PM checklist
Winter Truck Maintenance Checklist
Winter preparation focuses on starting reliability, air-system moisture, visibility, coolant protection, tires, and emergency downtime exposure.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries and cables | Load test batteries, inspect terminals, clean grounds, and confirm charging output. | Cold starts expose weak electrical systems. | Record battery age and test result. |
| Coolant protection | Check coolant level, freeze protection, cap condition, hoses, clamps, and visible leaks. | Cold-weather cooling failures can become engine damage. | Use the coolant specification required for the truck. |
| Air dryer and moisture | Review dryer service, tank moisture, purge behavior, and air-line condition. | Moisture can freeze and affect air-system reliability. | Escalate slow air build. |
| Fuel and filters | Review fuel filter condition, water separator, fuel treatment policy, and spare filter plan. | Fuel restriction can strand a truck in cold weather. | Follow fleet or engine guidance. |
| Visibility | Check wipers, washer fluid, defroster, mirrors, lights, reflective tape, and cab heat. | Visibility and driver comfort affect safe operation. | Carry route-appropriate supplies. |
How Often to Use This Checklist
Use before cold weather starts and repeat during severe winter operating periods.
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.