You may think that a commercial truck is built to last a lifetime. After all, the average diesel engine in a truck can last between 12,000 and 15,000 miles before needing an overhaul. But even the strongest engines will eventually wear out, and this is especially true for businesses that rely on trucks to deliver goods and services. In fact, experts recommend changing out a truck’s oil and filters every 7500 to 10,000 miles. This is why commercial fleets need to track their truck’s maintenance schedule like a military operation. For example, fleet maintenance software helps you set service schedules and reminders so your business never runs behind schedule again. It’s not just regular maintenance that matters either — there are also a number of other factors that affect the overall cost of operating a commercial truck and how long it lasts. Here is what you need to know about how often you should service your commercial truck and why.
The first thing to understand when it comes to servicing your commercial trucks is that each type of truck has its own maintenance requirements. This means that the type of truck you own determines how often it should be serviced. However, even trucks of the same make and model differ from one another in certain ways, such as the size or type of load they’re carrying. Here’s a breakdown of which types of trucks require the most maintenance and how often they should be serviced:
Commercial Dump Truck - As the name suggests, commercial dump trucks are heavy-duty vehicles that are used for hauling bulk materials. However, unlike many other types of commercial trucks, the most important part of a dump truck is its hopper. This is why it is important to service your dump truck’s hopper as often as the engine. Dump trucks are generally the most expensive type of commercial truck to operate.
Commercial Road Tractor - Road tractors are similar to dump trucks in that they are used for heavy-duty hauling, but they are generally able to carry more weight and travel at higher speeds than a dump truck. Road tractors generally have a smaller hopper than a dump truck, but the same rules apply when it comes to servicing them. Road tractor owners should change their oil and replace their filters every 7500 to 10,000 miles.
Commercial OTR Truck - Over the road trucks are the workhorses of the commercial industry. These trucks are generally used to transport goods across long distances, and they are capable of travelling at high speeds.
Commercial Dump Truck - Like the road tractor, the dump truck is a high-volume, heavy-duty hauler that travels long distances.However, the dump truck is most commonly used for construction sites and utility companies.
Like any large purchase, the price of servicing your commercial truck will depend on the type of truck you own, how often you service it, and the cost of the parts that go into the service. Generally, the cost of servicing your commercial truck will depend on the amount of time it takes to complete the job, the parts that need to be replaced, and the labor involved in the repair. Here are some examples of the costs these services can incur:
Oil and Filter Replacement - The average cost of an oil and filter change is $150 to $300, depending on the type of oil and filter you use. However, the cost can vary depending on the type of engine you have and the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
Air Filter Replacement - Depending on how often you use your commercial truck, it may be time to replace your air filter. The average cost of an air filter is $50 to $100, but the price can increase if you need to order a replacement filter online.
There are numerous reasons why maintaining your commercial trucks is important. First and foremost, it helps to reduce expensive downtime for your business. For example, if your truck breaks down and you are unable to deliver your goods, your customers may choose to take their business elsewhere. However, if you have a commercial maintenance program in place, you can avoid having to send your truck to the repair shop. Instead, you can have a mechanic fix the problem while your truck is still in your garage. Additionally, a good maintenance program can prevent costly repairs that could lead to a safety risk. For example, a faulty fuel filter can cause your engine to overheat and cause expensive damage.
Proper maintenance is an essential part of keeping your commercial truck in good running condition. It can help prevent costly repairs and downtime, and it can also extend the life of your vehicle. However, there are many factors that determine how often you should service your trucks, including the type of engine, the size of your load, and your company’s industry. When you’re ready to get your trucks in tip-top shape, make sure you choose a maintenance program that meets your needs and is easy to use.