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Love your truck this Valentine’s Day

How much do you love your truck? Do you show it appreciation daily or just on special occasions? Your truck should feel loved and cherished every day. Whether you’re a dedicated partner or realizing you’ve been neglecting your truck, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to rekindle your relationship.

Like any strong relationship, a truck needs care and attention. If you want to keep rolling smoothly, avoid breakdowns, and even save money, here are a few ways to show your truck some extra love.

A little attention goes a long way

Everyone’s heard the classic relationship advice: “Never go to bed angry.” Well, the same principle applies to your truck – don’t park it for the night without showing it some love. Too many drivers call it a day, grab a meal, and go to sleep, ignoring their truck’s needs. And just like an ignored partner, your truck will eventually make you pay for it – usually in the form of costly repairs, violations, and unexpected downtime.

Before you rest your head every night, make sure you show your truck some attention by completing a post-trip inspection. And in the morning, greet it with a pre-trip inspection before hitting the road.

Did you know?

According to the FMCSA, the most common vehicle violation in 2024 was “Inoperable Required Lamp” with 182,697 violations. The second most common? “Operating a CMV without proof of periodic inspection,” with 109,245. These numbers aren’t just statistics – they’re proof that too many trucks aren’t getting the love and attention they deserve.

Why this matters:

• Fewer violations = fewer DOT inspections. If your truck is well maintained, officers may be less likely to select you for an inspection.
• Lower CSA scores = lower insurance rates.  A clean record can save you money.
• More uptime = more profits. Keeping your truck road-ready means fewer breakdowns and delays.

Spending a bit of time before and after every trip can keep you safe, compliant, and profitable. Check your lights, tires, brakes, and other components, because a little extra attention today prevents bigger problems tomorrow.

View a sample Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Report (DOT)

Preventative maintenance programs keep the spark alive

Daily inspections are great, but let’s be honest, if I only talked to my wife for 15 minutes a day and remembered her once a year on Valentine’s Day, she’d have a few words for me. A strong relationship needs effort, planning, and regular maintenance – and so does your truck.

How do you keep that spark alive with your truck year-round?

• Schedule regular check-ups with your mechanic. Don’t wait for something to break.
• Wash it weekly. A clean truck looks better, lasts longer, and makes you proud to drive it.
• Keep it well-greased. Proper lubrication prevents wear and keeps your truck running strong.

A strong preventative maintenance program is what separates successful fleets from those constantly dealing with unexpected repairs. Some truck owners wait until something breaks only to have an officer point it out first. Others invest in scheduled maintenance, preventing small issues from becoming big and expensive problems.

“The best time to fix a problem is when it started. The second best time is now.”

Common routine maintenance includes:

• Oil changes, fuel filters, and air filters every 10,000 – 20,000 miles
• Brake inspections and greasing components between oil changes
• Seasonal maintenance for different weather conditions
• Periodic inspections (annually at a minimum, though more frequently is suggested)

A truck that’s loved regularly will return the favor by keeping you on the road and making money.

Keeping the love going strong

Valentine’s Day reminds us that strong relationships require effort, and the one with your truck is no different. By prioritizing daily pre- and post-trip inspections and preventative maintenance, you’re much more likely to have a truck that’s reliable, safe, and profitable.

A little extra love today keeps you rolling tomorrow.