There are approximately 3.54 million truck drivers in the $940 billion U.S. commercial freight-hauling industry accumulating more than 327 billion miles each year. Truckers deliver upwards of 72 percent of all materials and goods and are the backbone of American communities. The hardworking men and women who keep the economy rolling operate an estimated 13.9 million rigs that require ongoing truck maintenance and repair.
Tractor-trailer maintenance remains the very foundation of safe, uninterrupted truck driving operations. A truck's preventative maintenance requires in-depth knowledge of the mechanical workings of today’s commercial vehicles.
Whether you are an owner-operator, a fleet decision-maker, or rank among the 8.9 million people in related trucking careers, safety and efficiency begin with truck maintenance. Understanding the benefits of truck maintenance and devising a checklist should prove valuable for a long and successful trucking career.
Why Does Preventative Truck Maintenance Matter?
Your truck's preventative maintenance needs extend far beyond merely changing fluids and oil. Commercial trucks endure long hours on the road under sometimes intense heat and frigid cold temperatures. It stands to reason that a wealth of moving and static parts would require maintenance, repair, and changes at regular intervals. By following through with regularly scheduled tractor-trailer maintenance, drivers and fleet owners, among others, can anticipate the following benefits.
1. Improved Drivable Hours
The decision to operate big rigs until they absolutely need service is generally a poor one. The idea tends to be driven by the notion that keeping the truck moving maximizes profits. The opposite tends to be true.
Routine inspections often result in identifying issues that could cause a critical breakdown. There are few things as costly as calling a tow truck for an 18-wheeler and sending another vehicle out to pick up the trailer and complete the route. Temporarily sidelining a commercial vehicle for suspected shortcomings can improve the chances of efficiently completing the run on time.
2. Reduce Risk of Accident and Injury
Consider the outcome of not responsibly checking inexpensive items such as brake fluid before making a run. When the brake fluid is low, there may be a significant root cause. A leaky brake line can be more than just risky. It can prove fatal when trying to make an emergency stop. The same reasoning holds true of other facets of a truck’s mechanical components, and fluids, among others. Failing to run through a truck maintenance checklist during a field inspection is simply not worth the risk.
3. Improved Fuel Mileage
Fuel efficiency ranks among the top considerations in terms of truck-driving profitability. That’s because truckers and trucking companies spend the bulk of their investment on the cost of the commercial vehicle, insurance, and diesel fuel. Considering a coast-to-coast freight haul can run upwards of 3,000 miles, maximizing fuel efficiency is vital.
Simple items that are on a standard truck maintenance checklist such as tire pressure and condition have a direct impact on how much you spend on fuel. Tires that are even 10 pounds under-inflated can negatively impact fuel efficiency by 1 percent. Take that 1 percent and multiply it by 3,000 miles and that’s a cost problem. Proper tire inflation is just one of several maintenance issues that can improve fuel efficiency and profits with it.
4. Secure Clean CSA Reviews
Complying with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program trails back to proper service and maintenance efforts by owner-operators and freight-hauling outfits. It’s not so much that routine maintenance improves your standing, it’s the high price of violations that matters. Skipping scheduled maintenance can result in getting hit with a violation that puts your vehicle out of service.
5. Cost Savings
That minor repair suggested during your last truck maintenance appointment seemed too expensive at the time, right? But just imagine you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. You now need to have your rig towed to some shop charging an extremely high hourly rate for diagnostic work, plus the cost of the repair. That minor problem that could have been addressed proactively has now turned into a big, expensive one that has you sidelined for much of the day.
Essential routine Maintenance for Your Semi Truck
Oil Changes
Every driver in the world knows about the importance of changing their oil, and if they don’t know, they’ll soon learn! As a trucker, you already understand that changing your oil is essential, but we’re going to talk about it anyway because it is so important. Take the time to inspect your oil before every trip, especially if it is new or just had a major engine repair or replacement. High-powered vehicles like your semi truck need plenty of oil, and neglecting this important lubricant can lead to major delays and expensive repairs.
