The survival and lifespan of a semi-truck rely heavily on the extensive practice of preventative maintenance and care. A semi-truck requires the same amount of attention to parts, components, and fluids if not more than any compact vehicle. To maintain the health of a semi-truck and keep it hauling for its designed lifespan, here are several practices to implement to keep a semi-truck healthy and performing optimally.
1. Monitor the Fluid Levels:
The fluids in a semi-truck are the lifeline for the parts and components that make the machine up. Keeping up with the engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, and power steering fluid levels is essential for the functionality of a truck. These fluid practices are the best way to avoid irreversible damage to much-needed parts such as the engine and transmission.
2. Change Fluids:
Changing out the fluids in a semi-truck can depend on how many miles are driven, the weight of the loads, and the routes that are taken. It is important to follow the truck's manufacturer's recommendations for when to change the fluids. Changing the fluids out can lead to costly repairs and breakdowns down the line.
3. Monitor the Tire Pressure:
Tire pressure monitoring is a critical practice in any vehicle, but especially in a semi-truck. The tires on a semi-truck contribute to the most important function of the vehicle, drivability. Monitoring the tires for over-inflation, under-inflation, and uneven wear can ensure that the driver gets the best performance and use out of the truck.
4. Inspect Air Filters:
The air filter protects the engine from absorbing and consuming particulates that can cause damage to the engine and its components. A clogged air filter can be the number one cause of engine damage and breakdowns. Truck drivers should always have the air filter replaced in the semi-truck to alleviate the chance of uninvited debris and dirt.
5. Check the Brakes
When a semi-truck carries a full load, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle can stop correctly. Regularly checking the brakes for wear and poor condition and replacing them when any signs such as squeaking and squealing appear can save the semi-truck from breakdowns.
The Purpose and Importance of Preventative Maintenance:
Preventative maintenance practices are in place to ensure that semi-truck components and parts are performing as they should be and make repairs or replacements where necessary to eliminate breakdowns. Regularly checking a vehicle for normal wear and tear can alleviate the opportunity for problems to go from minor to major, resulting in costly repairs. A semi-truck or fleet vehicle is on a strict schedule that must be adhered to as closely as possible, which is why it is critical that the moment that minor issues arise, the semi-truck is taken to a trusted truck repair shop, where issues can be revealed and resolved with accuracy and in a timely fashion. The key thing to keep in mind when prioritizing maintenance in a semi-truck is how useful these practices are. Preventative maintenance in a semi-truck maximizes safety, increases the truck's reliability, extends its lifespan, and increases savings from major issues down the line. The most proactive way to maintain the health and longevity of a semi-truck’s drivability, components, and parts is to prioritize the importance of maintenance through regular inspections and taking care of small issues before they become major.