Welp MagazineSemi-trucks can last for a long time, but neglect can significantly reduce their lifespan. Here are some essential tips for helping your semi-truck last longer.
Prevent Body Corrosion
After spending so long driving your semi-truck cross-country, it may suffer from weather exposure. Dust, debris, and salt from the roads can lead to corrosion on the body of your truck, which can quickly shorten its lifespan. Luckily, body corrosion prevention can help your truck last a long time on the road.
Washing your semi-truck every two weeks can reduce corrosion by removing contaminants that encourage rusting. Covering your door locks with lubricant during the winter months can protect them from heavy precipitation.
Maintain the Wheel Ends
Your semi-truck wheels support the vehicle and determine a successful trip. If you notice your wheel ends are starting to wear down and lose functionality, you should inspect them and perform any necessary repairs.
Some common semi-truck wheel end issues include wheel wobbling, abnormal noises, and wheel bearing misalignment. Wheels should have good torque, tight bushings, and secure U-bolts. Unrounded, wobbling wheels can result from improper rolling. Fortunately, you can inspect them by jacking up the vehicle and spinning the wheels. A loose wheel bearing is often due to poor alignments between the cup and cone, while wheel noises can come from damaged wheel ends. So, regular maintenance and repairs can prevent you from experiencing problems on the road.
Monitor Exhaust Systems
The exhaust system is one of the most important parts of a semi-truck. Its jobs include removing pollutants and hot gases from the engine and muffling it. Monitoring your vehicle’s exhaust system can improve its performance and maximize your semi-truck’s lifespan. A functional, well-maintained system allows gas to escape the engine, preventing it from sustaining damage. Inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system for any signs of wear or overexertion.
Keep the Tires Inflated
Keeping your semi-truck’s tires inflated is an essential tip for helping your rig last longer. The average single-axle semi-truck can carry upwards of 20,000 lb., or about 1,100 lb. for each tire. Unfortunately, improper tire inflation can result in blowouts and tire damage.
Underinflated tires can prevent commercial truck drivers from meeting their delivery dates. Tire maintenance, inflation, and pressure checks can help you meet delivery dates and avoid paying hefty repair and replacement prices.
