The food truck business differs from traditional restaurant ownership but requires excellent attention to detail. Keeping your vehicle and equipment in good condition ensures you can run your business without significant issues. It also helps you pass health code inspections when they come around. The following tips can help you avoid breakdowns and keep your business running smoothly.
Check the Tires
Keeping up with simple food truck maintenance can prevent costly problems that can bring operations to a halt. Taking care of things like tires, power supplies, and engine maintenance is relatively easy and can save much money in the long run. It’s essential to get regular oil changes for food trucks as they help keep the engine properly lubricated, which can also help extend its life. In addition, a mechanic at GoHome Port can inspect the truck for signs of problems that may be developing and help prevent those issues from becoming more prominent. It’s also crucial to keep up with tire maintenance, including regularly checking the tire tread depth and air pressure. An under-inflated tire will cause uneven wear and lead to blowouts. In addition, it’s necessary to select the correct type of tire for the workload based on weather conditions and load capacity. A proper tire selection can lead to more extended service and less wear and tear.
Regular Inspections
A food truck is much more than a vehicle; it’s also an operation that must comply with strict health and safety regulations. A single violation can lead to a fine or even closure, so regular inspections are essential.
A well-designed checklist gives staff a clear focus when inspecting the food truck and can help identify any problems before they become an issue. It’s also an excellent tool for training new employees. Many food truck businesses dread health inspections, but they can be an excellent opportunity to learn more about how their business operates and how to improve operations. For example, suppose an employee was caught violating a specific rule during the previous inspection. In that case, a follow-up inspection can allow them to rectify that violation before the next health inspector comes along. This allows the food truck to comply, avoid penalties, and maximize profits. Quality management software with low-code capabilities can simplify inspection, improve compliance, and provide valuable data analytics.
Change the Fuel Filter
Changing the fuel filter is a quick DIY food truck maintenance job that can save your business from engine damage. Fuel filters usually cost around $15 and can be found at most auto parts stores. Permanently relieve fuel system pressure before removing the filter, and wear safety glasses to avoid being splashed with fuel. Keeping your food truck in tip-top shape will ensure its longevity and the safety of your staff on the road. A neglected vehicle can lead to costly trips to the mechanic and put your crew at risk. Inspecting the tires, air filter, washing tank, and weather stripping can help you keep your costs down while avoiding breakdowns. While there are many complex truck repairs that you will need to leave to professionals, learning a few simple tasks like these can help you cut down on repair costs. An adequately maintained truck means a more profitable restaurant on the road.
Check the Battery
Taking the time to maintain your food truck might seem like an unnecessary hassle, but it’s almost always less costly than paying for a repair or replacement. Having a working truck ensures that you’ll be able to service as many customers as possible and avoid missed sales opportunities. A working battery is vital to keeping your food truck functioning correctly. It will provide power to the refrigerator, cooking appliances, and more. If the battery goes dead, your whole food business will halt. Be sure to check the battery often and keep it fully charged. The battery terminals should be cleaned regularly as well. Dirt acts as an insulator, draining the battery’s power. Also, be sure to water the battery only after charging it. This prevents overcharging, which is as harmful as a low battery charge. Increasingly, food truck builders are embracing battery systems as an alternative to traditional generators. These innovative power solutions are designed to maximize performance and longevity, making them an excellent fit for the modern food truck.
