A Beginner’s Guide to Truck Maintenance

For truck owners, there’s nothing more frustrating than an unexpected breakdown, which results in downtime and costly repairs. The best way to prevent this is with regular maintenance and planned service appointments. We've gathered up our top tips to help you keep your truck in excellent working condition. Keep reading to learn more and if you have any questions or want to book a service appointment, contact us at Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Increase Your Truck's Lifespan

There are various maintenance tasks you can do to extend the life of your semi-truck. Regular oil changes are a crucial step to help keep everything running smoothly. Address any paint chips as soon as possible because they are a breeding ground for rust. Wash the semi-truck often to keep contaminants from causing damage to the coat, paint, primer, and metal. These simple steps can keep your semi-truck on the road for longer.

Brakes and Suspension

Another important part of your truck is the braking system. It enables you to control your speed and stop when needed. Regularly check the brake drums, shoes, and pads to ensure they are all working well. When you notice signs of wear on any parts, replace them as soon as possible.

If you have a heavy-duty or medium-duty truck, you probably have air brakes. This type of brake is reliable and very useful in bigger trucks, but like any pneumatic system, there’s a potential for leaks. You’ll want to get your brakes inspected to make sure you avoid this.

The suspension system is also a key component of your semi-truck. A well-running suspension system keeps vibrations from adding stress to the vehicle. When the suspension system isn't running as well, it can wear down various parts of the truck. Waiting to fix the suspension can lead to increased damage and more costly repairs, so address problems as soon as possible.

Windows

Windows are an often-ignored part of truck maintenance. But they are an important part of safe driving. They provide the driver with visibility and it's important to keep them clear of the dirt, dust, and debris found on the open road. Frequent washings help ensure the necessary visibility for safe driving. If windows get any rock chips or cracks, repair them as soon as possible. Delaying will often lead to the crack or chip growing larger and larger.

Regular truck maintenance is a great way to get the best performance from your equipment. For more advice or to schedule a service appointment, visit Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, FL. Our expert staff can help you with whatever you need, from answering questions to getting your vehicle working smoothly again. We proudly serve the fine folks in Fort Lauderdale and the Tri-County area, so stop by today!