Tips For Keeping Your Semi Truck In Top Shape

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Whether you are an independent driver or owner of a fleet, if you have a truck that is broken, then you are losing money. Some repairs might be simple, such as fixing your semi truck mirrors. However, many costly issues arise when certain elements, such as the exhaust system or brake system, do not get sufficient TLC and start to wear down. Although problems are bound to arise over time, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your truck and reduce the cost of maintenance and repair.

Keep Within Capacity

One of the best ways to keep your semi truck in tip top shape is to not load more than your capacity. When you drive with a load that is heavier than what the truck was designed for, it has far reaching problems. It causes excess strain on your brakes, axles and other components of your truck. It also uses more gas, making your run less efficient. You also will be at a higher risk of rollover in an accident.

Routine Inspections

It is important to make a point to run some routine inspections prior to every outing, especially long hauls. Start with the oil. Semi trucks require a lot of oil, and you do not want to end up running low during a long-haul. This leads to excess toil on your engine parts and a higher maintenance and repair cost. It is also a good idea to check other fluids, including the radiator fluids to reduce the risk of overheating. The brakes and tires are other components to check to ensure they are working correctly and do not need maintenance. Also review the linings, hoses and other components of your semi truck exhaust system. Also look at the semi truck mirrors and lights to ensure they are properly functioning. Finding a problem early is a less expensive repair, and it keeps you safe on the road.

Know Your Fuel System

You want to run as efficiently as possible to save on fuel costs, but you also never want to worry about running out. Although some things, like keeping adequate tire pressure and not going over your capacity, increases fuel efficiency, it also important to concentrate on knowing your fuel system so that you are aware when there is a problem. Some semis should not be filled to capacity, since the fuel might expand in certain temperatures and lead to overfilled tanks. If you have a dual fuel tank, then it might cause an issue when you park sideways on a hill. It might lead to uneven tank loads, which leads to air uptake. Wasps and other bugs have been known to build nests in fuel tanks, so if you have sat for a few days always check before you drive. Not only could you end up with mad wasps, but you also might have a blockage that makes it appear as though you have more fuel than you really have.

Whether you have an issue with the semi truck mirrors or semi truck exhaust, always fix problems the moment you notice them. If something goes wrong in one area, it is not long before it could end up leading to issues in other areas.