Owning a tractor trailer truck calls for good maintenance if you want to keep it in the best condition. Here are five ways you can properly maintain your truck to keep it looking good and functioning well.
Check Your Tires
The tires of your truck play an important role as they help you drive safely. The same as with the tires on your personal car, those on your truck also need proper maintenance. For this reason, you need to ensure that they’re properly inflated, something you can do with the help of a good handheld pressure gauge. Look for excessive tread wear and cracks in the sidewalls, as well as the tightness of your lug nuts so that you don’t lose any while you travel. Doing this will help you drive more safely and helps with fuel mileage.
Do Regular Maintenance
As it’s recommended to change your oil every 3,000 miles, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, you need to make sure you do this regularly. Check the chains, straps, winches, and hooks to be sure that they’re not torn, rusted, or otherwise damaged. Don’t skip a maintenance session as it can make a big difference between a safe drive and one that ends up in an accident.
Lubricate its Undercarriage
Your truck’s undercarriage can use regular lubrication as the drivetrain, steering, and suspension work constantly. With 89% of lubrication professionals, according to a recent survey saying they consider the viscosity index of oil when they’re selecting a lubricant to use, you can do the same for your own truck. Before you go on a long trip, it’s advisable to make sure you lubricate all the necessary components of your truck to avoid the likelihood of issues such as lockups and excessive wear and tear. All the fittings and gears need proper and regular lubrication in order to extend their lifespan and avoid the possibility of expensive replacements and repairs.
Inspect the Brakes
Just like the tires, the brakes on your truck play an extremely important role in the safety of your truck. This is because the ability to come to a stop effectively minimizes the risk of getting into an accident. While ensuring your brakes are working well, don’t forget the brake lights. Involve an expert for this step as it’s not only a criminal offense to drive with malfunctioning brake lights, but it’s also a serious hazard to fellow road users. Never travel while unsure of the state of your brakes and brake lights, as these go hand-in-hand to ensure you’re compliant with road rules and will avoid causing an accident.
Check its Suspension
Finally, your truck’s suspension needs to be in good shape at all times to ensure that your truck is functioning optimally. Look out for missing bolts and cracked spring hangers as well as obvious signs of wear and tear. Also, remove any debris that may be caught in your trailer’s suspension and make sure that your air springs have the proper pressure. Don’t forget to ensure that your shock absorber is mounted right and will work as it should. With the IRS form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes or HVUT needing to be filed annually, take the time to fill out any paperwork you may have so you’re compliant while you drive your truck.
To ensure your safety and the longevity of your truck, use the information above as a guide for keeping your vehicle in the right condition at all times. Don’t hesitate to call a professional and have them look at your truck if there are any issues as delaying having the issues fixed will often result in more expenses and time spent on repairs.