Radiator Inspections
The radiator helps keep your high-powered engine running at a cool temperature, so every time you set out on a new route, take a few minutes to look it over. Top off the fluid if it looks low, and be on the lookout for small leaks. If you do find any leaks, make sure they are repaired or take your truck to a shop before they create a serious over-heating issue in your engine.
Tire Pressure
As we told you in a previous post truck tire life, having the right tire pressure will help you increase your efficiency and make your tires last longer. You have thousands of dollars in your tires, so don’t let them go to waste. Every truck and trailer will have different requirements, so understand what PSI your tires need and always inflate them properly. You’ll save money on fuel as well as tires with this simple practice.
Check the Fuel Vent
When you are home for a break, your truck probably sits in one place the whole time. Before you hit the road, take a moment to inspect the fuel vent, as wasps and other inspects have been known to build nests in this area. Having blockage in your fuel vent will give you inaccurate fuel readings and could eventually cause problems with the performance of your engine.
Brake Inspection
How many tons are you hauling on your next trucking job? When is the last time a professional inspected your brakes? Strong, reliable brakes are essential for any vehicle, especially a fully-loaded semi traveling 65 mph. Have your brakes checked often by a mechanic you know and trust, and if you feel any vibrations or hear a squealing sound, it’s probably time to have them serviced.
Grease the Moving Points
There are dozens of points on a truck that need grease, and this task is usually a straightforward maintenance job that you can do yourself. Not only will you feel the satisfaction of working on your own rig, but you’ll also be able to see if anything looks loose or needs to be repaired. Some points need greasing on practically every part of your truck, giving you the chance to look over the entire vehicle.
With these simple and effective maintenance tips, you can have a semi-truck that lasts for years. Remember, however, that every truck needs the attention of a qualified professional, so don’t hesitate to take it to a shop when needed.
aDDITIONAL Truck Maintenance: A Driver's Checklist
Along with daily field inspections that include tire safety, topping off fluids, and checking turning signal lights and headlamps, among others, conducting full truck preventative maintenance reviews remains crucial.
- Check hazards and control lamps
- Check warning light functions located in the vehicle’s instrument cluster
- Review the functionality of your air compressors
- Check locks, hinges, and weather-sealing liners.
- Check your truck’s external lamp fixture
- Check rearview mirrors and their housing
- Check all reflective devices
- Routinely top off windshield wiper fluids
- Replace worn wiper blades when necessary
- Make sure the hood locking system is secure
- Check batteries for leaks, buildup, and make sure cables are reliable
- Check your fuel tank for signs of wear of leaks
- Check all hoses, venting, and exhaust pipes
- Examine chassis and cab for lubrication needs
- Conduct visual inspection of tires for damage and wear
- Examine wheel bearings, hubs, and axles for lubrication
- Conduct an exhaust leak inspection
- Check the air dryer
- Inspect steering linkage
- Inspect all shock absorbers
- Check all fluid levels
- Inspect rear spring bolts
- Check all brake components
- Check the vehicle’s air cleaner
- Check all belts, fans, bolts, and seals throughout the vehicle
Today’s technologically advanced 18-wheelers can create a significant challenge for everyday drivers to manage complete checks. Full service and maintenance review may be best left to professionals in the trucking industry who keep tractor-trailers functioning at a high level every day.
That being said, it’s in every driver’s best interest to make daily safety inspections and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle you believe is not roadworthy.
Authored By:
Kate Williams
Kate Williams is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CDLjobs.com, a trusted leader in the trucking industry since 1999. With over 35 years of experience in finance and business operations, Kate has spent the last two decades helping connect truck drivers with reliable carriers across the United States.
As a driving force behind CDLjobs.com’s growth, she works closely with driver recruiters and industry partners to ensure job seekers have access to high-quality, legitimate driving opportunities.
Based in the Midwest, Kate understands the regional hiring challenges and trends that matter most to CDL drivers. She is dedicated to supporting the American trucking workforce and brings a unique perspective, combining financial strategy with real-world recruiting insight.
Connect with Kate: LinkedIn | More about CDLjobs.com
