Routine maintenance is key to the safe & reliable operation of heavy-duty trucks. By regularly inspecting, repairing, and replacing the parts of your truck, you can prevent larger problems and stay on the road longer. Staying on top of your preventative maintenance schedule can save time and money while extending the lifespan of your truck. Many maintenance items will vary in frequency depending on a variety of factors, so be sure to consider the typical application of your truck when creating your service schedule, and always refer to manufacturer specifications when in doubt.
Here are 9 essential truck parts and when to replace them:
1. Brakes
Whether your truck uses drum or disc brakes, you will need to stay on top of your service in order to ensure the best performance. Brake parts such as shoes, pads, and rotors will have varying lifespans depending on the quality of components, driving habits, and the environmental conditions they are typically used in. Be sure to listen for any irregular noises while braking and monitor any loss in braking power.
It is important to routinely inspect your brake systems to monitor their condition and change brake components as they fall out of the recommended specs for safe use. Be sure to check for even wear, and any cracked or otherwise damaged parts should be immediately replaced. According to the United States Department of Transportation, the minimum requirements for brake linings and pads are as follows:
2. Tires
Tires are the sole point of contact between you and the road, and as such they should be regularly inspected and closely monitored. Be sure to routinely check tire pressure and tread depth to look for damage, signs of uneven wear, bulges or blisters, and tire cracking or dry rot. Damaged, poorly maintained, and improperly aligned tires can result in poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased risk of blowouts.
There are legal limits on tread depth (4/32 of an inch for steer tires and 2/32 of an inch for other tires), though it is recommended to change tires before approaching these lower limits. Any rotting, bulging, or significantly damaged tires should warrant immediate replacement as well. Tires with regular wear should be replaced every 6-8 years, or every 50,000-100,000 miles depending on tire quality, loads carried, and driving style and conditions.
3. Batteries
Battery life can vary in heavy-duty trucks, but a typical lifespan of 3-5 years can be expected with proper battery selection and application. Lifespan can also be affected by weather and other external factors, so be sure to routinely test the voltage and look for signs of battery health deterioration. Dimming lights and trouble starting are indicators that your battery may be losing power.
4. Oil & Oil Filters
Oil changes are one of the most frequent maintenance tasks required for heavy-duty trucks. Regular oil changes can help provide the most optimal engine performance while preventing much larger issues. The oil filter should be replaced in conjunction with oil changes in order to prevent contaminants from causing any damage.
Heavy-duty trucks generally require oil changes around 25,000-50,000 miles, but can vary based on oil quality, driving habits, engine condition, and environmental factors. More severe-duty applications can bring the service interval down, while higher-efficiency engines may make it as long as 60,000-70,000 miles before needing an oil change.
5. Fuel Filters
Fuel filters ensure that your engine is getting clean fuel without any contaminants. Dirty fuel filters can cause decreased engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Service intervals for fuel filters can vary based on the amount of fuel being burned, with severe-duty applications requiring filter changes as short as 25,000 miles. Typical long-haul trucks will require service around every 50,000 miles, with some higher efficiency engines only requiring fuel filter changes every 75,000 miles or so.
6. Air Filters
Air filters prevent contaminants such as dust and other particles from entering your engine and negatively impacting its performance. Service intervals can depend on the conditions the truck typically operates in, with dusty conditions shortening that interval. It is recommended to change filters according to the restriction indicator rather than mileage, hours, or visual inspection.
7. Belts & Hoses
Belts and hoses serve to transmit power between engine systems and transport fluids throughout the engine and beyond. These components will break down over time through regular use and environmental conditions. Belts and hoses should be inspected at regular intervals and replaced every 60,000-90,000 miles, or when cracks, leaks, or other deterioration begins to show.
8. Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers are the only tool you have to keep your view of the road clear in adverse conditions. As such, the maintenance of the wiper blades and any of the parts responsible for the operation of the wiper assembly is extremely important. Blades should be replaced at regular intervals as they wear or become damaged, about every 6-12 months. Wiper motors should be replaced as needed when the movement of the wipers slows or stops completely.
9. Lights
Proper lighting on your truck is extremely helpful for visibility, both for you and for other drivers. Headlights, taillights, clearance lights, and any other auxiliary lights should be closely monitored. Any burnt out lights should be replaced as soon as possible, and any dimming or flashing of lights could be the result of an electrical issue. Consider keeping some spare bulbs in your truck for the most essential lights on your rig.
Heavy-Duty Truck Parts at Iron Wing
By knowing when to replace these essential truck parts, you can help prevent downtime resulting from their failure or malfunction. This should provide a broad guide for your maintenance schedule, but be sure to ultimately adhere to OEM standards and the advice of professional mechanics regarding when to replace any parts on your truck.
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