It’s time to get your food truck business read for fall. Last week we discussed small ingredient tweaks to get your menu tuned up. Today we are going to look directly at the most important part of your mobile food business…your truck. Without providing the proper maintenance, your truck could have you sidelined while you watch the final days of beautiful weather pass you by. You may not associate this season as a prime time to complete a Fall food truck maintenance checklist.

But, while most of the items on this checklist are geared toward winter driving, it’s much smarter and easier to do them during fall when the weather is usually milder, especially true if you operate your food truck business in the northern half of the country or in higher elevations.

Fall Food Truck Maintenance Checklist:

Help your keep your vehicle on the road by adjusting to seasonal changes by completing this fall food truck maintenance checklist.

  • Check your oil level, and add oil if necessary. It’s even better if you perform an oil and lube job. Be sure to use multi-grade viscosity oil for winter driving.
  • Test your battery. You can do this for free at many auto parts stores. If it needs to be replaced, many of the stores that provide testing will install the new battery for no extra fee.
  • Inspect your windshield wipers. Bitter cold, snow and ice are hard on rubber blades. Again, you can find blades designed for winter at most local auto parts stores.
  • Use proper wiper fluid. Fill your windshield wiper reservoir with the proper type of windshield fluid for your climate.
  • Look at the level and condition of your engine coolant. If the level is low, add antifreeze. If the condition looks poor, do a flush-and-fill.
  • Evaluate your belts and hoses. If you see any evidence of fraying, cracking or leaking, get a new belt or hose immediately.
  • Consider getting a tune-up. Do this especially if it’s been 30,000 miles or so since your food truck’s last one. At the least, perform a visual inspection of your spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor.
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated. When dealing with sloppy or icy road conditions, you’ll need the best traction your tires can deliver. If your tires are worn, replace them before winter arrives.
  • Put together a winter food truck survival kit. Jumper cables, flares, ice scrapers, road salt, flashlights, flares, blankets and first aid materials are all good to include in your kit.

The Bottom Line

It’s been stressed over and over, but you absolutely need to keep your food truck on the road to maintain your profitability. Use a local mechanic if you have one that is familiar with your vehicle. The problem is, most vendors don’t have this luxury. Follow this Fall food truck maintenance checklist close so you can keep your truck on the road all season long.

RELATED: 5 Common Vehicle Maintenance Mistakes Food Truck Owners Can Avoid

We hope you find this fall food truck maintenance checklist handy. If you think there are other items we should include, let us know. Share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section, our food truck forum or social media. Twitter } Facebook