PM checklist
Semi-Truck PM Service Checklist
Use this PM checklist when a tractor enters planned service so inspection notes, fluids, filters, defects, and next due mileage stay together.
If this checklist creates repair items, record them in the maintenance log template and use the PM schedule generator to plan the next due mileage.
Printable Checklist
| Item | What to check | Why it matters | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and filter service | Record oil type, oil quantity, filter numbers, drain-plug condition, and sample number if oil analysis is taken. | PM records are more useful when the service can be tied to exact parts and mileage. | Add next oil due mileage before the truck leaves. |
| Chassis lube and driveline | Grease required points, inspect U-joints, carrier bearing, steering linkage, fifth wheel, and suspension bushings. | Skipped lube points can become driveline vibration, steering play, or fifth wheel wear. | Record any dry, damaged, or inaccessible fittings. |
| Brake and air system review | Check for air leaks, moisture, warning lights, lining condition where visible, hoses, chambers, and air-dryer service status. | Brake and air defects can stop dispatch and affect roadside inspection results. | Route adjustment or replacement work to qualified service. |
| Tires by position | Measure tread depth and pressure at each steer, drive, and trailer position being serviced. | Position-level readings reveal alignment, inflation, and rotation problems. | Do not log only 'tires OK'. |
| Electrical and charging | Test batteries, inspect cables and grounds, confirm charging voltage, and check lights. | No-starts and lighting defects often show early signs during PM. | Record battery age if visible. |
| Defect closeout | List every open defect, who approved correction, and whether the truck is released or held. | A PM without follow-up can become just a receipt. | Add invoice numbers once work is complete. |
How Often to Use This Checklist
Use at each planned PM service, then review again when repair invoices or inspections reveal repeat defects.
Common Mistakes
- Checking boxes without writing mileage, unit number, defect notes, and follow-up status.
- Treating a visual walkaround as a qualified mechanical inspection.
- Skipping records for small defects that later become repeated repair issues.
- Filing paper logs where drivers, dispatch, and maintenance cannot retrieve them quickly.
Records to Keep
- Completed checklist with date, odometer, driver or inspector name, and unit number.
- Defect correction notes, invoices, parts receipts, and photos when useful.
- PM due mileage, next inspection target, and any out-of-service decision notes.
Use the print button to print the checklist or save it as a PDF from the browser.
Related resources
Sources and Methodology
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Part 393 - Equipment safety rules used as a reference point for inspection-sensitive systems such as brakes, lamps, coupling devices, and tires.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Part 396 - Maintenance, inspection, repair, and recordkeeping requirements for motor carriers.
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports and Roadside Inspection Basics - Public FMCSA material used for inspection and recordkeeping context.