Semi-Truck Maintenance Tips

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep heavy vehicles and machines in working order, and semi-trucks are no exception. Semi-trucks are expensive pieces of equipment and they deserve to be taken care of. If you aren’t keeping up with regular maintenance, you could end up with expensive service or repair bills that could have been avoided.

GATR Truck Center is your premier semi-truck dealership with five locations across Minnesota and Iowa. We want our customers to have all the information they need to properly maintain their semi-trucks. That’s why we have provided some tips to help you out with this. If you want more advice or if you need to schedule a service appointment, get in touch with us today! Our experienced technicians are ready to help you with whatever you need.

Read Your Owner’s Manual

While the recommendations we provide below are broadly applicable to a vast variety of semi-trucks, it’s always advisable to check your owner’s manual to learn how your specific model functions and what the manufacturer recommends. You’ll find suggestions for products to use and the maintenance schedule for performing certain tasks. 

The manual will also teach you how every part of your vehicle functions, so that you’ll know when something is amiss. Write down any maintenance you performed in your manual with the date and keep track of what parts you replace. This information will come in handy if you choose to sell your truck in future.

Tire Check

The tires on your semi-truck carry the weight of the vehicle itself as well as everything you tow, so they take a lot of abuse over time. Remember to check them every morning before using the truck. This includes testing the pressure and inspecting the tires for signs of damage or excess wear and tear. If you expect the truck to not be used for a while, make sure you’re moving the vehicle once or twice a month to avoid too much pressure on one spot of the tires.

Take Care of the Engine

One of the most vital parts of a semi-truck is the engine. An easy way to keep the engine running smoothly is to regularly check and change the engine oil, which helps prevent overheating and other mechanical issues. To check the oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it with a soft cloth, and reinsert it into the reservoir. Remove it once again to analyze the color and consistency of your oil. If it’s sludgy and opaque, you’ll need to change the oil and oil filter. If it’s clear and runny, you can simply top it off and you’re good to go.

Clean the Glasses

Windows are an important part of safe driving. Don’t head out without making sure that your windows and mirrors are clean. Being able to see what’s coming around you is critical for everyone’s safety, so keep your glass in good condition. 

If there are chips or cracks forming on the windshield, get your truck serviced before you drive it again. A small rock chip now will be an easy and inexpensive fix, but once it expands to a large crack over time, you’ll be looking at much more costly windshield replacement.

Brakes

Stay up-to-date with any brake maintenance and get them regularly checked by a professional. As you drive, stay alert for vibrations or odd sounds when you brake. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring your rig in for an inspection as soon as possible.

Suspension

This is one element of your semi-truck that can be easy to look over, but it’s important to keep it in peak condition. A healthy suspension extends the life of your truck by eliminating vibration that can otherwise cause problems over the long term. The suspension system also makes you much more comfortable as you drive.

When you take care of your semi-truck with proper preventative maintenance, it will serve you well for years to come. If you need any assistance for your heavy vehicle, stop by and see us at GATR Truck Center. We also offer a wide range of semi-trucks for sale. Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve all those in Minnesota and Iowa, so contact us today!