As your service trucks are rolling through the busy season, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about fleet maintenance. There’s no time for a pump failure when you’ve got more than 400 units to service at a local country music festival. And you certainly don’t have time for a breakdown when you’re servicing sprawling green energy
or agricultural sites.
If your portable restroom business doesn’t have a seasonal, preventive vehicle maintenance plan in place, take this as your sign to start now. Of course, summer vehicle maintenance will vary by your climate, but seven basic points should get any PRO on the path to better fleet care:
- Fluid Systems
- Weekly: Check and top off coolant levels, use a coolant formulated for hot weather. Inspect and clean radiator — get those bugs out of there! Check and top off engine oil with summer-grade oil.
- Monthly: Check transmission fluid — beware of discoloration or a burnt smell; if applicable, top off hydraulic fluid and check for leaks.
- Seasonally: Flush and replace coolant to prevent overheating in extreme heat.
- Cooling and Air Systems
- Weekly: Inspect belts and hoses for wear and cracks; heat increases the chance for failure.
- Monthly: Check air conditioning system; check and replace air filter as summer dust can accelerate clogging; and inspect the cab’s ventilation fans to ensure airflow in hot weather.
- Pump and Vacuum Equipment
- Daily: Check vacuum pump oil level, as heat can rapidly degrade the oil. Inspect the pump for overheating and ensure proper airflow around the unit.
- Weekly: Test vacuum pressure and performance to avoid service delays; inspect hoses and seals for softening — the heat can weaken their structural integrity.
- Monthly: Lubricate vacuum pump fittings and use a high-temperature grease when needed; clean and flush freshwater and wastewater tanks to damp down the increased odors and bacterial growth caused by heat.
- Electrical and Battery
- Monthly: Clean and inspect battery terminals to prevent voltage drop from corrosion; test battery voltage under load as heat can degrade battery life; and check all wiring and fuses to ensure there are no melted or brittle wires.
- Safety and Sanitation
- Daily: Ensure hand sanitizer and PPE are stocked; confirm the backup camera and alarm function.
- Weekly: Inspect brakes and tire pressure as heat affects pressure and wear rates.
- Monthly: Verify fire extinguisher is serviced, high heat increases fire risks; check all safety decals and signage for UV damage.
- Operational Readiness
- Ongoing: Review and log service intervals, summer loads may require shorter intervals
- Daily: Perform pre-trip walk-around inspection to look for heat-related stress and damage.
- Monthly: Run engine idle test in heat to check for stalling or overheating; conduct safety refresher/toolbox talks about heat exhaustion, hydration, etc.
- Additional Recommendations
- Shade parked units whenever possible to protect equipment and reduce cab temperatures.
- Use thermal gloves and sun-protective PPE.
- Increase the tank deodorizer to offset summer odors.
- Hydration kits and cooling towels for drivers are a low-cost investment.
