Maintaining your semi truck is an important part of running a business. It’s easy to lose track of time and neglect your vehicle’s maintenance needs. However, if you don’t put your truck on the schedule and keep up with all the regular maintenance tasks, it will definitely cost you in the long run. A truck that isn’t properly maintained is more likely to break down and be out of operation than one that is regularly checked and replaced parts as needed. When you neglect maintenance, your vehicle may suddenly start acting differently and you may not even notice at first. Eventually, however, you might notice that your truck is making weird noises or isn’t shifting as smoothly as it used to. Below are some helpful tips for maintaining your semi truck regularly to avoid costly repairs and downtime. Read on for more information about semi maintenance that will keep your truck in tip-top shape for years to come.
Change the oil and filter
First and foremost, you should always change the oil and filter in your truck on a regular basis. Depending on the type of work you do and how much you drive, you may need to change the oil every 3,000 miles or so. If you only drive a certain number of miles every week, you may want to change the oil more often. However, don’t overdo it. Changing the oil too often can cause excessive wear on your truck. The oil protects your engine from wear and tear, but if it gets dirty too often, it won’t do its job.You should also check your oil level every time you fill up. If you’re low on oil, change it immediately before it gets too dirty.
Check and replace tires regularly
Another important semi maintenance task is to check and replace your tires every few thousand miles. Properly maintaining your tires can help you avoid flat tires and other issues. You can usually tell when it’s time to replace tires if they’ve reached around 10,000 miles. Some tire types have a recommended mileage limit before it’s time to replace them, while others never need to be replaced.Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly as well, and make adjustments as needed. Over-inflated tires can lead to premature wear and cause other issues with your truck. Under-inflated tires, on the other hand, can lead to flat tires. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire!
Check and replace brake pads regularly
You should also check and replace your brake pads regularly, around every 10,000 miles or so. You should be able to hear a change in the sound of your braking system when you reach the recommended replacement point for your brake pads. You can usually tell when it’s time to replace your brake pads by listening for a change in sound. Your brake pads are one of the most expensive and yet easiest ways to fix a faulty system. It’s important to replace them regularly to extend their life and reduce wear on other parts of the system.You should also be sure to fully bleed your brakes every time you change your brake pads. Failing to fully bleed your brakes can cause excess wear on your brakes and other parts of the system.
Check and replace air filter regularly
Your air filter is an important part of the HVAC system in your truck. It’s responsible for removing dust, dirt, and other debris from the air that your engine breathes in. Having a dirty or clogged air filter can decrease your truck’s fuel efficiency and increase your maintenance costs. Your air filter should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on how dirty it is. You can usually tell if your air filter needs to be changed based on how difficult it is to start your truck. If the air filter is clogged or made of synthetic material, it may be harder to start your truck.
Summing up
Keeping your semi truck in good working condition is crucial to the safety and success of your business. A truck that isn’t properly maintained may break down at the worst times and cost you money. It’s important to invest in the upkeep of your truck to reduce the risk of costly repairs and downtime. There are plenty of ways to maintain your semi truck, but you should never skip the oil change and tire inspection. If you want your truck to last as long as possible and require as few repairs as possible, it’s important to stay on top of your maintenance schedule. You’ll need to invest a little time and money upfront, but it will be worth it in the long run.