Commercial trucks are workhorses that are expected to last for many years – if not decades. However, even the most reliable models are prone to small problems every now and then. Whether you use your commercial truck for work-related tasks or as a personal vehicle, it’s important to understand what constitutes maintenance and what types of issues require immediate attention. Even seemingly minor problems can grow into much bigger issues if they’re not dealt with quickly, especially if they’re left unchecked. That’s why it’s important to know the different types of maintenance that trucks require so you can detect issues before they become serious problems. Luckily, most problems can be addressed using simple preventative maintenance techniques that don’t require much time or effort. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common maintenance issues commercial trucks may experience and how you can keep them running smoothly.
One of the most important (and often forgotten) aspects of maintaining your truck is to service your tires. Dirt and debris build up on your tires over time, which can result in decreased gas mileage, decreased handling and braking performance, and increased wear and tear on your tires. Additionally, many tire-repair kits are only meant to be used for short periods of time before needing to be replaced again. Tires have a very short lifespan, especially when you’re driving a heavy-duty commercial truck on rough roads. Tires should be inspected and replaced every 6000 to 10,000 miles depending on your driving style and climate.
One of the most overlooked maintenance tasks on trucks is changing the oil and filter. However, it’s one of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of your engine by reducing wear and tear. Oil acts as a lubricant for your engine and other major components, which means that it needs to be changed periodically. Ideally, you should change the oil in your truck every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on driving conditions, type of oil used, and how long you plan on driving the truck. Oil filters should be replaced every 10,000 miles, but some experts recommend changing them more frequently if you tend to drive in particularly dirty conditions.
A crucial part of maintaining your truck is to check your tires for wear, damage, and defects. It can be difficult to detect issues with your tires without actually measuring the wear on them. However, there are a few things you can look for to determine whether or not your tires have been damaged or worn too far. For example, if you can see a distinct pattern of wear in a particular part of the tire, it’s likely that there is something wrong with that part of the tire. Similarly, if you notice irregularities in the tire’s tread, it’s probably time to change them.
Another important aspect of maintaining your truck is to change the air filter. In general, you should change your air filter every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on your driving conditions, the make and model of your truck, and how dirty your filter is. You should also check your tires and air filter for leaks at least once a year. Leaking air can decrease your gas mileage and cause damage to your engine, which means you need to address the issue as soon as possible.
The differential transfers power from the engine to the wheels, which means it’s a crucial part of your truck’s drivetrain. However, the differential can be especially sensitive to dirt and wear. In order to ensure that your truck can handle the task of hauling heavy loads, it’s important to check and lubricate the differential regularly. You should do this once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you’re experiencing issues with your truck’s drivetrain, it’s best to bring it in as soon as possible so that issues can be addressed and corrected.
Another important aspect of maintaining your commercial truck is to check for electrical issues. Your truck may come equipped with a variety of safety features, including lights, alarms, and other features that help you avoid accidents. However, these features are only effective if they’re working correctly. In order to check for electrical issues, you should use a multimeter to plug it into the battery and the wires that lead to the various systems in your truck. If you notice an irregularity, it’s best to bring your truck in as soon as possible so that the issue can be addressed and corrected.
Maintaining your truck isn’t difficult, but it is important. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can ensure that your truck runs smoothly for as long as possible. This will help you save time and money in the long run, which is especially important if your truck is used for work-related tasks. Taking care of your truck on a regular basis is crucial for avoiding costly repairs. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily prevent most problems before they become serious issues.