Like any other vehicle, a semi truck needs regular maintenance to remain in good working condition. However, while maintaining an automobile or car is fairly straightforward, truck drivers have to keep in mind that their trucks are used to transport goods - not people. As a result, the maintenance requirements for commercial vehicles are not the same as those for personal vehicles. Because of this, many drivers have questions about commercial truck maintenance. The truth is, there are many questions that commercial drivers have when it comes to semi truck maintenance. Fortunately, we have compiled some of the most common ones below.
How often should you perform maintenance on your truck?
This depends on the type of maintenance that needs to be performed. While there are some general rules of thumb, it is important to understand that each truck and its conditions are unique. There are no rules that will perfectly fit every scenario. It is best to keep a log of maintenance completed on your truck and log the frequency as well. This will help to determine what types of maintenance are performed regularly and when repairs are needed. The most important maintenance for your truck will depend on your specific use - whether it is for long distance hauling, local deliveries or another type of operation.
When should you expect to see warning signs of a faulty sensor or component?
The answer to this question is different for each type of sensor or component. The oil pressure sensor, for example, will fail if the pressure drops too low. Likewise, the temperature sensor will fail if the temperature reaches a certain level. If you are in the process of purchasing a new truck, it is best to go through the checklist of components and sensors and mark off the ones that you will need to replace. It is also a good idea to make a list of the common signs of a faulty sensor. This way, when you start to see one of those symptoms, you can take the vehicle in for inspection and repair.
What are the common maintenance items that all semi truck drivers need?
There are a wide range of maintenance items for trucks, depending on the model and make. Some of the most common maintenance items for commercial vehicles include:- Oil changes - Dirt and other contaminants are a major factor in engine wear and tear - which is why it is important to change your oil regularly. The type of oil used in a truck is different than that used in a passenger car or van because the demands on the engine are much higher.- Air filter replacement - It is important to replace your air filter if you notice an increase in the sound of your engine or if it becomes clogged.- Brakes - It is important to inspect the condition of your commercial vehicle's brakes on a regular basis. This can help you to identify any issues before they become a problem.- Lights - Make sure to inspect the lights on your truck for damage and wear and tear. It is best to replace them when they begin to fail.- Tires - It is important to check the tread of your tires periodically and have them rotated if they are more than 25,000 miles.- Belts - Make sure to inspect the condition of your truck's belts regularly to avoid costly repairs.- Axles - It is important to inspect the condition of your truck's axles regularly to avoid expensive repairs.
Tires: What to look for and when to replace them?
One of the most common maintenance items that semi truck drivers have is tire maintenance. When it comes to tires, it is important to note that you do not have the same type of tires as a passenger car. What works for one will not necessarily work for the other. When it comes to replacing your tires, there is a specific way to do it that will help you to avoid a tire blow-out. The best way to do it is to follow these steps:- Step 1: Make sure the tire is completely flat and has no air left in it. If you attempt to change a tire with any amount of air left in it, it will cause the tire to explode and the metal rim to bend.- Step 2: Make sure there is no debris in the tire that could puncture it.- Step 3: Make sure the rim is completely clean.- Step 4: Raise the air pressure in the tire until it is about 10 PSI below the recommended pressure for the tire. This will help the tire to maintain its shape and make it easier to change.- Step 5: Loosen the bolts holding the wheel on the wheel hub. Make sure to loosen the bolts on the wheel hub on both sides.- Step 6: Use a wrench to loosen the bolts on the wheel hub.- Step 7: If you do not have a tire iron, place the tire lever between the tire and the wheel hub.- Step 8: Place the lever firmly against the wheel hub.- Step 9: Place your foot on the lever near the tire and push it toward the hub.- Step 10: Let go of the lever, and remove the tire and wheel hub.
Wipers: What to look for and when to replace them?
The wipers on a truck are crucial in keeping the driver and other occupants of the vehicle safe. When they fail, however, it puts the driver and others at risk. If you notice that your wipers are failing, take the truck in for repairs as soon as possible. If you ignore the problem and it continues to get worse, it could pose a serious danger on the road.
How do you know when to replace your lights?
There is a wide range of light bulbs available for trucks, depending on the use of the vehicle. If you notice your lights are becoming dimmer or starting to fail, it is a good idea to replace them. What lights need to be replaced will depend on the model of truck and the use of the vehicle. Some of the most common light replacements are:- Tail lights - If your tail lights are not working, or if they are missing, this could pose a hazard on the road.- Brake lights - If your brake lights are not working properly, this could put you and the other drivers around you at risk.- Turn signal lights - If your turn signal lights are not working properly, this could put you and other drivers at risk.- Dome lights - If your dome lights are not working properly, this could reduce visibility on the road.
Conclusion
Maintenance is an important part of keeping your commercial vehicle in good working order. By regularly performing maintenance, you can extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the likelihood of major repairs. Some of the most common maintenance items include: Oil Changes, Air Filter Replacement, Brakes, Lights, Tires, Belts, Axles, and Wipers. It is important to keep track of the types of maintenance that need to be performed, as well as the frequency of those services.