Preventive Maintenance
And DOT Inspection

Preventive maintenance service at Torpedo begins with a full walk-around inspection before the truck is even raised — identifying visible leaks, tire condition, lighting, and obvious damage that gets addressed alongside the scheduled oil change. A PM visit that finds and corrects developing problems prevents the unscheduled breakdowns that cost far more than the maintenance itself.

Engine oil and filter service is performed to the manufacturer’s specification for oil type, viscosity, and service interval. Oil analysis is available as an add-on service that tracks metal particle content and contamination levels over time — providing an early warning of developing engine wear that allows component repair before a catastrophic failure occurs.

• All fluid levels checked and topped off with every PM service
• Fuel filters serviced on manufacturer-recommended interval
• Service record updated and next interval documented at every visit

DOT annual safety inspections at Torpedo cover all FMCSA required inspection points — brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, wheels, frames, fuel systems, and coupling devices. Our inspectors follow the official FMCSA inspection procedure and document all findings, providing the truck owner with a complete inspection report and a copy of the inspection form.

Pre-trip inspection training is available as part of our DOT inspection service — we walk through the inspection with the driver, pointing out exactly what they should be checking on every pre-trip and why each item matters for compliance and safety. Drivers who understand what they are looking for catch problems earlier and reduce DOT roadside inspection violations.

• Inspection performed by trained and qualified commercial vehicle inspectors
• Out-of-service conditions identified and explained before truck is released
• Inspection sticker and documentation provided upon passing inspection

Fluid service at Torpedo covers all truck fluid systems on a scheduled interval basis — engine oil, transmission fluid, differential oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and air dryer desiccant. Fluid service intervals are tracked per truck and flagged when due, ensuring no service slips through the gaps on a high-mileage vehicle that accumulates intervals quickly.

Transmission fluid service on automatic and automated manual transmissions includes filter replacement and pan inspection for debris. Metallic debris in the transmission pan indicates internal wear that should be investigated before the transmission is refilled and returned to service — an observation that prevents a transmission repair from becoming a transmission replacement.

• Differential breather vents cleaned and confirmed open during axle oil service
• Transfer case fluid condition inspected where applicable
• Fluid service intervals logged and next service mileage recorded

Brake system inspection is performed as a standard component of every PM visit — not as an add-on. Brake adjustment, lining measurement, pushrod stroke check, and air system pressure test are completed and documented at every service. Catching a brake adjustment issue during a scheduled PM costs a fraction of what an out-of-service violation costs.

Slack adjuster function verification confirms that automatic slack adjusters are actually adjusting and not just holding position. An automatic slack adjuster that is not functioning correctly allows pushrod stroke to grow beyond the DOT limit — the most common cause of brake-related out-of-service violations on trucks with automatic slack adjusters that appear to be in good condition.

• Brake lining thickness measured and recorded at every PM
• Air leak test performed on both service and parking brake circuits
• ABS warning lights checked and fault codes pulled if illuminated

Lighting inspection at PM service covers all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, marker lights, and reflectors on both tractor and trailer. We test lighting circuits with the trailer connected — not just the tractor — because trailer lighting faults are the most common reason drivers receive fix-it tickets during roadside inspections.

Safety system checks cover seat belts, mirrors, horn, wipers, and emergency equipment. These items are frequently overlooked in shop-based PM programs because they are not mechanical systems, but they are all inspected items in a FMCSA roadside inspection and can result in driver violations when found defective.

• Trailer connector pins tested for corrosion and correct contact
• Clearance and identification lights tested individually
• All safety deficiencies documented in the PM inspection report

Fleet maintenance programs at Torpedo are built around your trucks’ operating conditions, mileage accumulation rate, and FMCSA compliance requirements. We track each truck’s service history, flag upcoming intervals, and coordinate scheduling to minimize fleet downtime — keeping your trucks maintained without taking more out of service at once than your operation can absorb.

Fleet managers receive a service summary after each truck visit that documents all work performed, any developing concerns found during inspection, and the recommended next service interval. This transparent reporting system keeps you informed and gives you the documentation you need for your maintenance records, insurance requirements, and compliance files.

• Priority scheduling available for fleet customers to minimize turnaround time
• Per-truck service history maintained and available on request
• Fleet maintenance consultation available for new operators building their PM program