As a truck driver, you might put tens of thousands of miles under your wheels every month, which puts a lot of strain on your vehicle. Properly maintaining your vehicle will save money on unnecessary semi-truck repairs later and prevent breakdowns that can put you behind schedule. Below are a few key tips for keeping your vehicle in peak condition.

How to Maintain Your Semi-Truck

1. Change the Oil

Changing the oil is the single most important maintenance task you can do. Fresh lubricant helps control temperatures inside the engine and flushes out contaminants that can cause buildups and eventual breakdowns. Newer vehicles will need fresh oil every 7,500 miles, but older trucks may need their oil changed more often.

2. Inspect the Radiator

Overheating is one of the most common causes of semi breakdowns, especially for drivers on long-haul runs in the summer. Even seemingly minor leaks can deplete your coolant levels enough to cause the engine to overheat, eventually causing broken seals and warped components. 

Check your coolant levels on a regular basis and, if it seems low, have a semi-truck repair expert check the radiator system for damage.

3. Keep the Tires Rotated

A blowout at highway speeds can be dangerous for you and other drivers. While all tires eventually fail, rotating them regularly ensures that they wear evenly. Not only does this decrease the chances of a flat, but it also extends the life of your tires, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. Most repair experts recommend rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

For over 30 years, CL Enterprises has provided fast and effective semi-truck repairs for drivers throughout central and western New York. Their facility can handle most repairs in under an hour, and they offer mobile repair services to ensure you get back on the road as quickly as possible. Visit their website for more on their semi-truck repair services, follow their Facebook for updates, or call (585) 289-7900 for an appointment today.