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Finding a good a good Diesel Mechanic for your truck is no easy task. Diesel Mechanics are highly specialised and not as commonplace as regular mechanics.

And yet if you are a truck driver, whether owner operated or running a small fleet, the quality of your mechanic can massively affect your business. Your diesel mechanic has the power to ensure you’re compliant, get you out of a tight spot and ultimately keep you on the road, minimising downtime and saving you loads of time and money. Hence, finding a great diesel mechanic is extremely important and that’s why we’ve put together 5 tips to help you on your hunt.

1. Compliance & Legislation

There is far more compliance and legislation to keep a truck on the road over a standard car. A good diesel mechanic should be familiar with the regulations to ensure that your truck is operating safely and compliant at all times. The national vehicle inspection manual holds 98 pages of vehicle standards in relation to heavy vehicles, covering a diverse range of items.  Everything from a range of angles for mud flaps dependent on use, to seat padding and child seat anchorages, to major safety items such as brake push or pull rods moving more than allowed. It’s all very complicated as not all vehicles have indicators to measure this

2. Structured Services

In the truck space, there’s not really limited logbook service advice in comparison to cars. Service schedules can, therefore, be a little hit and miss. The problem is, with trucks being so heavily regulated this significantly increases your risk of something critical being overlooked. For example, incorrect oil use can severely affect the performance of modern engines fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters. When searching for a mechanic, take the time to find someone who will give you a solid structure around your service schedule. This is going to ensure that your truck remains safe, compliant with legislation and massively reduce your risk of downtime by keeping your truck on the road. A good Diesel Mechanic will keep you on the road and give you a tonne more peace of mind.

3. Breadth of Experience

Trucks come in all shapes and sizes and with all kinds of things on the back. It could have a turbo, have hydraulics, be a 6-wheeler or a 22-wheeler, carrying a trailer, a fridge, a 25-tonne excavator or all kinds of other equipment. Having to take your truck to a different mechanic for every item on the back is a slow and painful way to have to do things. For this reason, it’s important to find a diesel mechanic that has a wide breadth of experience and able to service all of your needs.

4. Mobile Breakdown and Out of Hours

As a truck driver, any kind of downtime is absolutely critical. There is a real time and dollar cost to every minute your truck isn’t on the road. Most drivers are operating 24/7 and in all kinds of locations. Finding a mechanic who can cater to those needs will save you loads. Just think about getting a truck towed! If you can find someone who can come to you and get you on the road again it’s going to be a huge saving.

5. Referrals

The above tips are what to look for when searching for a good diesel mechanic, this one is more about the actual hunt. The best way to go about your search is to use your business networks. When you’re on the road talking to other drivers and operators ask them for recommendations or suggestions of good mechanics that they’ve used in the past or are using now. Good diesel mechanics aren’t easy to find, however by using a mechanic that’s had a great review from another driver, you’re much more likely to find someone trustworthy and reliable.

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Finding a good diesel mechanic may not happen immediately, it can take some time to find someone who understands the compliance and regulations specific to your vehicle/s and operation and can cater to your needs. However, whether you are owner operated or running a fleet, your mechanic is vital to the success of your business. Take the time to find a great one and you will enjoy reduced downtime and increased peace of mind.

Looking for a great Diesel Mechanic in the Perth Area?  Head to our Heavy Vehicle Service Page