A healthy fleet is a productive fleet. Whether you’re managing a handful of light-duty trucks or a whole lineup of workhorses, regular health checks help catch issues early, keep downtime low, and extend the life of your vehicles. 

Here’s how to run a basic DIY fleet health check, no white coat required. 

Step 1: Start with the Paperwork 

Before popping the hood, start at the desk. Review each vehicle’s service log and note: 

• Upcoming service intervals 

• Outstanding recalls 

• Patterns in repairs (e.g., one truck always chewing through tyres) 

Flag anything overdue or unusual. Prevention starts with pattern recognition. 

Step 2: Walk-Around Inspections 

Get hands-on. A 10-minute walk-around per truck can reveal more than you’d think. Check 

• Tyres: Tread depth, inflation, sidewall damage 

• Bodywork: Dents, rust, cracked mirrors/lights 

• Leaks: Oil, coolant, or fuel around engine bay or under the vehicle 

• Windscreens & Wipers: Clear visibility is safety-critical 

Do this with a checklist because consistency matters. 

Step 3: Lights, Signals, and Safety 

Test all electrics, especially: 

• Headlights, indicators, brake lights 

• Reverse lights and beepers 

• Interior cabin lights 

• Emergency lighting (if fitted) 

Step 4: Fluid Levels & Condition 

Lift the bonnet and inspect: 

• Engine oil: Right level, no grit, and golden-brown (not black) 

• Coolant: Topped up, not sludgy 

• Brake fluid: Clear and at the correct level 

• Transmission fluid (if accessible): Should be pinkish, not burnt 

If you’re unsure what’s “normal,” check your manual or ask your mechanic. 

Step 5: Listen While It Runs 

Start the engine and pay attention: 

• Idle quality: Smooth or shaky? 

• Warning lights: Don’t ignore that check engine light 

• Noises: Clicking, whining, or grinding are worth a deeper look 

• Smoke: Excessive or coloured smoke could point to bigger issues 

If it sounds off, it probably is. 

Step 6: Keep Score 

Create a simple scoring system: green (good), yellow (needs attention), red (urgent). Over time, this gives you a health “snapshot” of your fleet and helps prioritise repairs and replacements. 

You don’t need fancy software, even a spreadsheet will do. 

Step 7: Schedule the Fixes 

A health check is only useful if you act on it. Schedule: 

• Minor issues for your next workshop visit 

• Critical problems immediately 

• Recurring faults for further investigation (don’t just keep topping up coolant every week) 

A regular DIY check, combined with scheduled servicing, helps you stay on top of things and avoid nasty surprises.  

Need Help? 

Some things are better left to the pros. At Bunbury Trucks, our team’s always here to assist with servicing and tailored fleet maintenance plans.  

If you spot something during your DIY check that doesn’t sit right, give us a call on 9795 0000, we’ll sort it.