Best Tips For Semi-Truck Maintenance

A well-maintained truck is the pillar of any logistics fleet. To ensure your semi-truck remains a reliable component of your operations, keeping it in optimal functioning condition at all times is crucial. After all, arriving on time, every time, is the name of the game. 

To be a dependable haulage partner, you need to be able to rely on the performance of your trucks. Therefore, it is up to you to keep the wheels turning to continue to drive your business.

Follow these simple semi-truck maintenance steps to keep your vehicles in optimal working condition at all times.

How often should your semi-truck be serviced?

Most trucks carry large, heavy loads over long distances which is why they need to be serviced more frequently than your standard vehicle.

A truck’s maintenance requirements will differ depending on the types of loads a truck carries and the distances it travels. For example, a curtainsider regularly carrying light loads of fabric over a short distance will have different maintenance requirements to a flatbed hauling heavy machinery across borders.

In general, even though the age and the brand of the truck may be considered, all trucks in your fleet should undergo the following types of maintenance procedures:

• Basic service

Your truck should receive a basic service every 25,000km (15,000 miles) it travels. Basic services commonly include light checks, brake functionality, and refilling all necessary fluids.

• Deep inspection

Trucks must undergo a thorough inspection every 100,000km (60,000 miles) it travels. Deep inspections include oil changes, replacement of vital filters (air, fuel, oil, etc.) and minor structural and mechanical adjustments where needed.

• Full inspection

Notwithstanding the distance a truck travels, a full inspection and service must always be conducted at lease once a year during the periodic official check. Annual inspections analyse the performance of the engine and all vital components that ensure a truck’s performance and safety. Major parts might be needing replacement or repair. The goal is to get the truck to optimal performance to withstand its requirements until the next full inspection.

In addition, regular pre-and post-trip inspections are crucial to ensure continuous road safety and early detection of issues.

These systematic inspections keep you up to date about the real-time condition of your truck. From here, you are able to quickly discover any potential risks so you can make the necessary adjustments before they become bigger issues.

After all, the safety of drivers and fellow road users relies on the safety of the trucks and trailers themselves. If they are on the roads with any mechanical issues, it puts everyone in jeopardy of potential accidents.

Maintenance checklist

To ensure smooth, long-term service from your truck, following a robust preventative maintenance schedule will not only help you manage the performance of your truck but your logistics operation too.

These inspections should be conducted regularly, both before and after a trip.

Follow these steps to ensure peace of mind knowing that your trusted semi-truck is in proper condition to meet the requirements of your logistics strategy.

• Engine

It is important to check for any leakages in the engine from oil, coolant, or fuel. Sometimes, cracks in the radiator mounting can occur so be sure to check for that, as well as the stability of the radiator. A leaking radiator may cause overheating and issue damage on the engine.

• Brakes

Regular brake inspection is crucial to ensure your truck is operating safely on the roads. As brakes withstand the most amount of usage, they incur a lot of wear and tear and so must be regularly inspected and serviced.

Air brake inspection involves analysing the air lines and front brake chambers, brake lining thickness, and drum condition. Be on the lookout for leaks in lines, valves, and hoses.

• Tires

Much like brakes, tires are subject to immense wear and tear and must be constantly monitored to ensure vehicle safety. Look out for any cuts, piercings, bulging and uneven wear on the tires themselves. Then, check the wheel bearings, lube cap, and axle flange seals for leaks and irregularities.

• Fluid levels

Fluids are one of the most important components of a well-maintained truck so make sure you keep an eye on the levels regularly. While the frequency of fluid changes varies according to distance and load, following the guides of the manufacturer will keep you on top of this vital component.

Maintaining correct fluid levels might seem simple but overlooking this may have consequences for the functionality and longevity of your truck. Don’t compromise on quality here.

• Electricals and in-cab inspection

A thorough electrical inspection is important to keep a truck operating at its full potential. Check that the general wiring of the truck is in good condition and repair any cuts or damage if found. Inspect that all the lights are operating well, such as headlights, brights, indicators, and brake lights. Also, check how the batteries are working and replace them if needed.

An in-cab inspection is important to be aware of all the extra elements that is seatbelts, windscreen wipers, key ignition, gauges, seats, doors, etc.

TIP Group Maintenance and Repair services

TIP Group offers specialist lifecycle maintenance and repair on any vehicle purchased. Our teams of certified trailer technicians and Class A mechanics operate in state-of-the-art workshops across Europe and North America.

Get in touch with us today and one of our regional managers will be happy to help arrange maintenance and repair services for you.