diff --git a/tasks/main.yml b/tasks/main.yml
index eef6b0c..f4f2e54 100644
--- a/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/tasks/main.yml
@@ -191,18 +191,26 @@
 
       ## Default probes, using ping API to avoid excessive echo
       ##
+      # Small nodes: cold start (plugins, migrations) can take minutes, and the
+      # ping can stall briefly under load. Allow up to 10 minutes to start.
       livenessProbe:
         httpGet:
           path: /api/v1/ping
           port: http
+        timeoutSeconds: 5
+        failureThreshold: 6
       readinessProbe:
         httpGet:
           path: /api/v1/ping
           port: http
+        timeoutSeconds: 5
       startupProbe:
         httpGet:
           path: /api/v1/ping
           port: http
+        timeoutSeconds: 5
+        periodSeconds: 10
+        failureThreshold: 60
 
       serviceAccount:
         ## Specifies whether a service account should be created