The Complete Tractor Trailer Maintenance Schedule Guide

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your tractor trailer. Daily checks should include inspecting the tire pressure, which should be at 80-100 psi for most tractors.

A thorough inspection of the brakes is also essential, as worn-out brake pads can lead to reduced stopping power and increased risk of accidents.

The engine oil should be checked every day, and the oil level should be at the recommended level.

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Preventive maintenance is a schedule that allows you to identify and address minor repair issues before they get out of hand.

A semi-truck maintenance program typically includes a preventative maintenance checklist, which is a schedule for when to address key maintenance needs with a professional mechanic.

Manufacturer guidelines determine the schedule, which can vary depending on whether your vehicle use qualifies as "normal" duty or heavy/severe duty.

Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections are essential to check for any defects or repair issues that may be present.

Defects should be repaired as quickly as possible, and all repairs and preventative maintenance service should be noted on a semi-truck maintenance log.

Preventative maintenance keeps your truck in good working order, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

Mechanical failures can cause serious accidents, resulting in significant damage to your truck and other vehicles, or even fatal consequences.

Effective maintenance keeps you compliant with regulations so your vehicles stay in service.

Preventative maintenance lowers costs for your trucking business by preventing more expensive repair issues and extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

Following a manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is often required to maintain warranty coverage on repairs and replacements.

Preventive maintenance (PM) is regular, planned maintenance that is scheduled according to usage or mileage-based requirements.

The purpose of PM is to lessen the likelihood of equipment breakdowns.

A general cab and trailer inspection should include checking for fuel system leaks, leaks or soot in the cab/trailer exhaust system, and proper functioning of windshield wipers.

It's also essential to confirm mud flaps are positioned properly, check for damage to the trailer landing gear, and inspect the cab, frame, and undercarriage for road salt during the winter.

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Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operation. For Mack and Volvo trucks, chassis lube is recommended every 15,000 miles for normal-heavy duty and every 10,000 miles for severe duty.

Battery service is required every six months for both normal-heavy duty and severe duty. You should also consider scheduling maintenance earlier than recommended to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Here's a breakdown of recommended service intervals for Mack and Volvo trucks:

Recommended Service Intervals are crucial for keeping your semi-truck in top shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.

Chassis lube should be done every 15,000 miles for normal-heavy duty or every 10,000 miles for severe duty. Battery service is recommended every 6 months for both normal-heavy duty and severe duty.

Three-axle alignment should be done every 12 months for both normal-heavy duty and severe duty. Oil change and B service are required at 45,000 miles or 1,300 hours for normal-heavy duty, and at 35,000 miles or 825 hours for severe duty.

Air filter fuel tank vent should be replaced every 12 months for normal-heavy duty and every 6 months for severe duty. Air dryer filter should be replaced at 150,000 miles for normal-heavy duty and at 100,000 miles for severe duty.

Power steering fluid and filter should be replaced at 150,000 miles for both normal-heavy duty and severe duty. Valve adjustment should be done at 150,000 miles, then every 300,000 miles for normal-heavy duty, and every 200,000 miles for severe duty.

DEF system service should be done at 150,000 miles for both normal-heavy duty and severe duty. AHI clean and replace (7th injector) should be done at 150,000 miles for normal-heavy duty and at 100,000 miles for severe duty.

DPF filter clean and bake should be done at 400,000 miles for normal-heavy duty and at 250,000 miles for severe duty. Coolant filter replace should be done at 300,000 miles for normal-heavy duty and at 150,000 miles for severe duty.

Here is a summary of recommended service intervals:

Brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your vehicle, so it's essential to keep them in good condition.

Inspect your brake pads to ensure they have proper thickness, as worn-out pads can lead to reduced stopping power.

Brake lines should be free of leaks or other damage, which can cause brake failure.

Inspect your brake rotors, drum, and disc for any signs of damage, as this can affect your vehicle's ability to stop safely.

The parking brake should operate properly, engaging and disengaging smoothly.

If your rear brakes need adjustment, make sure to do so to maintain even braking performance.

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Daily inspections are a must for tractor trailer maintenance. Check the engine oil and coolant level every day before heading out on the road.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing breakdowns. According to the definition of preventive maintenance, it's scheduled maintenance that's done according to usage or mileage-based requirements.

Here's a breakdown of the normal duty maintenance schedule:

Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are crucial for tractor trailer maintenance. A breakdown caused by a mechanical failure could result in added expenses for towing and repairs, as well as lost income opportunities due to schedule delays.

Preventative maintenance also matters because mechanical failures could cause serious accidents. These accidents can result in significant damage to your tractor trailer and other vehicles and could even prove fatal.

Battery and electrical systems inspections are a key part of regular maintenance. This includes testing the battery charge, inspecting the alternator and internal wiring, and cleaning battery terminal corrosion.

A general cab and trailer inspection should also be done regularly. This includes checking for fuel system leaks, inspecting the cab, frame, and undercarriage for road salt, and checking steering play.

Tire checks are also essential. This includes checking tire air pressure, measuring tread depth, and checking for dry rot, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and other visible issues.

Regular tire rotation is also recommended. This can help extend the life of your tires and prevent uneven wear.

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Tires are a crucial part of your vehicle's safety and performance, so it's essential to check them regularly.

Make sure the tire air pressure matches the inflation specifications for your vehicle. This can be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker on the driver's side doorjamb.

Tread depth is another critical factor to check. For steer tires, it should be at least 4/32" to ensure good traction and handling. Other tires should have a minimum of 2/32" of tread depth.

Visible issues like dry rot, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear can be a sign of worn-out tires. Take a closer look and address any problems you find.

Rims and lug nuts should also be inspected for cracks or other damage. This can be a safety hazard if not addressed promptly.

Don't forget to rotate your tires regularly to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.

Regular vehicle inspections are a crucial part of maintaining your semi-truck. You should check for fuel system leaks and leaks or soot in the cab/trailer exhaust system.

Checking for damage to the trailer landing gear, fifth wheel, pin, and assembly mounting is also essential. This includes inspecting the cab, frame, and undercarriage for road salt during the winter and washing regularly to prevent corrosion.

You should also ensure proper functioning of windshield wipers and confirm mud flaps are positioned properly. Additionally, check steering play and inspect shocks, ball joints, springs, transmission mounts, bell housing bolts, and carrier bearings.

Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections are also vital to catch any defects or repair issues early on. This will help prevent breakdowns and ensure your truck is in good working order for DOT inspections.

Tire checks should also be a regular part of your vehicle inspection routine. This includes checking tire air pressure, measuring tread depth, and looking for dry rot, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and other visible issues.

Semi-truck maintenance costs can add up quickly, with an average annual cost of $15,000 per truck.

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The cost can vary depending on the age of your truck, its total mileage each year, and whether you operate it in severe conditions.

Unexpected repairs and breakdowns are inevitable, but budgeting for these expenses can help prevent major financial setbacks.

Many owner-operators can lower their maintenance costs by leasing on with companies that offer maintenance assistance programs or fleet discounts.

Large truck repair chains often provide service discounts nationwide, which can be a big help.

The annual cost to maintain a semi-truck has increased by 3-5% in 2021, according to studies.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your truck reliable and on the road longer, avoiding costly repairs in the long run.