Maintain Equipment To Maximize Its Lifespan
Inflation, changing trade policies, regulatory requirements and OEM costs are just some of the factors that can drive the cost of equipment higher. As equipment costs increase, many fleets adjust their trade cycles on owned equipment and operate it for a longer period of time. As equipment ages, regular and comprehensive maintenance becomes even more critical to ensure peak performance and extend its operational life.
A strong focus on preventive maintenance can help control costs, reduce downtime and extend the life of parts and components, all of which contribute to improving fleet operations.
Critical Maintenance Areas
As trucks age, specific components typically require significantly more maintenance due to wear, fatigue and exposure.
Aftertreatment Systems: Emissions control systems are among the most maintenance-intensive on aging trucks. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system can experience DEF injector, dosing valve and sensor failures. Diesel particulate filters (DPFs), SCR units and associated sensors frequently require cleaning, replacement or troubleshooting.
Drivetrains: U-joints and driveshaft assemblies can develop wear that, if left unchecked, increases the risk of a catastrophic failure. Kingpins and bushings can develop excessive play, compromising handling. Air bags lose flexibility as the rubber dries out, and leaf springs can sag or even crack.
Braking System: Brake chambers can develop internal spring and diaphragm fatigue or external air leaks, both of which can lead to safety concerns. Drums, discs and pads wear down over time.
Electrical System: Electrical reliability declines steadily as trucks age. Wiring harnesses become vulnerable to chafing and corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to the elements. Electronic control modules (ECMs) can be susceptible to heat and vibration damage over time.
Chassis and Frame: Corrosion can weaken key areas and accelerate frame deterioration, particularly in regions that use road salt. Stress points on the frame may develop cracks, especially in trucks with heavy-duty applications or those regularly subjected to rough terrain or overloading.
A Comprehensive Maintenance Program
Maintaining equipment can be complex, requiring significant investments in tooling, training and labor. Penske can help fleets optimize their owned equipment while easing their maintenance burden through contract maintenance plans.
Contract maintenance solutions include:
- Preventive Maintenance Programs: Each PM program is customized to a fleet’s usage and specifications. Penske’s Dynamic PM services analyze specifications and trends unique to each fleet, delivering the right preventive maintenance at the right time.
- Convenient Access: Customers can access a nationwide network of more than 900 shops and 10,000 technicians.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: While preventive maintenance helps prevent roadside failures, breakdowns can still occur. Penske’s roadside support helps minimize downtime and keep equipment moving.
- Advanced Diagnostics and Reporting: Penske analyzes vast amounts of data from across its network, including remote diagnostics, to understand when specific components are likely to fail on each vehicle type. Detailed information helps technicians identify issues early and support data-driven maintenance decisions.
- Discounted Rates: Penske offers tire retreading, DPF filter cleaning and rental trucks at preferred rates as part of its contract maintenance program.
- Expert Technicians: Technicians are trained to service a wide range of makes and models. All Penske technicians participate in a comprehensive training program, which includes approximately 40 hours of ongoing training annually.