The world of commercial driving is fraught with hazards. Driving long hours on monotonous roads, dealing with unpredictable road conditions and the pressure to meet tight deadlines all contribute to an increased risk of driver error and fatigue. The long hours spent behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle are likely to have an adverse effect on your health, mental well-being and personal relationships. This is why it is so important to find ways to reduce these risks and minimize the impact of long hours spent on the road.The key to reducing these risks is a proactive, well-planned maintenance schedule. However, many truck drivers fail to keep up with maintenance schedules and may even ignore some simple procedures because they don’t seem like they will improve the performance of the vehicle. Fortunately, this article covers common semi truck maintenance topics that will help you stay on track with scheduled maintenance and ensure your vehicle is in good working order at all times. Read on to learn more about the importance of proper maintenance for semi trucks and how you can improve efficiency and safety by following these tips.
Maintaining Tires
The tires on a commercial vehicle like a semi are an often overlooked but crucial component in its ability to perform its designated duty. The condition of your tires is an important indicator of the overall condition of your vehicle and can directly affect your ability to comply with federal rules of the road, increase fuel efficiency and improve the overall safety of your operation. A faulty or under-inflated tire can also increase the wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension system, which can lead to an increase in operating and maintenance costs. The good news is that you can prevent many of these problems by maintaining your tires on a regular basis. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to tire maintenance:- Know your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires are essential for safety and optimal performance. Most tire pressure charts recommend a maximum pressure of 35 psi for light trucks and trailers, and 35 to 45 psi for heavy trucks. If your tires are under-inflated, you may experience a reduction in fuel efficiency and handling performance. If they are over-inflated, they may experience accelerated wear and tear.- Stay clean and dry. Avoid leaving mud or other road debris in the treads of your tires, as this can lead to premature wear and tear.- Don’t ignore the signs. It is important to inspect your tires regularly for wear and tear. If they appear to be losing air, or have visible wear and tear, it is time for a new set.
Keeping Your Brakes in Great Shape
Brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Unfortunately, they are also some of the components that are most prone to wear and tear. While most drivers are advised to replace their brake pads after around 70,000 miles, it is also important to inspect and maintain them regularly to minimize the risk of a sudden and unexpected loss of braking ability. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to maintaining your brake system:- Be aware of your brake fluid level. Braking systems are made to operate with a certain amount of fluid in them, but you should always keep an eye on the level of fluid remaining in the system to prevent it from running dry. This can increase your risk of a fluid leak and possible system failure. If you notice that the fluid level is low, or that the fluid is discolored or has an unusual smell, it is time to get the system checked out and replaced.- Check for leaks. Leaks can cause a loss of braking power, as well as lead to an increase in brake fluid temperature. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of leaks and be prepared to replace brake fluid as needed.- Check your brake pads. Pads can become worn over time, which can result in a reduction in braking ability. It is important to inspect your brakes on a regular basis to make sure they are still safe to operate in and are in good condition.
Keeping Your Engine in Great Shape
The engine is one of the most important and expensive components of your commercial vehicle, so it is essential to maintain it properly. It is important to understand that the engine is a complex piece of machinery, and there are many components that need to be maintained on a regular basis. Some of the more important components in your engine that need to be checked and replaced on a regular basis include:- Oil changes. It is recommended to change your engine oil once every 6,000 miles or once every 3 months, whichever comes first. This is one of the most important maintenance procedures for your engine.- Spark plugs. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting fuel inside the engine, and they need to be replaced every 100,000 miles or once every two years, whichever comes first.- Air filter. The air filter is responsible for removing dust and dirt from the air that is sucked into the engine. It is recommended to change your air filter every 12,000 miles or once every 6 months.- Belts and hoses. Hoses and belts are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.- Timing belt. The timing belt is responsible for linking the crankshaft to the camshaft. It is recommended to replace your timing belt once every 80,000 miles or once every 5 years, whichever comes first.
Routine Brake and Engine Inspections
Routine inspections are a great way to stay on top of the health of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs. The easiest way to do this is to create a checklist of things that need to be inspected and replaced at certain intervals. You can find many of the components in this list on the following pages, and these can help you create a custom check list for your specific vehicle. Once you have created your list, it is recommended to keep a log of the dates of your inspections and what you found during each inspection. You can then refer to this log when deciding when to replace certain components to ensure you stay on schedule.
Conclusion
Commercial driving is a demanding and often dangerous profession. To stay on the road and avoid costly repairs, it is important to be diligent about keeping your vehicle in good working order. It is vital to take the time to learn about the proper maintenance of your commercial car or truck, and to make sure that you are following a solid schedule of maintenance. This article covers some of the most common maintenance issues related to commercial vehicles.