There’s No Better Way to Keep Your Truck Safe, Productive, and Profitable

Every mile on the road puts stress on your truck. And while you can’t avoid wear and tear, you can control how you monitor and manage it. Preventive maintenance is the best way to find and fix costly problems before they occur. PM lets you maximize vehicle safety and compliance, protect valuable uptime, and extend the life of your fleet.

At Road Choice, we know that a disciplined PM program, supported by quality parts and skilled technicians, is a powerful investment for your trucks and your business. Here’s why it matters and what to keep in mind.

The Money-Saving Benefits of a Strong PM Program

Preventive maintenance isn’t just about avoiding unexpected breakdowns—it’s about protecting your profitability in multiple ways. Here are some of the most valuable money-saving benefits:

• Avoid Expensive Roadside Failures. Towing and emergency repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars per incident. Regular PM helps identify small issues before they become major ones, saving you from costly downtime.

• Improve Fuel Efficiency. Items like properly inflated tires, clean filters, and well-maintained cooling systems all contribute to better miles per gallon. Even small fuel savings add up quickly across hundreds or thousands of miles.

• Reduce Wear on High-Cost Components. A clean, well-lubricated engine runs cooler and lasts longer. By taking care of smaller service items on schedule, you help avoid premature engine, transmission, or axle replacements.

• Lower Compliance and Violation Costs. Brake, lighting, and tire issues are among the most common reasons for roadside violations. Staying ahead with PM saves money on fines and keeps trucks from being sidelined.

• Minimize Driver Downtime. A truck that breaks down isn’t just a repair expense—it’s also lost income. Preventive maintenance maximizes uptime so drivers can stay productive.

• Preserve Resale Value. A well-documented PM history makes your trucks more valuable when it’s time to trade or sell, further lowering your total cost of ownership.

When you look at each of these benefits individually, they may seem small. But added together, mile after mile, they represent significant cost savings over the life of your trucks.

The Critical Systems Your Program Should Cover

A strong preventive maintenance program doesn’t have to be complicated. It comes down to focusing on the critical areas that keep your trucks reliable and your costs predictable. Here are the key elements for an effective checklist:

• Brakes

Inspect pads, drums, rotors, and air systems regularly. Worn brakes can be dangerous and costly if they lead to out-of-service violations.

• Tires and Wheels

Look for uneven wear, proper tread depth, and correct inflation. Tires directly affect fuel economy and safety.

• Fluids and Filters

Change oil, air, and fuel filters on schedule. Fresh fluids protect engines from heat, corrosion, and contaminants.

• Electrical and Lighting Systems

Check forward lighting, stop/turn/tail & clearance lighting, and wiring. Good visibility is essential, and lighting failures are among the top roadside violations.

• Cooling Systems

Radiators, charge air coolers, coolant reservoirs, hoses, and coolant all work together to regulate temperature. A small leak left unchecked can quickly turn into a major engine repair.

• Suspension and Steering

Inspect shocks, springs, bushings, and linkages. Worn suspension parts affect handling, driver comfort, and tire life.

• Exhaust and Emissions

Routine checks ensure compliance with emissions standards and help keep your truck running clean and efficient.

Be sure to include any additional systems unique to your vehicles, routes, and applications. Staying on top of these basics will ensure fewer headaches, and more income producing miles, down the road.

An Investment That Always Pays You Back

Think of preventive maintenance as profit protection. Rather than waiting for something to break, you’re investing a little up front to avoid bigger bills later. Regularly scheduled service improves reliability and keeps drivers behind the wheel instead of waiting in a repair bay. And when you pair your maintenance with Road Choice parts, fluids, and accessories, the savings multiply. You’ll have a powerful one-two punch for safeguarding your budget - and building your bottom line!

Road Choice offers a broad selection of replacement parts and maintenance solutions for heavy-duty trucks of all makes and models. For more information or to schedule a service appointment, call your nearest Road Choice retailer. You can also order parts online, anytime through PartsASIST™, for delivery directly to your doorstep or available will-call at parts pickup.