If your business relies heavily on commercial vehicles to perform daily operations, then you know that it's a massive operational headache when your commercial vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road. But as in all things, we too believe that maintenance is always better than the cure. So here we share SEVEN tips to maintaining a healthy fleet in Singapore:

 

TIP 1: Conduct regular check-ups to avoid engine problems.

 

Performing regular check-ups reduces the risk of engine and drivetrain problems that affect your bottom line in Singapore. Common things you need to look out for in these inspections include excessive smoking, loss of oil pressure, and decreased power. These are symptoms of an unhealthy engine that need to be dealt with immediately.

 

It's best to partner with a reliable supplier who can perform these check-ups for you and keep track of your commercial vehicles' maintenance and repair history. 

 

Scantruck's check-ups include inspecting the following items:

• Engine
• Engine coolant
• Exhaust temperature
• Oil and boos pressures
• All rubber parts under the hood
• Wheel alignment

...and many more!

 

TIP 2: Check for body problems.

 

Some trucks and buses retire earlier than others due to body corrosion, which happens when rusting due to salt and other chemicals become very serious.

 

With Singapore's humidity, vehicles are not exempt from rusting. But while you can't prevent rust, you can slow down its spread and extend your vehicle's life. Here are four ways how:

 

• Watch out for paint chips bigger than the tip of a pen. These are perfect places for rust to begin. Your regular maintenance company in Singapore should scan your vehicles and address these spots thoroughly.
• Wash your vehicle every ten days. Washing prevents contaminants from eating through the clear coat, paint, primer, and bare metal. Also, be sure to keep any drains clear of debris and wipe down the door jams.
• Spray door locks with a lubricant such as WD-40 before parking your vehicles for the evening. This lubricant will protect the lock from moisture, which produces rust. Wash your truck immediately following rain. Rain collects pollutants and deposits them as "acid rain," which damages the protective finish.

 

It's best to take your trucks and buses to a team of professionals in Singapore who can spot body problems and more BEFORE they get serious, such as our team at Scantruck.

 

TIP 3: Check for any electrical issues.

 

Are you having intermittent electrical problems? If so, have you checked the wiring and connections?

 

Holes in the connectors and wiring insulation are a breeding ground for electrical problems. Sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting a connector solves the intermittent issue for a short time, but more often than not, there's more to it than meets the eye.

 

Opting for a more thorough inspection is your best option. While we understand that this can take a lot of time, we suggest a staged approach instead:

 

First, visually inspect the harness as thoroughly as possible without taking the vehicle apart. Pay particular attention to those areas near high temperatures and movements in the harness whenever the vehicle operates. If the harness appears stiff from heat or worn down by movement, inspect the harness more closely. Keep in mind that the resistance in the wire can get higher as temperatures increase.

 

Second, look closely at the connectors near those areas and other areas exposed to water or battery residue. If any look suspicious, disconnect them and check deeper in the connector, including the individual connectors inside and their connections.

 

Intermittent electrical issues are often difficult to diagnose and can take some time. But these simple steps will go a long way in providing a more accurate and long-lasting repair. 

 

At Scantruck, we check for electrical issues diligently as part of our preventive maintenance package. And in case you missed the opportunity to avoid these problems, we can help you repair what's broken through our repair & maintenance package.

 

TIP 4: Have a plan prepared to reduce brake wear and failure.

 

One of the most common causes of accidents is brake failure, resulting in vehicle damage, injury, and lawsuits in Singapore. To avoid this, you need to hire a professional to take care of your brakes as part of your truck maintenance routine.

 

The frequency of brake servicing depends on the distance a truck can travel and the drivers' driving behavior. But as a general rule, it's safest to have your brakes checked and maintained during every oil change.

 

Brake parts have wear and tear and need replacement regularly. The brake shoe indicators will tell you WHEN to replace them, which you will find out when you bring your truck in for pad replacement. During this time, your workshop partner should also install new brake springs, pins, and bushings. The technician should also replace the drums simultaneously to avoid the formation of heat cracks.

 

Application pressure is the best way to stop your truck from moving. The pressure should ideally be between 100 and 125 psi before putting the truck to work. If the pressure is consistently less than 100 psi, you should have the brakes inspected immediately. 

 

Brakes have many components that need to be maintained regularly. So be sure to have your workshop partner grease the slack adjusters, check the grease and S cams, as well as the linings and hoses. All of these are included when you avail of our maintenance service at Scantruck.

 

TIP 5: Look out for parts that are due for replacement.

 

Parts naturally wear and tear. 

 

The good news: Scantruck can provide you with replacement parts.

The bad news: Some truck manufacturers eventually stop making parts for older models. 

 

The best way to go about this is by ensuring that the parts you need will be on-stock and buying parts with more extended warranties. Most spare parts like brake pads, alternators, starters, and even oil seals come with warranties, so be sure to add them to your inventory list. 

 

Stockpiling may cost a bit more at the start, but your peace of mind knowing you have the parts you need is priceless. In addition to maintenance and repairs, Scantruck also offers a consignment program for commercial vehicle parts.

 

TIP 6: Change your commercial vehicles' oil regularly.

 

On average, a truck's engine deteriorates every few thousand miles. Fresh oil, on the other hand, prevents your engine from wearing down prematurely.

 

When engine friction increases, the chances of total engine failure and a costly trip to the repair shop increases as well. Most manufacturers in Singapore recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, but the frequency is still based on the vehicle and how it is used. For example, some mechanics would recommend more frequent oil changes if the truck is heavily used.

 

TIP 7: Monitor for any coolant system malfunction.

 

Another cause of premature engine failures results from not properly maintaining your vehicles' coolant system.

 

It's vital to understand coolant types and follow your manufacturers' requirements. In addition, you need to keep the coolant system clean at all times and replace damaged or corroded components to maintain engine temperature.

 

If you need a comprehensive look at your commercial vehicle's condition, Scantruck is your one-stop solution for all your commercial vehicles and material-handling equipment needs in Singapore. We've been helping thousands of commercial vehicles for 36 years and partner with the best global brands for spare parts to give you the best value for your money. 

 

Call us up at 6305 6600 to get a FREE quote for your fleet servicing needs!