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Here at Real Trucking, we know keeping trucks in top shape is crucial for safe driving, preventing expensive repairs, and achieving optimal fuel efficiency. Although we are lucky to have our sister company that is a shop next to our headquarters in Broadview, Illinois, we also have tips on how to keep your units in tip-top shape to prevent issues over the road. So whether you are in Chicago or somewhere on the East Coast, regular preventative maintenance for semi trucks is essential. Our tips and suggestions help you take preventative measures to avoid breakdowns and run smoothly.

Changing the truck’s oil and filter regularly protects the engine but can break down over time. Having the dirty oil sit in the engine is no good, so we recommend having the truck's oil changed every 25,000 miles or as needed depending on driving conditions and mileage.

It is important to not forget to check other fluid levels regularly. Fluids such as engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid all play a different role but are important. Top up any fluids that are running low.

Inspect your truck’s tires regularly, checking for wear and tear to make sure they are properly inflated, and keep an eye out for any signs of deterioration. Checking the tire's tread depth is a quick and easy way to see if the tires are at their limit. Grab a penny and insert it with Lincoln’s head facing down between the tread’s groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then it is time to replace the tires. Checking on your tire’s wear can also help detect issues with alignment. Completing a truck maintenance checklist is a great way to what was checked and when it was checked.

 Keeping the air filters clean by getting them replaced or cleaned at least annually or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles is important, especially if you are driving through dusty dirt roads. If you notice the truck having a sluggish acceleration or a drop in fuel efficiency, then it might be time to take a look at those air filters. Visible dirt and unusual engine noises are also signs that the filters need to be cleaned. Confused about cleaning versus replacing the truck’s filters? Consider these suggestions, limited effectiveness or heavily clogged filters are a good indicator of replacing them. Pre-filters are a good additional filter to catch larger particles before they reach the main filter.

Inspect your truck before and after each trip to catch any issues before you start a new trip. This proactive measure may save you a lot of time and money if you are the owner of the truck. You can also catch any damage that occurred while the truck and trailer were getting loaded or unloaded.  Other times you can also catch when a replacement is needed before the damage is too late and lead to a larger and more expensive problem. It is important to replace components as needed. Sending the truck in for professional inspections is also key to having a well-maintained unit, by taking care of the engine and other parts of it, you can help it last longer! Again, this is something to note in the truck maintenance checklist to refer to and ensure everything is ready to go.

When the temperatures drop, it is important to warm up your truck before driving in cold weather, not only for your comfort but for the unit’s engine as well. You do not want to leave the truck running for too long when idle either, as it increases emissions, wastes fuel, and puts additional wear on the engine.

Use high-quality fuel and oil to enhance the power and efficiency, that way it will burn cleaner and completely, this can potentially lead to better fuel economy. High-grade oil also reduces friction between engine parts, leading to less wear and tear. Additionally, the advantages of using quality fuel and oil is cleaner burning fuel contributes to lower emissions, fuel efficiency, and making your truck more environmentally friendly while also possibly lowering maintenance costs.

In conclusion, checking on your truck and keeping it in top shape is about maximizing your performance over the road. It is worth taking a couple of minutes before and after your trips to check on the unit before getting stuck and waiting for hours to get help and the unit fixed. By doing this not only will you benefit, but you will also be contributing to fuel efficiency and being environmentally responsible. These simple maintenance tips and suggestions will ensure that you are set for the road ahead of you. Here at Real Trucking, we are committed to helping you achieve just that! If you are in need of a service or inspection, the shop next to our Broadview, Illinois location has got you covered. We are here to keep you running.  

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