Top Commercial Truck Maintenance Tips
Trucker's Corner
At Trucker’s Corner, you can navigate to topics regarding the trucking industry, lifestyle while on the road, and truck health. International Used Trucks has the information you need to keep you on the Road to Revenue
Trucks go through quite a bit of wear and tear as they navigate all types of roads and driving conditions, and that can really add up over time. That’s why learning how to maintain a commercial truck is so important for drivers. Proper care can help prevent major issues from developing, which means you can avoid downtime and stay on the road. Learn some of the top commercial truck maintenance tips from our experts, and feel free to get in touch for more information!
Why is Truck Maintenance Important?
One of the best commercial truck service tips is simply to commit to a solid maintenance schedule. Don’t believe us? Let’s go over an example. A regular commercial truck oil change costs a few hundred dollars on average. This simple task ensures that your engine has fresh flowing oil to help regulate the temperature and lubricate the moving parts.
What if you skip your oil changes to save some money? Your engine will slowly develop problems, overheating and eventually malfunctioning completely. Now your service bill is well into the thousands. Would you rather pay for an oil change or an engine overhaul? The right maintenance routine can truly save you thousands of dollars over time.
How to Maintain a Commercial Truck
- Read Your Manual: Your owner’s manual will contain a maintenance schedule that’s specific to your year, make, model, and configuration. This guide is the best source of commercial truck maintenance tips for keeping your vehicle in impeccable condition, mile after mile—and it’s far better than any generic guide you find on a search engine.
- Mind Your Tires: Tire maintenance is crucial for your truck’s efficiency, performance, and safety. Retreading and replacing your tires will become a regular part of your routine, so be sure to inspect your set regularly for any signs of damage.
- Stay Aligned: Wheel and axle alignments ensure that your truck drives true on the road. Even the slightest warping can lead to damage over time. Schedule a three-axle alignment every year at a minimum.
- Change Your Oil: One of the most common commercial truck service tips is simply to change your oil on or ahead of schedule. Your engine works hard to pull heavy cargo, and a quick oil change can really bring new life into your performance.
- Test Your Battery: Battery life can vary, depending on your driving style and vehicle. If you’re not sure how often to change your batteries, we recommend getting a battery test periodically to keep tabs on your battery health.
- Check Your Brakes: Brakes are some of the most important components in your vehicle, so don’t overlook them. Check pads and rotors, look for leaks and debris, and get your braking system serviced regularly.
- Keep It Seasonal: Different seasons bring different stressors to the road, so adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly. Check the air conditioning system in the summer and the heater in the winter.
Get More Commercial Truck Service Tips at International Used Truck Center
Now you know how to maintain a commercial truck like a pro, but what if you want even more commercial truck maintenance tips? Contact usat International Used Truck Center to find out more about your specific make and model. We’d love to help!
