Commercial trucks are large, expensive assets that require constant maintenance to stay productive. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that commercial truck maintenance is unnecessary because it lasts longer than regular vehicles. In reality, commercial trucks need the same level of upkeep as other heavy-duty vehicles like tractors, but people may not know the difference. This can lead to misconceptions about what’s required for routine maintenance and how much it will cost. While it’s true that a new truck will last longer than a comparable pre-owned vehicle, this doesn’t mean that commercial truck maintenance isn’t important. In fact, it’s crucial for keeping your truck in good condition and avoiding breakdowns. This article covers some common myths about commercial truck maintenance, so you can dispel any misconceptions you have about its importance.

Commercial trucks have very long lifespans.

This is true. New commercial trucks have an average lifespan of 100,000 miles, which is much longer than the average lifespan of a car or even a passenger van. However, commercial trucks are also much more expensive to replace, so there’s a balancing act between extending the lifespan of your truck and keeping it in good working order. This is why it’s so important to follow a proper maintenance schedule and stick to it. If you ignore your truck’s maintenance needs and let small issues go unaddressed, you’ll likely end up paying for it in the end.For example, let’s say you have a truck that’s worth $100,000. If you decide to ignore its maintenance needs and just drive it until the engine fails, you could end up spending $100,000 on a replacement.

Commercial trucks only need maintenance during certain seasons.

Some commercial truck maintenance only needs to be performed during specific seasons, such as tire rotations in the winter. Other maintenance needs to be done regardless of the season, like oil changes and tire changes. While there are certain maintenance tasks that should be performed during specific seasons, it’s important to remember that all commercial truck maintenance is necessary.Even if it doesn’t seem like your truck is in need of maintenance, it’s a good idea to get a maintenance log and keep track of your truck’s mileage and inspection results. This will help you identify potential problems before they become major issues.

Commercial trucks don’t need tire rotations.

This is a common misconception, and it’s actually one of the most important maintenance tasks for commercial trucks. Tires are one of the biggest wear and tear items on your truck. If you ignore your truck’s tire rotation, you could end up with tires that are too worn out to be safe. Rotating your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles is recommended for commercial trucks. This is also a good time to inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear, like damage or bulges in the sidewalls.If you don’t know how to rotate your tires, there are many YouTube videos that can walk you through the process.

Commercial truck maintenance doesn’t require a mechanic.

This is another misconception. The truth is, if you’re not confident with your own abilities, it’s an excellent idea to get a mechanic to inspect your truck before you hit the road. This will allow you to check off the “maintenance” box, but you may also discover issues that could have been overlooked. If you’re not confident with your own skills, you may also want to consider hiring a mechanic to perform a routine maintenance check every few thousand miles. If you do this, you can also get a detailed maintenance log to track your vehicle’s health.

Commercial trucks only require oil changes every 5,000 miles.

This is another common misconception. Commercial trucks require oil changes more frequently than passenger vehicles. As long as you use high-quality, synthetic oil, you can perform an oil change every 5,000 miles. While this may seem like too often, you should never skimp on your oil. Not only does this put your engine at risk, but it also leads to higher operating costs.

Commercial trucks aren’t required to be DOT-certified.

This is another common misconception. Commercial trucks must abide by the same safety regulations as passenger vehicles, including being DOT-certified. The only difference is that commercial trucks must meet additional safety standards in order to operate in certain industries, like the transportation and construction industries. If your truck isn’t DOT-certified, you may not be able to operate in certain states.

Bottom line

Commercial trucks are like any other piece of machinery. They have to be maintained to ensure they last as long as possible. If you maintain your commercial truck properly, it will help you avoid costly repairs, get more miles out of it and remain in good condition for as long as possible. To learn more about commercial truck maintenance, contact your local mechanic or visit an auto repair shop.