There’s an eternal principle that experienced big rig drivers live by: Inspect your semi-truck regularly to identify and address minor issues before they become serious and expensive problems. Frequent inspections and routine maintenance can be the reason you arrive at your next stop on time instead of sitting roadside for hours waiting for a service truck. Whether you're a business owner with a fleet of semi-trucks or a proud, independent owner/operator, taking care of your expensive investment is vital. Establishing a schedule for regular maintenance on your truck is the key to worry-free operation and longevity for your semi.
What is covered in this article:
In an industry where circumstances can be unpredictable and outside of your control, there is one factor that you can manage: big-rig maintenance. With scheduled routine maintenance for your semi, you can avoid damage, downtime, and unexpected repair costs. Instead of reacting to maintenance emergencies, identify small issues and schedule repairs at your convenience. Your hauls will keep moving on schedule, and future loads can be easily planned.
These are the four primary advantages of preventive semi-truck maintenance checks.
This is the most important reason to keep your big rig properly maintained: protecting your drivers, shipment, and other road-sharing drivers from harm.
Once you’re flagged for maintenance issues or violations, you’re in the system. Every out-of-service (OOS) violation must be fixed before the semi-truck is considered roadworthy again.
Performing routine maintenance makes your costs more predictable. Avoid calling emergency roadside service for expensive repairs that eat away at your profits and impact your bottom line.
Maintaining your big rig increases uptime, lowers your operating costs, decreases your cost per mile, and makes your job more lucrative.
Routine preventive semi-truck maintenance helps avoid unnecessary downtime while promoting safe operation. On average, a more detailed inspection for preventive maintenance is performed every 30,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals for your truck and always hire a trained professional to perform the work.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the semi-truck owner to “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.” Establishing a preventive maintenance schedule ensures your truck is safe, legal, and ready for the road.
So how often should I service my big rig? It all depends on how often the manufacturer recommends service. On average, the recommended range to receive basic service is every 15,000 – 25,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual on when to service your truck, and always have it worked on by a trained professional with semi-truck experience.
These are the factors to consider for regular maintenance:
The most responsible truck drivers and owners ask this question. Changing your oil is the most common and easiest maintenance, but it is the most effective in protecting your engine from wear and tear. On average, an oil change for a semi-truck is recommended every 25,000 miles. Recent developments in engine efficiency and oil formulations have significantly increased the interval between oil changes. Truckers are now going further between service visits thanks to advances in technology. Refer to your owner’s manual on what type of oil to use and when to service your truck.
So, besides the mileage indicator, how else can you know if it is time for an oil change? Most experienced mechanics recommend looking for these signs:
While it’s important not to skip routine service for your big rig, you also should avoid performing unnecessary maintenance. Follow these tips to maximize the distance intervals between oil changes:
Trying to identify an exact amount for maintenance costs is not easy. There are too many makes and models of trucks and variables to consider. On average, expect to pay around $15,000 per year and even more as the truck ages.
Developing and then using an inspection checklist, also known as a pre-trip (or post-trip) inspection, helps you guarantee that nothing gets left out when it is time for routine servicing. There are three elements to a quality inspection checklist that help identify future semi-truck maintenance tasks:
The following list is similar to the surprise roadside inspections and what the Department of Transportation (DOT) reviews during your annual vehicle inspection. This list is considered typical and will vary depending on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements or road and weather conditions.
Perform these inspections before or after each trip or job:
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Refer to your owner’s manual on when to service your semi-truck, and always have it worked on by a trained professional.
Here is a general maintenance schedule to use for reference.
| Maintenance Item | Normal and Heavy Duty | Severe Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and Filter Change | 15,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
| 5th Wheel and Kingpin Grease | Every 3 months or 30,000 miles | Every 3 months or 30,000 miles |
| Battery Service | Every 6 months | Every 6 months |
| Air and Cabin Filters Replace | Every 6 months | Every 6 months |
| Shocks Replace | Every 12 months | Every 12 months |
| 3-Axle Alignment and Tire Maintenance | Every 12 months | Every 12 months |
| Air Filter Fuel Tank Vent | Every 12 months | Every 6 months |
| Air Dryer Filter Replace | 150,000 miles | 100,000 miles |
| Power Steering Fluid Filter Replace | 150,000 miles | 150,000 miles |
| Valve Adjustment | 150,000 miles then every 300,000 miles after the first overhead (valve adjustment) | 150,000 miles then every 200,000 miles after the first overhead (valve adjustment) |
| DEF System Service | 150,000 miles | 150,000 miles |
| DPF Filter Clean and Bake | 400,000 miles | 250,000 miles |
| Coolant Filter Replace | 300,000 miles | 150,000 miles |
| Coolant Flush and Replace | 750,000 miles | 750,000 miles |
| Transmission Filter and Fluid Replace | 500,000 miles or 60 months | 500,000 miles or 60 months |
| Fan/Accessory Drive Belt Replace | 300,000 miles | 150,000 miles |
| Differential Oil Replace | 250,000 miles | 150,000 miles |
It’s no secret that poor maintenance of your truck will lead to unsafe trips, expensive repair costs, and unnecessary downtime. Remember that your semi is your money maker, so keep it in good working order.
Wise truckers know that if your wheels are turning, you’re earning. The bottom line is that inspections and a detailed maintenance schedule not only save money but promote safer operations and fewer breakdowns. Perform daily pre-trip inspections and follow a maintenance plan so that minor problems do not become costly repairs or replacements. One fleet manager put it this way: With a reliable maintenance program in place, you will appreciate the safe and profitable miles as you drive toward success.
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