Every minute counts in a busy fleet shop. But skipping or rushing preventive maintenance always costs more in the long run — whether it’s a roadside failure, DOT fine, or a missed delivery.

The good news? With the right approach and tools, preventive trailer maintenance doesn’t have to slow your team down. Here’s how high-performing shops stay efficient while keeping trailers safe, compliant, and ready to roll.

1. Stick to a Standardized PM Checklist

When the pressure’s on, consistency matters more than speed. A standardized checklist keeps every technician aligned — no missed steps, no skipped inspections.

Key items to include in every trailer PM:

Lighting and electrical system test
Brake stroke and air leak check
ABS fault code readout
Tire pressure and tread depth
Hub and suspension inspection
Coupler and landing gear check

The Inspector 930 handles electrical, lighting, ABS, and air diagnostics in one device — making it easy to complete 80% of your PM checklist without a tractor or extra tech.

2. Make Testing Independent

In a busy shop, two-person inspections are a luxury. The Inspector 930 allows one technician to fully test a trailer’s critical systems:

No need to hook up a tractor
One tool runs lights, brakes, and ABS
Pass/fail indicators reduce interpretation errors

By cutting out extra steps and people, shops save hours each week — and reduce the risk of shortcuts.

3. Automate Scheduling and Tracking

Busy shops can’t afford to rely on whiteboards or spreadsheets to track PMs. That’s where Sentry Software comes in.

With Sentry, managers can:

Automatically schedule recurring PMs by mileage or date
Assign tasks to specific technicians
Track completed work and missed deadlines
Keep a digital record for DOT compliance

You’ll always know what’s been done, what’s overdue, and which trailers are next — without lifting a clipboard.

4. Flag Repeat Issues Early

Fast shops can fall into the trap of fixing symptoms instead of causes. Use your PM system to track:

Repeated shorts or lighting failures
Frequent ABS faults on the same unit
Air system leak patterns
Brake adjustments that don’t hold

Sentry logs this info automatically. Combine it with Inspector 930’s precise fault detection, and you can spot patterns before they become downtime.

5. Train for Speed and Accuracy

Techs in busy shops often skip diagnostics and go straight to replacements. That leads to higher parts costs and unresolved issues.

Instead, train your team to use tools like the Inspector 930 to test first, then repair only what’s necessary. This keeps your parts inventory lean and your labor hours productive.

Pair that with Sentry’s digital checklists and documentation, and every tech has a clear path to follow — no matter how busy the day gets.

Run a Faster, Smarter Shop

Preventive trailer maintenance isn’t about doing more work — it’s about doing the right work, at the right time, with the right tool.

With the Inspector 930 for diagnostics and Sentry Software for workflow control, your shop can run faster without cutting corners.

Learn more at:
📍 lite-check.com/shop/inspector-930
📍 lite-check.com/sentry-software
Or call 509-535-7512 to see how Lite-Check can help streamline your PM process.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Busy Shops