Semi Truck Preventive Maintenance Checklist

By | January 9, 2026
Checklists Construction Maintenance Manufacturing
Semi truck preventive maintenance

Intro

A semi truck preventive maintenance checklist is a structured set of inspections and service tasks designed to keep Class 7 and Class 8 trucks safe, reliable and compliant. Instead of waiting for breakdowns on the road, this checklist helps maintenance technicians identify wear, leaks and mechanical issues before they turn into DOT violations, roadside failures or missed deliveries.

For maintenance techs, preventive maintenance on semi trucks is non-negotiable. These vehicles rack up thousands of miles under heavy loads, extreme temperatures and constant vibration. Without a checklist, critical items like brakes, suspension or steering components can be overlooked until failure.

For fleet maintenance teams, a semi truck preventive maintenance (PM) checklist helps:

  • Prevent breakdowns that lead to costly towing and downtime
  • Catch safety issues before DOT inspections or audits
  • Extend the life of engines, transmissions and driveline components
  • Maintain fuel efficiency and emissions compliance
  • Create consistent inspections across drivers, shifts and locations

Whether you’re maintaining a small fleet or hundreds of trucks, a standardized checklist turns preventive maintenance into a repeatable system instead of guesswork.

Semi Truck Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Get this checklist in Coast Download
Check engine oil level and condition
Inspect coolant level and look for visible leaks
Check power steering fluid level
Inspect fuel system for leaks or damaged lines
Check windshield, mirrors and wipers for visibility
Verify headlights, brake lights, turn signals and marker lights
Inspect tires for proper inflation, tread wear or damage
Check wheels and lug nuts for cracks or looseness
Test horn, air brakes and parking brake
Inspect air lines and glad hands for leaks or wear
Inspect belts and hoses for cracks, glazing or fraying
Check battery condition, mounts and cable connections
Drain air tanks to remove moisture and contaminants
Inspect exhaust system for leaks or loose components
Check DEF level and inspect DEF lines for leaks
Inspect fifth wheel plate, locking jaws and release mechanism
Lubricate fifth wheel if required
Inspect brake pads, shoes and rotors or drums for wear
Check slack adjusters and brake chamber operation
Inspect suspension components including springs, airbags and shocks
Check steering components for excessive play or wear
Inspect driveshaft, U-joints and carrier bearings
Inspect frame rails and crossmembers for cracks or corrosion
Clean or replace engine air filter as needed
Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Inspect transmission fluid level and condition
Check differential fluid level
Inspect cooling system hoses, radiator and clamps
Test alternator output and charging system
Inspect turbocharger and charge air cooler system
Check emissions components including DPF and EGR system
Replace fuel filters and water separator
Flush and replace coolant if required by manufacturer
Inspect clutch operation and linkage
Inspect kingpins and front axle components
Perform wheel alignment check
Inspect air dryer and replace desiccant if needed
Perform full DOT inspection
Replace transmission and differential fluids if due
Inspect wiring harnesses for chafing or corrosion
Perform overhead valve adjustment if required
Conduct full brake system inspection and service
Review maintenance history and update PM intervals
Inspect trailer brakes and air lines
Check trailer suspension and axles
Inspect trailer lights and wiring
Inspect landing gear and crank operation
Check trailer tires, wheels and lug nuts

Pro tip: Using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like Coast allows fleet maintenance teams to schedule PMs by mileage or engine hours, attach this checklist to each truck and automatically flag safety-critical issues before trucks leave the yard.

Disclaimer

Coast and their collaborators provide this resource as a service to the public. Coast and their collaborators’ are not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this website.

Please note that this template is provided as an example only. It does not replace your own diligence & research, including workplace, health and safety or other applicable laws. You should seek professional advice to determine if the use of this resource is appropriate or permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction.

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