When you’re the captain of your heavy-duty truck, there’s a certain sense of pride and responsibility that comes with the territory. For owner-operators, the sage advice of Ben Franklin couldn’t ring truer — “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to heavy-duty truck maintenance. Luckily, we have three essential maintenance tips every owner-operator should have on their checklist for smooth rides and business success.
Tip 1: Regular Inspections
Inspect Like Your Job Depends on It
Tires, brakes, fluids, and lights are the unsung heroes of the American trucking industry. Begin with the first point of contact with the road: tires. Uneven wear or tears could signal more significant issues or a looming blowout, imperative to address before they sideline you. Brake inspections are critical, ensuring you have the stopping power when you need it most.
Staying on top of your fluids is equally important. Whether it’s something as innocent as having no wiper fluid or as serious as an engine with no oil in it, the last thing you want while you’re on the road is problems. If you’re like most owner-operators, our last tip about lights is a no-brainer. Keep your lights bright and bulbs blaring to avoid any visibility issues while you’re on the road.
All in all, giving your truck a once over is a simple, yet amazing piece of advice. Ten minutes of your time could save you thousands of dollars, so do that daily walk around!
The Frequency Game
Performing thorough DIY inspections before and after every trip can help eliminate any headaches before they begin. We’ve come up with a list of “best practices” regarding routine checks of your heavy-duty truck.
For tires, every two weeks isn’t overkill — it’s proactive. Brake inspections should coincide with tire checks. Never neglect the fluids; they’re what keeps your heavy-duty engine revving and your revenues rising.
In addition to routine DIY inspections, we always recommend having your truck inspected by our team of certified technicians. We suggest inspections at least twice a year. Not only will this prevent a variety of issues from occurring, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your source of income will be available year-round.
Book your next inspection online or by visiting any of our service centers in today.
Tip 2: Scheduled Maintenance
Manufacturer Knows Best
Your truck is a finely tuned machine, and manufacturers provide a roadmap for keeping it that way. From nose to tail, following OEM guidelines is the best way to ensure peak performance and warranty validity.
The Plan of Action
When you’re dealing with engines that clock millions of miles, it’s essential to check your oil regularly and have it changed on a routine basis. According to Lube Zone, “The average lifespan of an oil change on a truck is anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 miles.” Although factors such as older vehicles and driving habits may impact how long the oil in your truck engine may last. Transmissions deserve attention too; it’s recommended your transmission be serviced every 100,000 miles or so. This is to ensure you get the most longevity out of it.
Now while these are merely our recommendations, we always advise that you consult your owner’s manual to verify what the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals are.
Tip 3: Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal commercial truck maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety throughout the year. As seasons change, various elements like temperature, road conditions, and precipitation can affect the operation of commercial vehicles.
Winter
During the winter months, attention should be given to inspecting and replacing worn tires, checking and replenishing antifreeze levels, and ensuring adequate battery strength for cold starts. Regularly check and replace cabin air filters to ensure efficient airflow. Adequate defrosting capability is vital for keeping the windshield clear of frost and ice, ensuring optimal visibility during winter driving conditions.
Spring
In spring, focus shifts to cleaning and inspecting the undercarriage for any signs of corrosion from winter road treatments, as well as checking brake systems and fluid levels. Consider flushing and replacing the coolant if it’s dirty or hasn’t been changed according to manufacturer recommendations.
Summer
Summer maintenance involves monitoring for tire pressure fluctuation due to increased heat, checking air conditioning systems, and inspecting engine belts and hoses for wear and tear. It’s also essential to regularly inspect and clean the truck’s cooling system. Summer heat can place extra stress on the engine’s cooling system, potentially leading to overheating if not properly maintained.
Fall
Lastly, in the fall, attention should be given to preparing for colder weather. Implement this by inspecting the heating system, checking and replacing windshield wipers, and ensuring all lights are functioning correctly. Additionally, it’s important to inspect and prepare the truck’s braking system for the upcoming colder months. Fall is an ideal time to check the condition of brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines to ensure they’re in good working order.
Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!
Now that you’ve read our top three tips for heavy duty truck maintenance, hopefully your experience as an owner-operator in the Lehigh Valley just got that much easier! From oil changes and routine inspections to engine overhauls and tire replacements, these tips will help you until you retire.
We’d be doing a disservice if we didn’t mention our top-notch service department here at Coopersburg Kenworth. If you’re a heavy-duty truck owner-operator in the Lehigh Valley area, we’re your one-stop shop for sales, service and parts. Don’t wait until it’s too late, book your next service appointment online or by calling 610-262-4500 today!