There’s no question that, in general, trucks are built to be more resilient than family vehicles. Both are used every day, but trucks generally travel farther and sometimes under grueling conditions. That’s why, as every truck owner and driver knows, it’s important to keep theirs properly maintained as well as monitored using specific software from companies like Tenstreet. After all, if you were driving a truck, wouldn’t you want to be as comfortable as possible, with your mind only on your destination and not wondering if you’ll get there before a tire blows?
With that being said, if you’re looking for a Freightliner semi for sale or already have one, here’s what you have to remember to keep it well maintained, so it runs as best as it can for as long as possible.
Make Sure You Change the Oil Regularly
Many vehicle owners know how important regular oil changes are, but knowing that and acting on that knowledge are two different things. More than a few people drive their vehicle until there’s a serious problem only to learn that getting the oil changed could’ve prevented it.
As a truck driver, you ought to know just how crucial changing a truck’s oil is, but just because it’s common knowledge doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the best ways to maintain a Freightliner semi truck. So remember to include a quick oil check when inspecting the truck before a trip, and schedule an oil change if you find you need to.
Make Sure the Fuel Vent is Clear
Blocked fuel vents can lead to inaccurate fuel readings, not to mention could negatively impact engine performance. But how could your fuel vent become blocked? Well, when a truck stays parked in one spot for some time, it’s not just dirt that could build up on the surfaces; animals could crawl into its nooks and crannies, too. There have been reports of insects such as wasps building nests in and around trucks’ fuel vents, so it’s worth taking the time to check that area.
Although commercial truckers may not face this problem as they are constantly on the road with their vehicles, it’s still good practice to give it a clean once a while. However, since commercial trucks are often part of a whole fleet belonging to a single company, they would ideally go through regular servicing and checks. It is likely that the companies make use of advanced fleet fuel management systems (see here for more on that) on the trucks, so metrics can be measured accurately and vehicles can be kept in top shape for efficient operations.
Check Your Radiator
Trucks can run strong for many years if their engines stay at a certain temperature even while on the move. Because temperature control is so important, making sure your radiator isn’t leaking and has enough fluid is yet another great way to keep your Freightliner semi truck properly maintained.
Keep an eye out for small leaks, whether in the radiator itself or in the fluid lines leading to or from it, and top off any fluids when necessary.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In this case, the few minutes you use to check the radiator, not to mention taking the time to replace leaking fluid lines when needed, will be worth it if it means you don’t have to shell out more money and lose time because you need to replace an entire engine.
Make Sure Your Brakes Work
Yes, this is another tip that’s very obvious, but it’s still one of the best ways to maintain your Freightliner semi. Making sure your brakes are in good condition isn’t just good for your truck since it won’t have to work hard to come to a stop; it’s good for you and other people on the road, too. Otherwise, your next trip becomes an accident waiting to happen.
Pay attention to how your brakes usually sound and how the rig usually runs, and consult a mechanic if you hear something that’s not normally there or feel vibrations you don’t normally feel.
Joie Mojica
Joie is the passionate writer and blogger of UsedVending.com. She enjoys writing and works at an amazing pace. Blessed with two adorable boys, she dreams of creating a successful career online. She also loves to write about parenting, home and family life, technology and gaming, as well as beauty and health.