When you lease semi-trailers, it’s important to give the proper TLC needed to keep them working efficiently throughout the duration of your commercial trailer lease agreement. Most fleet managers’ attention is on the tractor itself, sometimes taking the time to follow up and give sufficient attention to the care of the semi-trailers can fall to the wayside. However, to prioritize the efficiency of your trailer fleet’s operations and to keep your deliveries running smoothly (and without downtime), it is essential to establish the proper trailer maintenance routine. Here are some helpful semi-trailer maintenance tips that will help your operations team care for your trailers properly and keep your business rolling.
TIP 1: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY
Semi-trailer tires can be a major expense if not properly taken care of, but proper care and maintenance of these tires is often ignored. This is especially the case since drivers are very busy with their day-to-day workload and tire pressure status can easily be forgotten or ignored. Mike Goor, President of Contract Leasing Corp., says, “proper tire air pressure is key to tire longevity,” he advises our customers to utilize tire pressure monitoring or inflation systems in order to ensure that they maximize the lifespan of their tires.
It’s key to check a tire’s pressure on a regular basis to ensure the longest life and most efficient operation of the tire. Even a new tire will deflate a little bit over time, and failure to react properly and make the necessary adjustments can negatively affect fuel economy and make a truck more difficult to control. This also will maximize fuel mileage.
TIP 2: DON’T MISS OUT ON INTERIOR SEMI-TRAILER MAINTENANCE
Remember to regularly visually inspect the inside of your fleet trailers and review for issues that would prevent you from maximizing your ability to deliver goods. For example, an issue such as a hole in the roof could lead to leaks that can damage your cargo. In addition, this damaging moisture can spread throughout the trailer, leading to possible rust and unsafe unloading situations, all of which could easily be avoided with regular proactive maintenance and awareness. Also be sure to continuously examine your tie-down straps, inspecting for potential holes or tears that can loosen or unsecure cargo leading to further damage inside your semi-trailer.
TIP 3: PROPERLY INSPECT SUSPENSIONS
Be sure to regularly ensure that suspensions are clear and that there is nothing interfering with the movement the suspension needs to properly function. Examine the semi-trailer’s suspension for warning signs such as wear and tear or even possible rust. If your examination reveals any corrosion, it’s key to replace the part, in order to avoid future issues and breakdowns. A well-maintained suspension ensures safe delivery that protects cargo and trailer life during your lease.
TIP 4: CHECK SEMI-TRAILER BRAKES
A cloud of smoke in a driver’s rear view mirror when they apply their brakes is a dreaded sight. When this issue occurs, at that point it is likely to be too late to avoid serious problems. Issues with breaks lead to downtime, which of course hurts your bottom line. It is mission-critical to frequently inspect semi-trailer brakes – we recommend doing so nearly every day. The inspection takes only a moment of time and can help save a substantial amount of money if an issue is detected early. In addition, it’s also important for drivers to be sensitive when using using their brakes, driving with care to avoid a potential burnout. If drivers apply their brake pressure slowly, it will avoid the brakes slowly burning out and prolong their life. Finally, drivers should strive to avoid using trailer brakes when traveling uphill, since one of the main purposes of semi-trailer brakes is to help regulate speed when driving downhill – making payloads easier to handle.
CLC PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF SEMI-TRAILER LEASING OPTIONS AND A WIDE RANGE OF SEMI-TRAILER MAKES, SIZES, AND CONFIGURATIONS – PLUS AN INVENTORY OF PREVIOUSLY-OWNED SEMI-TRAILERS.
Discover how our team’s expertise can get you the right equipment and the best possible semi-trailer leasing options, call 877-735-3815 EXT. 2.