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Avoiding Common Food Truck Repair Pitfalls

Ernie Wong • February 12, 2024

Maintaining a successful food truck business involves more than just serving food on wheels. Food trucks come with their own array of challenges, and steering clear of common repair pitfalls is essential to ensure your mobile kitchen stays on the road and thriving.

Winterizing your truck in the winter

Winterizing your food truck is crucial to safeguard against harsh weather conditions. As we prepare for the colder months, taking measures like draining your water tanks to prevent freezing and using anti-freeze to protect any remaining water lines or components that cannot be completely drained. 

Service your Generator Regularly

Making sure to service regularly your food truck's generator every 100 hours isn't just a recommendation it's crucial to maintain smooth operation for your mobile food truck.

Walking away from an unmetered water tank while filling

several metal baskets on a stainless steel surface

When running a food truck, it is important not to walk away from an unmetered water tank while filling it. 


Leaving an unmetered water tank unattended during filling spells for trouble because the water rushes in way faster than it can flow out. Forgetting to keep an eye on it risks overfilling, potentially damaging the tank, and causing messy overflows. Keeping tabs on the filling and stopping at the right moment is key to dodge these headaches!

Not properly shutting off your propane system

Not properly shutting off your propane system in a food truck can pose a significant danger due to the flammability of propane, as leaving gas running increases the risk of a fire hazard. This highly combustible gas, when left unchecked, can lead to potential ignition sources within the truck, posing a severe threat to the safety of the vehicle, the crew, and the surrounding environment.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping up with your regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for the success of your food truck. No workable brakes or tires, no mobile kitchen. Here are some parts to regularly check on:


1) Brakes: Ensuring the brakes are in optimal condition is vital for the safety of your food truck. Regular brake maintenance prevents potential accidents by providing reliable stopping power, essential when navigating through bustling streets or unexpected traffic situations.


2) Oil Changes: Consistent oil changes are the blood of your food truck's engine. Fresh, clean oil keeps the engine running smoothly, reduces friction between moving parts, and helps prevent overheating or potential breakdowns, ensuring your truck remains operational during busy service hours.


3) Tires: The tires are the only contact points between your food truck and the road. Regular maintenance checks on tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition are crucial for safe driving and maneuverability. Properly maintained tires ensure better traction, stability, and handling, minimizing the risk of accidents and breakdowns while navigating various terrains and weather conditions.

Cleaning Services

a sandwich on a refrigerator

Having a consistent cleaning schedule isn't just about aesthetics, it's a critical element in ensuring your compliance with health codes, guaranteeing the safety of both your working conditions and the food you serve. By keeping up with cleanliness standards, you not only stay up to code but also foster a safe and sanitary environment for both your team and your customers, mitigating health risks and preserving the integrity of your business.

Exhaust Hood service

Exhaust hoods are a must for food trucks, due to collecting substantial amounts of oil and grease generated during cooking, preventing potential fire hazards that could arise if left unserviced.

Contact Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions

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