What must be done to ensure vehicles are properly maintained?

• A. Check fluid levels before and after each shift.
• B. Run the engine for at least 15 minutes every hour.
• C. Record the mileage at the end of each week.
• D. Schedule annual vehicle replacement regardless of condition.

Answer: (A)

Regular fluid level checks are key to preventive maintenance. By checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and other levels before and after each shift, you can confirm systems are properly lubricated, cooled, and hydraulically ready. This daily habit helps you spot leaks or sudden drops in level early, top up as needed, and prevent overheating, excessive wear, or sudden breakdowns during duty cycles.

Why this approach is the most effective: it provides immediate, actionable information that you can act on right away, keeping the vehicle safer and more reliable on the road or in the field. Other options don’t directly maintain the vehicle: idling the engine for a set time wastes fuel and can cause unnecessary wear; recording mileage is helpful for tracking but doesn’t address the vehicle’s current condition; replacing a vehicle annually regardless of condition ignores actual wear and maintenance needs.