Vehicle + Equipment Maintenance Reference

Why this matters

Service vehicles + equipment are your tools to make money. Down truck = no jobs = lost revenue. Damaged truck = expensive repair OR replacement. The shop that maintains fleet preventively keeps techs working + avoids big surprises. This is the field card.

Truck preventive maintenance

Daily: tires (pressure + tread + sidewall damage), fluids (oil, coolant, brake, washer), lights, wipers, horn, mirror, seat belt. Weekly: wash cab, cargo security, tire wear pattern. Monthly: tire pressure (cold), tread depth, battery test (if > 2 yr), belt/hose visual, brake response, steering play. Quarterly: oil + filter change (3K mi high-duty; 5 - 10K modern synthetic), tire rotation (5 - 8K mi), cabin air filter, engine air filter inspection. Semi-annual: brake inspection, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission level, all fluid colors. Annual: brake fluid flush, power steering flush, coolant flush (5-yr), spark plugs (older), cabin + engine filter replace, belt/hose replace, battery (3 - 5 yr), alignment + balance. 60K mi: transmission flush, timing belt (60 - 100K), spark plugs, major fluid services. 100K mi: all belts/hoses, transmission/transfer case, major inspection.

Tire maintenance

Pressure: per door jamb sticker; check cold weekly.

Tread depth: 4/32" replace recommendation; 2/32" legal minimum.

Rotation: every 5,000 - 8,000 mi; pattern depends on drive type.

Alignment: annual OR after curb hit / pothole.

Balance: when buying new tires OR if vibration develops.

Spare tire: check pressure quarterly; replace at 6 - 10 years.

Common tire issue: under-inflation causes premature wear + reduced fuel economy.

Fluid colors + meanings

Brake maintenance

Pad wear: 50% (replace soon), 25% (replace now), 12% (immediate).

Rotor: minimum thickness per manufacturer; resurface OR replace.

Brake fluid: change every 2 yr (DOT 3, 4) per OEM.

Brake pulse / shudder: warped rotor.

Squealing: indicator clip on worn pad.

Soft pedal: air in line; bleed brakes.

Lifespan: 30,000 - 60,000 mi typical.

Service vehicle modifications

Shelving + storage: organize tools + parts; bolt to frame.

Ladder rack: top of truck; secure ladders.

Light bar / safety lights: amber strobe for highway work.

Generator outlet: 110V inverter OR built-in generator.

Heater for cold-climate truck: pre-warming.

Backup camera + assist: trailer + cargo.

GPS tracking: fleet management.

Lockboxes: secure expensive tools.

Truck stock organization

Daily-use tools: front of truck; quick access.

Stocking parts: organized bins; alphabetical OR application.

Specialty equipment: secured against rolling.

First aid + spill kit: per OSHA.

Fire extinguisher: ABC class min; per truck.

Battery jumpstart pack: 1 per truck.

Tool maintenance

Daily: wipe down + organize.

Weekly: tool inventory (replace lost / damaged).

Battery rotation: cordless tools; rotate to ensure all batteries cycle.

Annual:

• Drill / impact: lubricate per OEM
• Sharpening (drill bits, knives, scissors)
• Replace damaged + obsolete tools

Lifespan:

• Pro-grade cordless drill: 5 - 10+ years
• Cordless battery: 2 - 4 years (lithium-ion typical)
• Tape measure: 1 - 3 years (depending on use)
• Wrenches + ratchets: lifetime with care

HVAC equipment maintenance (vacuum pump, gauges)

Vacuum pump:

• Oil change every 100 hours OR per OEM
• Use vacuum pump oil only
• Filter change per OEM
• Replace seals if degraded

Manifold gauge set:

• Wipe clean after use
• Hose inspection (cracks, kinks)
• Schrader cores OR depressors
• Calibration annual

Refrigerant scale:

• Battery rotation
• Calibration check vs known weight

Combustion analyzer:

• Annual calibration (manufacturer service typical)
• Filter change quarterly
• Sensor replace every 2 - 3 years

Snake / drain equipment

Cable inspection: each use; replace if frayed.

Motor service: per OEM.

Lubrication: hand crank + bearings.

Replacement: cable typical 1 - 2 years high-use.

Pneumatic tool maintenance

Air compressor:

• Drain tank daily (water condensate)
• Filter / regulator check
• Oil level (if oil-lubricated)
• Belt tension (belt-driven)

Pneumatic nailer:

• Oil daily (3 - 5 drops in air inlet)
• Compressed-air blow out

Hoses:

• Inspection: cracks, fittings
• Replace if leaking

Generator + portable power maintenance

Portable generator:

• Oil change every 50 - 100 hours
• Air filter inspection
• Spark plug 100 hours
• Fuel stabilizer if storing
• Run monthly to keep battery charged

Standby home generator:

• Annual service per OEM
• Battery test
• Coolant change (liquid-cooled)
• Air + oil filter

Common maintenance mistakes

Skipping oil change (engine damage). Wrong oil weight (cold weather start; engine wear). Skipping tire pressure (wear + fuel economy). Letting battery die completely (lithium + lead-acid both shortened life). Ignoring small leaks (becomes big problem). Skipping brake fluid change (water absorbed; corrodes lines). Not maintaining cordless batteries (depleted lifespan).

Fleet management apps

Fleetio, Samsara, Verizon Connect: track maintenance + odometer + service due + driver.

Customer access (some): allows tracking for dispatching.

Reports: cost per mile, fuel, maintenance trends.

Truck stock for vehicle maintenance

Tire pressure gauge, jumper cables OR battery booster, flashlight, basic tools (wrench set, screwdrivers, multi-tool), tire iron + lug wrench, jack, spare tire, fluids (oil, washer fluid, coolant top-off), microfiber rags, ABC fire extinguisher, first aid kit.

Cleaning + appearance

Customer perception: clean truck = professional + trustworthy.

Weekly wash: keeps paint + appearance.

Cab cleanup: customer sees inside if loading equipment.

Branding: graphics + wrap for company identity.

Driver standards: company policy for cleanliness.

References

• OSHA 1910.178 (powered industrial trucks)
• Manufacturer service intervals (Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Toyota service manuals)
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards
• Manuall internal: PPE Selection by Task, Essential Power Tools