How Often Should You Service Your Vocational Truck?

A Complete Maintenance Guide for Dump Trucks, Snowplows, Hydrovacs, Tankers, Mixers, and More

Vocational trucks are the backbone of Canada’s construction, transportation, and municipal service industries. These are not generic highway tractors—they’re purpose-built machines designed to handle demanding tasks in every season. Whether your fleet includes dump trucks, snowplows, salters, hydrovac units, tank trucks, bulk-commodity haulers, concrete mixers, refuse trucks, tow trucks, or low-bed carriers, staying ahead of maintenance keeps the work moving and your investment protected.

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Why Service Schedules Matter

Unplanned downtime can stall an entire project or contract. Regular service protects:

• Safety – Brake inspections, hydraulic checks, and torque tests reduce on-road hazards.
• Productivity – Well-maintained PTOs and hydraulics mean faster cycle times and fewer delays.
• Resale value – Documented service records keep your equipment desirable when it’s time to upgrade.
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Recommended Intervals by Truck Type

While a basic rule of thumb is a full inspection every 5,000–7,000 km or roughly every three months, real-world schedules depend on duty cycle and environment.
Below are industry-standard starting points that can be fine-tuned to your fleet’s workload:

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These intervals are starting points. A snowplow running 16-hour shifts in a coastal B.C. winter will require mid-season service, while a tanker hauling long prairie distances might extend to the higher end of the range.

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Environmental Factors to Consider

British Columbia’s coastal rain and road brine accelerate corrosion, while Alberta’s sub-zero winters demand extra attention to hydraulic fluids and battery health. Mountain grades put extra strain on transmissions and brakes. All of these conditions make a custom service plan essential rather than optional.

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Building a Fleet-Wide Program

Programmatic maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated:

1. Create a Service Matrix – List every truck type, average kilometres per month, and key wear components.
2. Automate Reminders – Use telematics or a simple spreadsheet to trigger inspections based on mileage or hours.
3. Document Everything – A clean paper trail supports warranty claims and boosts resale value.
4. Schedule Seasonal Overhauls – Plan hydraulic flushes, plow blade changes, and corrosion checks before peak seasons.

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One Stop Sales & Service: Your Maintenance Partner

Located in Langley, B.C., One Stop Sales & Service combines real-world contracting experience with advanced hydraulic expertise to keep vocational fleets in top condition.
We service every category listed above—dump, plow, salter, hydrovac, tanker, mixer, refuse, logging, tow, and custom upfitted trucks—and document every inspection to meet the National Safety Mark.
Whether you operate a single utility truck or a multi-province fleet, we build tailored programs that minimize downtime and extend the life of your equipment.

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Key Takeaways

• Service intervals vary by truck type, workload, and climate.
• Frequent checks of hydraulics, PTOs, and corrosion points save money in the long run.
• A documented maintenance program protects safety, compliance, and resale value.

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