The trucking industry is old, so there are many misconceptions about maintenance for semi tractors and semi-trailers. Many drivers and owner-ops still believe that you can just wash the grime and dirt off your truck once or twice a year at a truck stop. They also believe that if you change your oil every 3,000 miles, your truck will last twice as long - not true. Many operators think they have to change their tires every 5,000 miles because they are so worn out. In fact, most semi trucks need new tires every 5-10 years - regardless of how quickly they wear! There are also many other myths concerning maintenance - some of them even perpetuated by truck manufacturers themselves. Here are some common myths about semi truck maintenance:
You dont need to wash your trailer or use chemicals to clean it
This is one of the most common myths concerning trailer cleaning - it’s just not true. Trailer washing is essential for maintaining a clean and sanitary trailer, so that you don’t spread germs and bacteria around the rest of your trucking operation. Not only does this help you avoid nasty health issues, but it also helps you comply with DOT regulations. A trailer can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and if you are hauling food products, it could be dangerous for customers. Trailer companies often offer trailer washing services where your trailer can be hosed off from top to bottom, and all the way down the sides. Trailer cleaning chemicals are also widely available at truck stops and many other locations.
Driving on worn-out tires is okay because you can use chains to get home
This is a misconception that’s been perpetuated by many trucking magazines and websites for years. However, it’s not true. While you can get chains for a few hundred bucks, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere while you change your tires. It’s not worth risking your safety, your job, and your future because you didn’t take care of your tires. A few minor tire maintenance issues - like a small patch of dry rot or a small tear in the sidewall - don’t fall under “emergency” and can be fixed with paint, glue, and/or duct tape. But if your tires are so worn out that they pose a safety risk, then you need to replace them.
You can only check your tire pressure once a week
Although checking tire pressure once a week is a good idea, you don’t have to do it every week. There are also some trucks that don’t even come equipped with a tire pressure gauge. So what are you supposed to do then? Well, you can use your phone as a substitute - most smartphones have a tire pressure gauge app that you can download for free. Or you can look at the side of your wheel at a rest area where the pressure is regulated. The tire pressure on a truck tire varies depending on the load, so it doesn’t have to be the same as the pressure on your car tires.
Dropping a wheel off at the end of the day is okay - you can just pick it up the next day
Another common misconception - you need to replace your tires as soon as they wear out. The best way to check whether a wheel needs to be replaced is to visually inspect it. If you see that the tire is bulging or the sidewall is caving in, you need to replace it. If it’s just worn out and you want to continue driving on it until the next day, that’s okay - just be careful! You can use a tire iron to pry the tire off the rim. If the tire has completely collapsed, you can use a jack to lift it off the wheel. If you drop a wheel off the back of a truck on a rural road, you could risk damaging your trailer or other traffic. You can also be fined for not properly disposing of the tire properly.
You can’t use Wi-Fi and GPS at the same time - you have to choose one or the other
This is another misconception - you can use Wi-Fi and GPS at the same time. In fact, some trucks are equipped with a GPS unit and a Wi-Fi router. You can also use a GPS navigation app to find your way to your next destination without having to look at your phone or paper map. And if you’re driving long hours and need to focus on the road, you can turn off Wi-Fi so you don’t get distracted. You probably already know that it’s not a good idea to talk on the phone and drive at the same time. So why is it okay to use GPS and Wi-Fi at the same time?
Bottom line
The bottom line is that there are few things you can do to make sure your truck runs smoothly and efficiently. You can’t avoid all maintenance issues, but you can minimize them by following these tips. The key is to be proactive and know what to look for. Stay on top of your maintenance, and you will be able to avoid costly repairs and downtime - and keep your customers happy.