10 Essential Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Food Truck Running

Your food truck is your livelihood. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, extends equipment life, and keeps you profitable. Here are our top tips:

1. Daily Cleaning Routine

What to Do:

• Deep clean all cooking surfaces
• Sanitize prep areas and equipment
• Clean and drain grease traps
• Wipe down exterior surfaces
• Empty and clean trash bins

Why It Matters: Prevents buildup, maintains health code compliance, and extends equipment life.

2. Weekly Equipment Checks

Inspect:

• Refrigeration temperatures (should be 40°F or below)
• Freezer temperatures (should be 0°F or below)
• Gas connections for leaks
• Electrical connections
• Fire suppression system

Action: Fix minor issues immediately before they become major problems.

3. Monthly Deep Maintenance

Tasks:

• Clean exhaust hood filters thoroughly
• Check and clean generator air filters
• Inspect propane lines and connections
• Test fire suppression system
• Check tire pressure and tread

Professional Help: Consider hiring professionals for complex tasks like generator service.

4. Refrigeration Maintenance

Regular Tasks:

• Clean condenser coils monthly
• Check door seals for wear
• Monitor temperature logs
• Defrost freezers as needed
• Clean drain pans

Red Flags: Unusual noises, temperature fluctuations, frost buildup, or excessive runtime.

5. Generator Care

Essential Maintenance:

• Change oil every 50-100 hours
• Replace air filter regularly
• Use fuel stabilizer
• Run weekly even when not in operation
• Keep it clean and dry

Cost Savings: Regular generator maintenance prevents $2,000+ emergency repairs.

6. Plumbing System

Check Monthly:

• Water pump operation
• Tank levels and cleanliness
• Drain lines for clogs
• Fresh water quality
• Gray water disposal schedule

Pro Tip: Sanitize fresh water tanks quarterly.

7. Ventilation System

Keep It Clean:

• Clean hood filters weekly
• Inspect exhaust fans monthly
• Check ductwork for grease buildup
• Ensure proper airflow
• Schedule professional hood cleaning quarterly

Safety First: Grease buildup is a major fire hazard.

8. Vehicle Maintenance

Don't forget it's still a vehicle:

• Regular oil changes (every 3,000-5,000 miles)
• Tire rotations and replacements
• Brake inspections
• Battery checks
• Transmission service

Mobile Business: Vehicle breakdowns mean lost revenue—stay on top of maintenance.

9. Electrical System

Monthly Checks:

• Test GFCI outlets
• Inspect wiring for damage
• Check circuit breakers
• Monitor power consumption
• Look for burning smells or sparks

Safety: Electrical issues can cause fires—address immediately.

10. Keep Detailed Records

Document Everything:

• Maintenance dates and tasks
• Equipment servicing
• Repairs and costs
• Health inspections
• Warranty information

Benefits: Helps identify patterns, supports warranty claims, and aids in resale value.

Seasonal Maintenance

Before Busy Season:

• Complete inspection of all systems
• Stock spare parts
• Professional servicing
• Deep cleaning

Off-Season (if applicable):

• Winterize plumbing
• Store properly
• Battery maintenance
• Cover and protect

When to Call Professionals

Get expert help for:

• Gas line issues
• Electrical problems
• Refrigeration repairs
• Fire suppression servicing
• Major mechanical issues

Budget for Maintenance

Plan to spend 10-15% of your annual revenue on maintenance and repairs. It's cheaper than emergency breakdowns during peak service times.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained food truck can last 10-15 years or more. Neglect maintenance, and you'll face costly repairs and dangerous situations. Make it part of your daily routine.

We're Here to Help

LVV Food Truck Construction doesn't just build trucks—we support you throughout ownership. Need maintenance advice or service? We're here for you.

Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when your business depends on your truck running smoothly every day!