upkeep of your vehicles. Drivers should have easy access to relevant and easy-to-use forms that help them conduct their maintenance routine effectively.

Safe Vehicles Start With Device Magic

Device Magic makes it easy to create a unique commercial vehicle maintenance checklist specific to your company, your vehicles, and your drivers. Your drivers and managers can complete the forms from anywhere, with or without internet connection—then your data can be synced to a centralized database for your records.

Try Device Magic for free to see how it can streamline your vehicle inspection process.