Trucks tend to carry heavy loads and cover long distances. They are also likely to operate in harsher, dustier, and dirtier conditions. All this means trucks require more frequent maintenance compared to other vehicles so that they can continue operating optimally and safely. If you operate one or more trucks for your business operations, it is important to schedule regular maintenance. Find out how often to service your truck, based on mileage and usage.
When & How Often to Service Your Truck?
The answer to the question of when and how often to service a truck depends on various factors. The key factors include:
- Type of truck (make and model)
- Vehicle’s age
- Oil viscosity
- Operating environment
- Time of the year
Besides these factors, mileage is a major factor that affects the right time for servicing your truck.
Truck Maintenance Based on Mileage
A truck may need servicing at different times based on the distance it covers and the kind of loads it carries. It is recommended to follow the maintenance schedule below for your truck:
Basic Servicing
A truck should receive basic maintenance every 15,000 miles it covers. This includes refilling fluids and conducting brake and light checks.
Comprehensive Inspections
Your truck should get a comprehensive inspection after every 30,000 miles that it covers. These inspections should involve the following minimum steps:
- Changing the oil
- Checking and changing the fuel filters and air filters
- Completing minor repairs
Annual Inspections
A truck should receive at least one annual inspection and service. It should include:
- Analyzing engine performance
- Engine components should be replaced if they are worn out
It is up to you to ensure the timely maintenance of your trucks while maintaining clear records of the services. Despite these requirements, many companies fail to service their fleets on time. Any time this happens, you will have unsafe trucks operating on the road.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Truck Maintenance
If you find it difficult to determine the ideal routine for truck servicing, the following tips can help you:
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
All trucks have a maintenance schedule specified by the manufacturer. This information can be accessed from the owner’s manual and it mentions the intervals for:
- Brake inspections
- Tire rotations
- Oil changes
Ensure Regular Oil Changes
No truck can survive for long without timely oil changes. It is the most important part of any truck maintenance schedule. A heavy truck’s engine oil should be changed every 25,000 miles. Failing to do so can cause engine wear, poor performance, and early engine failure.
Consider the Driving Conditions
You may have to schedule truck services more often if you drive a truck in the following conditions:
- Off-road conditions
- Heavy traffic
- Severe weather conditions
Exposure to extreme conditions can cause greater wear and tear and damage to your truck and its components.
Ensure Timely Brake & Tire Inspections
Brakes and tires are extremely important from a safety perspective. You should have the brakes checked every 5,000 miles to 15,000 miles. The tires should be inspected weekly, but pressure checks should be performed every day.
When it comes to the tires, the inspection should involve looking for:
- Low tread depth
- Uneven wear
- Inflation levels
Any time you notice a grinding or squeaking noise when braking, you should schedule a professional inspection.
Further, it is recommended to schedule seasonal inspection and maintenance. This can help avoid unexpected breakdowns. Hot conditions can increase the stress on the air conditioning and extreme cold can reduce battery life. Seasonal servicing can help keep your truck running smoothly when you need it the most. Timely truck maintenance can also help increase the safety of your drivers and those on the road.
