At the change of each season, it is essential to consider how your routine maintenance schedule for your chip truck aligns with the time of year. Each season brings its unique challenges, including the weather and how your body is used. From high temperatures in summer to bitter cold and road salt in winter, the different hazards in each season necessitate that you adapt your maintenance tasks to protect your chip truck. The included seasonal maintenance checklist will serve as a guide as you prepare your chip truck for the transition to each new season. By taking time to adjust your maintenance steps each season, you can keep your chip body in good condition while maintaining safety as a top priority.
Seasonal Chip Truck Maintenance Checklist
Get your chip truck prepared for the change of each season with this maintenance checklist. This kind of proactive seasonal maintenance keeps chip trucks in optimal working condition and helps avoid costly repairs or downtime, which is something every ARBORTECH operator values.
Spring:
- Inspect undercarriage for rust or salt buildup
- Clean and flush the cooling system
- Check tire pressure and look for cracks from cold weather
- Test the battery and charging system
- Replace air filters if needed
Summer:
- Inspect and top off coolant and other fluid levels
- Check the A/C and ventilation systems
- Examine belts and hoses for signs of wear
- Wash and wax the exterior to protect against UV damage
- Ensure hydraulic systems are leak-free
Fall:
- Test all lights and replace bulbs as needed
- Check tire tread depth and rotate tires
- Inspect windshield wipers and washer fluid levels
- Look for cracks or leaks around seals and windows
- Prepare an emergency roadside kit
Winter:
- Use winter-grade oil and antifreeze
- Inspect heaters, defrosters, and battery health
- Check tire traction and consider chains if applicable
- Apply undercoating or rust inhibitor
- Keep the fuel tank at least half full to avoid freezing
How to Prepare Your Chip Truck for Each Season
At the start of each season, take a few moments to consider what your chip truck endured during the last season and think about how you can prepare it for the upcoming season.
In the spring, inspect your chip truck for any winter damage, check the tire pressure, and clean out any salt residue to minimize corrosion and other damage.
Summer preparation includes monitoring fluid levels and cooling systems to prevent overheating on hot days.
For fall, check the tire tread depth, replace any worn wiper blades, and test the lighting system to ensure it is in top working condition as the days get shorter.
There are several steps to take when getting your chip truck ready for winter. Begin by inspecting heaters and defrosters, switching to winter-grade fluids and checking the battery’s health to make sure it is strong enough to start in wintry weather. Using a maintenance checklist is helpful to ensure you do not miss any steps during the transition of seasons.
Keeping Your Chip Truck in Tip-Top Condition
Seasonal preparation helps extend the life of your chip truck by reducing wear and tear caused by factors such as temperature shifts, moisture and road conditions. By performing preventative maintenance, you can stop small issues from turning into costly repairs. For example, corrosion from road salt, engine overheating and battery failure in cold weather can all be prevented with seasonal maintenance. Seasonal preparation also ensures the chip truck stays DOT compliant all year long and avoids unexpected breakdowns during peak work periods. Taking a short amount of time at the beginning of the season can save time in the long run.
When to Perform Maintenance
When planning your seasonal maintenance schedule, it is important to take a look at what your chip truck will encounter during the upcoming season. Early spring is the time to ensure the AC is working properly to prepare for operation in the upcoming hot months. Although you always want to make sure fluids are properly topped off, it is especially crucial to have antifreeze filled heading into winter. Testing the battery before cold sets in will prevent you from being surprised with a dead battery in freezing temperatures. In addition to the checklist provided, take some time to think about any specific occurrences your chip truck faces and take proactive maintenance steps to help reduce preventable damage. Regular oil changes should be performed at the mileage or date interval set by the manufacturer. One of the best ways to extend the service life of your chip truck is to perform regular maintenance. By ensuring your chip truck is properly maintained at the start of each season, you can avoid setbacks that impact efficiency and revenue.
Contact ARBORTECH for More Information
Chip trucks are an investment for your business, and it is crucial to keep them in the best condition. No matter the season, it is important to stay diligent with completing maintenance tasks to extend the lifespan of your chip truck while also remaining safe and DOT compliant. Contact ARBORTECH to learn more about seasonal maintenance for your chip truck.