Commercial trucks are big business, but like all businesses, they require some maintenance to stay in good working order. Although trucks require less frequent maintenance than other types of vehicles, they still need occasional tune-ups and checkups to keep them in tip-top shape. Regular maintenance on your commercial vehicle will likely reduce the cost of future repairs by catching problems early before they become serious. It will also help you avoid the frustration of unexpected breakdowns and keep your business running as smoothly as possible. With so many areas to consider when maintaining your commercial truck, it can be easy to forget about some important areas like brakes or tires. Fortunately, there are a few key areas where you can make a difference when maintaining your truck. We’ve outlined some preventative maintenance tips for commercial trucks below so you can get the most out of them while they’re still in good working order. These tips will help you save time and money in the long run by catching small issues before they become problems.
If you use your commercial truck for heavy hauling, it’s likely you’ll encounter some challenging driving conditions. Whether it be inclement weather or an uneven surface, your brakes will almost certainly come in contact with some challenging conditions. As a result, you may notice a distinct smell coming from your brakes. The smell is a sign that moisture has gotten into the brake system and needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can often fix the problem simply by changing the brake pads and rotors. However, you should always change the fluid in the system each time you change pads or rotors. If you don’t, the fluid will harden and cause issues with your brakes in the future. If you notice a distinct smell, you should change the brake fluid and pads immediately.
If you have your tires rotated regularly, you’ll extend the life of your tires and help them last longer. Rotating your tires will prevent uneven wear on the tires and can extend their life by as much as 50%. If you have a set of new tires on one set of axles, you should rotate them every 6 months. On trucks with tandem axles, you should rotate them every 12 months. If you have your tires rotated, you’ll also notice a significant decrease in road noise if you’re operating your truck frequently on busy roads.
As with most vehicles, commercial trucks require regular oil changes to help them run smoothly, help them extend their life, and prevent damage. If you have a manual transmission, you’ll need to change your oil at least once a year. If you have an automatic transmission, you’ll want to change it at least every 6 months. If you’re an over the road truck driver, you may want to consider having your oil changed more often. While it’s generally recommended to change your oil every 6,000 miles, you may want to change it more frequently if you drive in particularly harsh conditions.
An important part of maintaining your commercial truck is to ensure your air filter is clean and in good condition. An outdated air filter can reduce your engine’s horsepower and put you at risk of serious damage. To ensure your air filter is in good condition, you should inspect it regularly and replace it as needed. If you have a diesel-fired engine, you should change your air filter every 100 to 200 hours of operation. If you have a gasoline-fired engine, you should change your filter once a year.
Regularly scheduled maintenance on commercial trucks will help you avoid costly repairs and save time in the long run. When you maintain your truck, you’ll notice a significant decrease in breakdowns and a smoother running vehicle. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your commercial truck running smoothly and save yourself time and money in the long run.