10 Tips for Maintaining Your Collection Vehicles

Collection vehicle maintenance is important for ensuring that the truck is safe to operate. Accidents and injuries are unfortunately all too common in the solid waste management industry. Maintenance is also important for prolonging the life of the vehicle and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Performing regular maintenance reduces downtime. It ensures that your fleet is working properly and is always available to use. It also keeps customers happy by offering a consistent garbage collection service.

Today's waste collection vehicles often feature complex systems. “Complexity is not bad, but it can be difficult to diagnose and difficult to service," explained Curtis Dorwart, refuse product manager for Mack Trucks. "You can’t run a fleet like before. Maintenance requires another level of attention today.”

Maintenance schedules for collection vehicles vary depending on the type of collection vehicle and how it will be used. It’s always best to follow the recommendations provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Some of the top manufacturers of refuse trucks in the U.S. include Mack Trucks, Peterbilt, Freightliner, International, Volvo Trucks, Western Star, Isuzu, and Autocar.

A common theme with advice for collection vehicle maintenance is to check various parts of the truck on a regular basis. Replacing or repairing something before it breaks down is always easier—and cheaper—than dealing with an unexpected incident like a truck that has broken down in the middle of a route.

Below are 10 recommendations for keeping up with maintenance on your collection vehicles.

1. Regularly check the oil and oil filter, changing both as needed, to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

2. Check and replace air filters to keep the engine running cleanly and to prevent it from overheating.

3. Check and maintain the battery and charging system to ensure that the vehicle starts and runs reliably.

4. Maintain the brakes, including replacing brake pads and rotors as necessary, to ensure that the vehicle stops safely.

5. Check and inflate the tires to the correct pressure to improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of the tires. Also rotate the tires as needed.

6. Check and maintain the suspension and steering system to ensure that the vehicle handles correctly.

7. Check the transmission fluid and filter, replacing both as needed, to ensure that the vehicle shifts smoothly; this extends the life of the transmission.

8. Check and maintain the cooling system, including replacing coolant and checking hoses and connections to prevent overheating.

9. Check and replace the fuel filter to ensure the engine operates efficiently.

10. Regularly inspect the vehicle for signs of rust or other damage, and address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.