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How to Keep Your Semi-Truck in Great Condition

How to Keep Your Semi-Truck in Great Condition
Your semi-truck is a huge investment and a heavily used piece of machinery. If you are thorough in its maintenance, you will not hemorrhage money fixing your truck en route and you will reap the returns.Whether you drive for a company, are planning to undertake a lease-purchase, or are already an owner-operator, these tips are for you. The scheduled annual or bi-annual service is a given but this semi-truck maintenance guide is about the daily and weekly things you can do.

Routine Pre-Trip, En-Route and Post-Trip Inspections

While the truck service is recommended every year or every 10,000 – 12,000 miles, regular checks are also essential. Fleet managers usually have a pre-trip checklist for all the parts a driver should check before embarking. The law also requires this. It’s good practice to also do a quick scan, during a truck stop, to make sure your rig is in order. Post-trip checks can be extensive if repairs are needed.The parts in the checklist are:
  • Tires
  • Horn
  • Windshield wiper
  • Service brakes and trailer brake connections
  • Parking brakes
  • Steering mechanism
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Rear-vision mirrors
  • Coupling devices

Keep High-Quality Spare Parts on Hand

Even with a good maintenance routine, truck breakdowns can happen unexpectedly. You may be able to call your local mobile truck repair in Gainesville to come through but you should prepare for anything.
Here’s a list of spare parts to keep on hand:

  • Alternator
  • Fuel filters
  • Belts
  • Heater hose
  • Electrical wire
  • Electrical connectors
  • Baling wire
  • Duct tape
  • Nuts, bolts, and hose clamps
  • Washer fluid
  • Antifreeze
  • Starting fluid
  • Socket sets
  • Screwdrivers
  • Punches
  • Chisels
  • Claw hammer
  • Knife
  • Tire gauge
    • Quality speaks for itself and your truck will thank you with long service based on the caliber of parts you use.

    Regular Oil Checks

    Don’t wait for the oil in your truck to run low before topping it up. Trucks are heavy machinery and lack of proper lubrication can cause damage and delays.

    Check and top up the oil before each trip. Make sure you get the oil drained and changed according to the recommended period for your vehicle.

    Most automakers recommend an oil change once every six months or every 7,500- 10,000 miles covered.

    Regularly Check and Maintain Brakes

    This should be a no-brainer but it needs to be mentioned. Driving with worn-out brakes can damage the tires, unbalancing them. Bad brakes can also cause serious accidents, injuries, and damages. Make sure you check your brakes before each trip and change them every 50,000 miles.

    Prevent Truck Body Corrosion

    Just because your semi-truck is a workhorse doesn’t mean you should neglect the appearance. Wash your truck properly every 2 weeks.Irregular dirt such as road salt and dead bugs can damage the paint or the metalwork of your truck. They should be dealt with immediately.Wash the truck after heavy rainfall or snow. Remember to apply protective sealants and lubricants especially in extreme weather.

    Keep High-Quality Spare Parts on Hand

    Even with a good maintenance routine, truck breakdowns can happen unexpectedly.
    • Alternator
    • Fuel filters
    • Belts
    • Heater hose
    • Electrical wire
    • Electrical connectors
    • Baling wire
    • Duct tape
    • Nuts, bolts, and hose clamps
    • Washer fluid
    • Antifreeze
    • Starting fluid
    • Socket sets
    • Screwdrivers
    • Punches
    • Chisels
    • Claw hammer
    • Knife
    • Tire gauge

    Semi-Truck Repair in Gainesville

    If you need semi-truck or trailer repair in Gainesville, contact Road Rescue Inc to get your rig back on the road.

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    Jeff Tormey

    Jeff Tormey

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