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7 Proper Fleet Maintenance Tips to Keep it in Good Shape - Singapore


man doing thumbs up in front of vehicle's mirror

Avoid vehicle breakdowns with these preventive fleet maintenance tips.


Commercial vehicles are a crucial part of business operations for most companies. It's costly when those commercial vehicles break down in the middle of the road. However, it's much wiser to follow preventive maintenance than waiting for an expensive breakdown to occur.

man inspecting the truck

Here we share seven tips for maintaining a healthy fleet in Singapore:


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


Check your vehicle regularly to reduce the risk of engine and drivetrain issues that affect your bottom line. Look for excessive smoking, loss of oil pressure, and decreased power. These could indicate an unhealthy engine, which means it’s time to take action.


It's best to partner with a reliable supplier to perform routine check-ups 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.


Due to the harmful effects of salt and other chemicals, fire trucks and buses often retire earlier. As a result, they're susceptible to body corrosion, which causes a lot of rust.


Despite Singapore's high humidity, rust isn't inevitable. However, you can slow down the spread of existing rust and extend your vehicle's life with these four tips:


• Watch out for paint chips bigger than the tip of a pen. These are the perfect places for rust to begin. Your regular maintenance company in Singapore should scan your vehicles and address these spots thoroughly.


• Washing your vehicle every ten days preserves a clear coat, paint, and primer and protects bare metal from corrosion.


• Regularly keep drains clear of debris and wipe down door jams to prevent foul odours.


• Spray door locks with a lubricant such as WD-40 before parking your vehicles. The oil protects the lock from moisture and ensures that it works properly.


• Wash your truck immediately following rain. In the rainy season, rain collects pollutants and deposits them on the body of your car in "acid rain."


When you trust your trucks and buses to Scantruck, we take a look before any issues happen. We spot body problems and other common repairs BEFORE they get severe and expensive.


TIP 3: Check for any electrical issues.


Do you keep experiencing electrical problems but can't find the source of the problem? For example, if you checked everything and couldn't find anything wrong, there might be an electrical short.


Holes in connectors and wiring insulation are a breeding ground for electrical problems. Sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting the connectors will solve the intermittent issue quickly. But, other times, more is going on with the wiring than you initially realized.


Taking a more thorough inspection is your best option. However, if you're short on time, we suggest a staged approach to make it easier:


• First, visually inspect it. Look for signs of wear and tear around areas with a lot of heat or movement. You may also need to check if it appears stiff or worn down. Remember that the resistance in the wire can increase as temperatures rise.


• Second, look closely at the connectors near those areas and other areas exposed to water or battery residue. If any look suspicious, disconnect them from the connector before checking the connectors inside.


Electrical problems are some of the hardest to deal with, but these simple steps will provide a more accurate and long-lasting repair.


When doing preventive maintenance on your vehicle, it's our goal to check for any electrical problems that have the potential to break down. We also offer a repair and maintenance package that can help with any electrical issues before they happen.

mechanic doing repair on the truck

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


Brake failure is one of the most common causes of accidents, often resulting in vehicle damage, injury, and lawsuits in Singapore. To avoid this, ensure your brakes are inspected by a professional as part of your maintenance routine.


Brake service has different recommended schedules depending on the distance a truck can handle. But as a general rule, it's safest to have your brakes checked and maintained during every oil change.


Brake pads wear out, and you need to replace them regularly. The brake light will tell you WHEN you need to replace them. Your workshop partner should also install new brake springs, pins, and bushings. Finally, the technician should return the drums simultaneously to avoid the formation of heat cracks.


You must apply pressure to the brake pedal to ensure your truck can move. The ideal range is 100-125 psi before putting the truck to work. However, if you see a consistent pressure under 100 psi, you should have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.


Brake maintenance is crucial for a vehicle to continue operating correctly. Have your workshop partner grease the slack adjusters and check the grease, S cams, linings, hoses, and more when you avail of our brake service at Scantruck.


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


Over time, all sorts of parts will naturally wear and break.



The bad news is that some manufacturers have stopped making parts for older models, so you'll gradually need to find a new manufacturer.


Ensure that the parts you need will be on-stock, and buy parts with more extended warranties. For example, brake pads, alternators, oil seals, and other common spare parts typically come with warranties. Make sure to add them to your list of inventory.


Stockpiling may cost more upfront, but it's well worth the peace of mind of knowing that you have the parts you need. At Scantruck, we offer a consignment program for commercial vehicle parts to help keep your business running smoothly.



TIP 6: Change your commercial vehicles' oil regularly.


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


Engine friction increases with use, leading to the risk of total engine failure. Most manufacturers in Singapore recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Some mechanics recommend more frequent oil changes for trucks used for heavy-duty work.

mechanics checking wirings on the vehicle

TIP 7: A coolant system malfunction can be dangerous, so make sure to stay on top of it.


Another cause of premature engine failure is improperly maintaining your vehicle's coolant system.


It's essential to know the different kinds of coolant and their functions. Manufacturers will also specify what type of coolant you should use. In addition, you need to keep your cooling system clean and replace damaged or corroded components, so the car doesn't overheat.


Scantruck provides a comprehensive look at your commercial vehicle's condition. Whether you need preventative maintenance, testing solutions, or repair services for material-handling equipment, Scantruck has everything in Singapore.


We've been serving commercial vehicle owners for 36 years and partner with the best spare part brands worldwide to give you the best value for your money.


If you have fleet servicing needs, call us at 6305 6600 for a FREE quote!


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