![]() ![]() Road salt is highly corrosive and should be washed off to avoid shortening the lifespan of mechanical components, parts, and the truck’s frame.ĭriver pre-trip inspections are the core of a good preventative maintenance program, which aids in truck driver safety. Exterior: Visit a truck wash, for example, Blue Beacon, regularly.Tire Tread: Measure your tread depth on each tire to make sure they are compliant with federal regulations: A minimum of 4/32 of an inch on the steer tires and 2/32 of an inch on all other tires.Check fluids daily, including engine oil, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid ![]() Fluids: Service your filters at manufacturer specified intervals.Drum brakes can freeze overnight, so look at your tires as you pull your truck forward in the morning and make sure they are rolling to avoid damaging your tires. ![]() Braking system: Ensure your ABS is working properly before starting a winter drive.Windshield: Check for chips and cracking, ensure wiper blades are clean and free of dry rot, and defrosters are working properly.Tire Pressure: Ensure warm air does not raise the air pressure of tires over safe limits.Electrical System: Check the battery for corrosion and ensure that wires are secure.Coolant: Drain, flush, and pressure test the system at least once a year.Air Conditioning: Check for leaks and debris build up.To optimize your maintenance schedule, we suggest adjusting your plan to compensate for climatic conditions. Seasonal changes bring hot and cold weather extremes, such as winter truck driving, that affect your truck differently from one season to the next. To manage your maintenance costs it may be a good idea to plan your maintenance budget per mile. The most common mechanical issues and repair needs include problems with:įrequent inspection of these specific parts can help reduce your overall maintenance costs by spotting problems early. Not only do these larger chains provide nationwide service, they are more competitive in their pricing than small mom and pop repair shops, and you have a better chance of receiving discounts. To further manage costs, compare the routine maintenance costs between dealerships and large truck repair chains, for example, Love’s, TA, and Ryder. Small expenditures on routine maintenance will prolong the life of the truck and minimize the occurrence of major repair expenses. Semi truck maintenance costs are one of the easiest costs to manage by taking a proactive approach. However, a good average is around $15,000 per year, although that amount scales upward as the vehicle ages. With so many makes and models of trucks available, many variables exist to consider. It isn’t easy to specify an exact amount regarding maintenance costs. Follow these interval guidelines to optimize your preventative maintenance schedule and consult a qualified professional before making any repairs or removing parts from your truck. “Every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.” - FMCSAĮach truck manufacturer provides maintenance interval information to help truckers establish their maintenance programs. They have addressed the issue with regulations that guide truckers toward conducting preventative maintenance to avoid having their truck placed out of service for mechanical defaults. The federal government has recognized the importance of preventative maintenance in the safe operation of commercial vehicles. Invest in a scheduled maintenance program to keep your truck mechanically sound and in safe working order.Repair defects as soon as you find them, no matter how insignificant a defect may seem.Perform systematic inspections (your daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections).The three pillars of preventative maintenance are: Preventative maintenance is your “ounce of prevention.” Developing and sticking to a maintenance schedule will help you root out minor problems and fix them before they turn into major expensive problems. ![]() You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That saying couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to trucking. To assist you in caring for your truck and to help you keep those wheels turning, we’ve put together this guide with wisdom gleaned from generations of successful owner-operators and trucking companies. After all, you can’t make money if you’re broken down on the roadside. A well structured semi truck maintenance plan is crucial to maintaining a thriving trucking business and sustaining a healthy profit margin. ![]()
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