Diesel Truck Maintenance Checklist

When was the last time you gave your truck a thorough once-over? Routine diesel truck maintenance puts you on the road to less downtime and fewer costly repairs. Stay on the right track, keeping your truck running smoothly and efficiently with our handy diesel truck maintenance checklist.

Diesel Engine and Transmission Maintenance

Drivetrain maintenance is essential to avoiding costly repairs and lengthy breakdowns. To ensure top performance:

• Maintain fluids on schedule, including:
  • Engine oil
  • Transmission and brake fluid
  • Power steering oil
  • Coolant/antifreeze
• Monitor for wear and tear in the following critical components:
  • Gearbox
  • Driveshaft
  • Cooling system
  • Drive belts (alternator, starter, cooling fans) 

Diesel Wheel and Tire Maintenance

Properly aligned wheels and tires kept in good condition offer better traction and handling and improved braking response, making the following tire maintenance critical to safety:

• Checking tire pressure regularly
• Monitoring for irregular wear and tire damage
• Replacing commercial truck tires with low tread depth or damage
• Scheduling regular balancing, tire rotation, and alignment
• Watching for cracked or bent wheels and loose lug nuts

Diesel Brake System Maintenance

In addition to scheduled service, have your diesel truck brakes inspected EVERY time you go in for other routine maintenance. The following brake maintenance ensures you have the braking power you need in challenging situations:

• Monitoring and changing worn brake pads/shoes
• Turning or replacing worn brake discs/drums
• Monitoring master cylinder and brake fluid condition
• Routinely inspecting all hoses/lines, fittings, and valves for leaks
• Promptly addressing braking response issues
• Verifying hand brake and ABS function

Diesel Air System and Air Brake Maintenance

For large vehicles with pneumatic components including brakes, routine maintenance should include:

• Regularly draining the air tank
• Replacing desiccant cartridges
• Monitoring air pressure buildup time
• Checking air dryer and treadle valve operation
• Inspecting the air system and compressor for leaks
• Air brake system calibration 

Diesel AC Maintenance

Diesel truck heating and air conditioning are essential in today’s climate extremes. Undetected AC maintenance problems can leave you more than uncomfortable, leading to smelly leaks and poor air quality. Stay proactive, addressing minor issues before they lead to costly repairs.

• Perform regular vacuum testing
• Inspect the AC fan, hoses, and belts regularly
• Recharge or flush AC when cooling is suboptimal
• Replace worn air filters and components before they lead to bigger issues

Diesel Electrical System and Accessory Maintenance

Electrical system issues can impact overall vehicle performance or individual component functions, including:

• Batteries
• Alternator
• Lights
• Wipers
• Horn
• Back up alarm
• Cruise and warning systems
• Heating and air
• And other add-on accessories 

Exhaust Maintenance and Diesel Smog Testing

Diamond Mitsubishi Fuso offers opacity testing and exhaust and muffler system repairs to keep your diesel truck compliant with California Periodic Smoke Inspection Program regulations. 

Diesel Chassis and Body Maintenance

Clean your truck regularly, addressing chassis and body damage early to prevent rust and rot on:

• Bumpers and grills
• Trailer body and fenders
• Doors and windows
• Suspension
• Axels and undercarriage

Diesel Fuel System Maintenance

Diesel engines are more prone to fuel contamination problems than gas-powered engines. To prevent issues:

• Regularly change fuel filters
• Drain water separators frequently
• Bleed the system, removing trapped air after filter changes or if you’ve run out of gas

Don’t wait on maintenance until something is wrong. Keep your fleet in top shape with this diesel truck maintenance checklist and regular service from Diamond Mitsubishi Fuso. Contact us at 408-263-7300 to schedule diesel truck repair and maintenance services in the Bay Area today.