Find out what some of our graduates are doing today in pursuing their successful careers.
Learn more about how we assist our veterans from VA funding to exclusive scholarships.
UTI welcomes General Education Diploma students. Find out more in our resources.
$15 million in grants & scholarships available this year for those who qualify10
Whether you’re interested in becoming a diesel technician or drive a diesel truck yourself, it’s important to understand preventive maintenance and the purpose it serves.
Following a maintenance checklist is essential for maintaining your truck and keeping your equipment in good condition, which in turn protects the safety of both you and others on the road. Additionally, performing routine maintenance keeps repair costs to a minimum.
If you’re looking to learn more about diesel truck maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Follow along as we share what preventive maintenance is, its importance and a complete diesel truck inspection checklist.
Preventive maintenance, when performed regularly, can extend the lifespan of diesel trucks and improve fuel economy. It can also play an important role in sustaining a truck’s value in resale, as buyers usually want to see the vehicle’s full maintenance record before making their purchase. For a commercial trucking application, performing regular maintenance will also avoid fines for Department of Transportation violations.
If you’re familiar with diesel trucks, you know that sudden mechanical breakdowns are expensive--however, they can often be avoided with routine inspections. These maintenance checks can be performed based on mileage or time.
While some might consider routine maintenance to be a waste of time, it saves money in the long run. Investing the time and money to keep diesel equipment in good condition optimizes fuel economy and prolongs usage of each part. Skilled diesel mechanics understand the importance of preventive maintenance and are able to complete the necessary inspections and repairs to keep their equipment running at the highest efficiency.
Diesel truck drivers should follow a preventive maintenance checklist prior to hitting the road for each trip. This involves checking the important elements of the truck, including lights, tires, turn signals, hazard lights and much more. Those completing the inspection should watch out for unusual sounds and basic warning signs that indicate the need for repair, such as fuel contamination, oil oxidation or a black exhaust problem.
Follow along as we share a complete diesel truck inspection checklist, broken down by in-cab inspection, pneumatic system check, cab and body inspection, tire and wheel inspection, engine inspection, air brake inspection and hydraulic brake inspection.
The in-cab portion of a preventive maintenance check covers everything from the windshield to the foot pedals.
The pneumatic system uses compressed air to transmit and control energy. Checking this system involves everything from analyzing the air system for leaks to inspecting treadle valve operation.
The cab and body inspection covers a wide range of parts, from the air compressor to the bumpers.
Checking a diesel truck’s tires is a critical step in the inspection process. This involves examining every tire to ensure it meets the requirements for tread depth and is properly inflated. This can help to avoid problems with alignment, traction, framework, braking and steering.
Front
Rear
Without a properly functioning engine, a diesel truck can’t run. An engine inspection requires a closer look at everything from the power steering level to the engine cooling system. A full diesel engine inspection checklist includes the following:
An air brake inspection is only performed on trucks equipped with air brakes. Brakes are a critical element to inspect, especially before a long trip. A compressed air brake system is a type of friction brake in which compressed air presses on a diaphragm and applies pressure to the brake pad that stops the vehicle. The diaphragm in the brake chamber converts air pressure into mechanical force. These types of brakes are typically found in large, heavy vehicles, like diesel trucks.
A hydraulic brake inspection is only performed on trucks equipped with hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes use fluid to charge the brakes. When the brake pedal is pressed, the increase in hydraulic fluid pressure forces the brake pistons to push the brake pad against the rotor or drum. This causes friction and slows the wheels to stop the vehicle.
At Universal Technical Institute, you can gain the fundamentals you need to service powerful trucks and engines while receiving hands-on training with equipment from leading brands in the industry.1
In addition to the 45-week Diesel Technology program, we also offer a variety of manufacturer-specific advanced training programs. This training can take your knowledge to the next level and help prepare you for a career working in a particular industry or for a certain manufacturer.15
For example, the 8-week Fendt Technician Academy program is designed for those looking to start their career as an agricultural technician. This curriculum was developed in collaboration with AGCO Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment. You’ll learn how to work on tractors from Fendt (a brand of the AGCO corporation), which can help give you a head start on your career.
To learn more about training at UTI, request information today. We’ll get you in touch with an Admissions Representative who can help guide you on your journey to becoming a technician!
What does an agricultural mechanic do? Read more about this job here!
Why do graduates love their experience at Universal Technical Institute? Here are seven reasons...
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.
