Commercial trucking can be fast-paced and stressful. Not just on drivers, owner-operators and fleet managers, but also on the vehicles themselves. That’s why a consistent, year-round maintenance schedule is critical for keeping your semi-truck on the road and performing at its best.
Learn why your fleet needs a semi-truck maintenance schedule and get a breakdown of the inspections and services you’ll need to keep your rig running strong.
Why Do Semi-Trucks Need Maintenance Schedules?
Years of long hauls with heavy loads, stop-and-go traffic and challenging road conditions put repeated stress on vital semi-truck components such as brakes, engines and transmissions.
Without a consistent maintenance schedule, you increase the risk of a major breakdown. Not only that, but you also open yourself up to potential safety and compliance issues that could place you out of service.
With one, however, your business becomes proactive rather than reactive. Instead of scrambling due to a breakdown, you can plan services around your routes and workload, while also experiencing cost-saving benefits such as:
- Reduced downtime
- Lower repair expenses
- Improved fuel economy
- Increased vehicle lifespan
- Enhanced driver safety
- Improved compliance
Reduce your costs even more by joining our fuel card program!
Daily Semi-Truck Maintenance Checklist
For semi-truck drivers, a daily preventative maintenance checklist should include:
- Vehicle Exterior
- Engine Compartment
- Tires and Rims
- Lights and Signals
- Brakes and Air Pressure
- Cab Interior and Trailer
Semi-Truck Maintenance Schedules and Intervals
Certain components will require more frequent preventative maintenance, so it’s also important to understand the service intervals for each component. This will help you with budget planning and scheduling downtime.
The following are common intervals for many Class 8 trucks, though manufacturer recommendations may vary. For optimal performance and longevity, please follow the maintenance schedule provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Service Interval A: 15,000 Miles
The first interval focuses on lighter services, ensuring that any issues are caught early before they lead to failures or breakdowns.
These services include:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter change
- Air filter inspection
- Safety systems check
- Tire service and rotation, if needed
- Brake and air pressure system inspection
- Inspection of belts, hoses and batteries
- Lubrication of chassis components, kingpins and universal joints
Service Interval B: 30,000 – 45,000 Miles
The second interval includes all services listed in the first and also expands to provide a comprehensive look at your vehicle, focusing primarily on measuring various components.
These services may include:
- Fluid and filter changes
- Leak inspections
- Seal inspections
- Gear oil changes
- Coolant system testing and coolant analysis
- Air system services
- Electrical system services
- Cab and body inspections
- Suspension component inspections and alignment checks
- Exhaust system testing
- Emissions compliance checks
Service Interval C: 50,000 – 60,000 Miles
This interval focuses on major services and often coincides with your annual DOT inspection. Here’s what you can expect:
- Engine services
- Comprehensive inspections of belts, hoses and driveline components
- Comprehensive inspection of cooling systems
- Wheel alignment and suspension system check
- Coolant filter changes
- Alignment, frame and structural review
- Scheduled replacements due to wear
Service Interval D: 100,000+ Miles
This interval is dedicated to major component rebuilds, deep system overhauls and advanced filter replacements.
Services may include:
- Full preventative service inspections
- Air filter replacements
- Hydraulic fluid replacements
- Comprehensive diagnostic scans
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning or regenerations
- Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) maintenance
- Turbocharger inspections
Save on Preventative Maintenance With RTS
As equipment and maintenance costs continue to rise, it’s increasingly important to optimize your vehicles’ performance and longevity.
By joining the RTS Truck Care Program, you get access to our nationwide service network, exclusive preventative maintenance discounts and industry-leading tires through our partnership with Michelin.
Ready to start saving more on truck care? Fill out the form on the page and an RTS representative will be in touch shortly!