There are few things more important to a driver than his or her truck. As such, truck maintenance should be a top priority. You should treat your truck with the utmost care in order to keep it in tip-top shape. And while most truckers take pride in the time and care they put into their truck, everyone could use a few reminders occasionally.
Here are 4 truck maintenance tips for your truck to keep you running as well and as long as possible.
You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver
1. Get your oil changed regularly
One of the most significant truck maintenance check, or any vehicle maintenance, is to check the oil. Oil is so essential to the life of your truck. Powerful engines like the ones in trucks need lots of oil, and you could harm your truck if you let it go too long without checking your levels. A general rule of thumb is to change your oil every 7,500 miles or six months (whichever comes first).
2. Keep your tires in check
Here are a few things to take into consideration when thinking about your tires during your routine truck maintenance checks.
Tire rotation. Because your tires wear unevenly (front tires are usually seen the most wear), getting your tires rotated regularly is imperative. Therefore, you should aim to get your tires rotated every time you get an oil change.
Tire pressure. As the weather changes, so does tire pressure. Tires that are under-inflated can lower fuel mileage and make it harder to steer. To keep them in the best shape, check the pressure of your tires weekly, and even more often if you’re about to be on the road for an extended period of time.
Tire tread. Heat makes the rubber in your tires break down faster, so if you haven’t checked your tire tread since the summer, make sure you do so soon. You can use a tread gauge to get the job done
3. Make sure your brakes are in good shape
This one can get really expensive if you let it go for too long without getting it checked. If you hear or feel anything out of the ordinary with your brakes, it’s likely time to get them checked out to avoid paying more for it down the road.
4. Keep a toolbox on hand
Keeping a toolbox in your truck can enable you to perform small inspections and fixes on your rig. It’ll also help you to be prepared in case of an emergency. Your toolbox should include items such as:
- Wrench set
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Zip ties
- Tire pressure gauge
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Brake cleaner
- Pocket knife
- Don’t Forget Basic Truck Maintenance
From brand-new trucking rookies to seasoned drivers who know their truck like the back of their hand, everyone could use a little truck maintenance refresher from time to time. Follow these tips to lengthen the life of your truck, run safely, and avoid breakdowns or other emergencies.
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