What Should a Complete Semi Truck Service Include?

Semi trucks spend many hours on the road each day. Keeping up with maintenance is vital to your company’s bottom line. Poorly maintained trucks break down, which costs time and money. It’s dangerous to your drivers and everyone on the road when semi trucks aren’t serviced regularly. Having a preventative maintenance plan for each truck to monitor when it needs service can prevent overlooking something. Make sure to keep records of any semi truck road service that is performed.  

Checklist for Preventative Maintenance 

Many of these items need to be checked at different mileage intervals. Keeping track of when the truck reaches certain benchmarks can help you plan for scheduled maintenance when the truck is near a service center or down for a driver’s rest. 

• Transmission, engine, and exhaust – driveshaft, cooling system, power steering, and the differential. 
• Fluid levels – oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluids, coolant, and related filters. 
• Chassis and body – suspensions, undercoating, body fenders, panels, wheel axles, bumpers, grilles, doors, and windows. 
• Wheels and tires – alignment, air pressure, rims, hubs, tire expiration date, bearings, and tread. 
• Brakes – disks, drums, air leaks, pads, and shoes. 
• Electrical system – battery, alternator, wipers, lights, horn, sensors, and AC system. 
• Safety system – climate control, antilock brakes, cruise control, GPS and navigation system.

Seasonal Maintenance for Your Fleet

During certain times of the year, you may need to pay attention to different parts of the truck when they get a workout. Change the windshield wipers to heavy-duty wipers in the winter that can stand up to the elements. Focus on the AC system in the summer. Check the age of the coolant before the winter months. Coolant shouldn’t be older than 24 months. Taking care of your trucks seasonally can help prevent major headaches on the road. 

Pre-Trip Maintenance 

Before a truck goes on the road, the driver should check the major components of the truck: 

• Brakes – Both parking and standard brakes should be checked.  
• Electrical system and wiring – Check all lights and wires to make sure nothing is loose or worn. 
• Fluids – Look for leaks on the pavement under the truck. Check the oil, fuel, and antifreeze. Turn the engine on to check the gauges and pressure before taking the truck out. 
• Tires – Use a tire gauge to check the pressure. Check the tread, both on the inside and outside of the tires to look for uneven wear or low tread. 

Keep Your Fleet Vehicles Clean 

Your trucks represent your brand. Keeping the truck clean makes drivers happier and presents your company at its best. It’s also easier to notice rust and see other problems when the truck is clean. Make cleaning the truck part of your maintenance schedule. 

STTC Offers Road Service to Keep Your Trucks Running Well 

Our service team handles all types of vehicle maintenance, mobile, emergency, and drive-in. We have quick turn times, so you get back on the road as quickly as possible. Our shops use high quality OEM parts to ensure your vehicle is repaired right the first time. 

Call us now at 610-954-8473 or contact us online for any type of emergency service or tire replacement and repair needs for your commercial fleet vehicles. Encourage your drivers to keep our phone number on speed dial in case they ever need semi truck road service.