Public works fleets and road maintenance equipment take a beating year-round. From salt and snow in winter to heavy loads and heat in summer, your trucks, graders, and sweepers are always under stress. Proper maintenance isn’t about shiny trucks – it’s about keeping your crew safe and your equipment running efficiently for years to come. Here are five practical, no-frills tips that foremen and maintenance teams can put into action today to get more life out of their fleet:
- Wash Equipment Regularly (Especially After Salt Exposure). Road salt and chemical deicers are corrosive enemies. If you run snow plows or salt spreaders, make it standard practice to rinse them down after each storm. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and nooks where salt accumulates . Even DOT officials emphasize frequent washing in winter to keep rust at bay . For added protection, use a salt-neutralizing wash solution to really disarm those corrosive residues (a product like NEUTRO-WASH falls in this category). A clean, salt-free machine is far less likely to rot out on you prematurely.
- Protect Against Corrosion Before It Starts. Don’t wait for rust to show up – be proactive. Applying an anti-corrosion coating to vulnerable areas (truck frames, dump beds, plow blades, wheel wells) can drastically slow down rust formation . Many city and state fleets use rubberized undercoatings (like ARMOUR-SEAL) on the undersides of trucks to seal out moisture and salt. Also, touch up paint chips and scratches on metal surfaces before they can bloom into rust spots. And if you do find rust, tackle it immediately with a rust converter or inhibitor. A small can of rust treatment used in time can save you from a much costlier repair down the road.
- Check Fluids and Filters Frequently. Hard-working engines and hydraulics need clean oil and fluids to survive their harsh work environment. Follow a strict schedule for changing engine oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, and coolant as recommended – heavy use or extreme conditions might even call for shorter intervals. Don’t forget filters: air filters, fuel filters, and hydraulic filters keep out the grime that can grind your equipment to a halt. A plugged air filter on a street sweeper or loader, for example, can reduce performance and increase wear. Keep a log and make fluid checks part of your crew’s routine. Catching low or dirty fluids can prevent breakdowns and extend engine life.
- Grease Moving Parts and Perform Lubrication. Your equipment works hard, and friction is its enemy. Grease fittings (zerks) are there for a reason – use them. Stick to a regular greasing schedule for joints, hinge points, drive shafts, and bearings on all equipment from backhoes to snow plows. Likewise, ensure things like door hinges, salt spreader chains, and loader pins are lubricated per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proper lubrication prevents excessive wear and protects against moisture. It also keeps equipment operating smoothly, so your crew isn’t fighting stiff or seized-up parts. A few minutes with the grease gun can save hours of downtime and extend the service life of those components significantly.
- Inspect and Tune-Up Your Equipment on a Schedule. The best way to avoid big problems is to catch the small issues early. Create a preventative maintenance schedule for your fleet and stick to it. This includes regular inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and electrical systems on vehicles – crucial for safety and longevity. Check tire pressure and tread frequently (properly inflated tires wear more evenly and improve fuel economy). Inspect brake pads, lines, and fluids; don’t let worn brakes jeopardize your crew or others on the road. For heavy equipment, schedule periodic tune-ups and component checks (e.g. belts, hoses, cutting edges on blades, etc.). Many shops use a simple checklist for each piece of equipment – this kind of diligence pays off. By keeping a consistent maintenance log and addressing issues during planned downtime (rather than after a breakdown), you’ll extend the life of your machines and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Remember: The goal is to be proactive, not reactive. None of these tips require fancy technology or huge budgets – just discipline and consistency. Road crews and maintenance teams that implement these no-nonsense practices find that their equipment runs better, breaks down less, and ultimately lasts longer. A well-maintained fleet means your team can get the job done on schedule, whether it’s clearing snow, repairing roads, or hauling debris. Take care of your machines, and they’ll return the favor with years of reliable service.
