Breakdowns and auto accidents are an inevitable part of being a vehicle owner. Parts wear down over time, break, and have to be replaced regularly. As one of the biggest and heaviest vehicles on the road, keeping your rig in proper condition is crucial. Which is why it’s great to have a 24/7 roadside heavy-duty repair team like Massey Towing and Truck Repair. Most heavy-duty rigs break down once every 10,000 miles, so it is important to always be prepared. That being said, some repairs are better left to the experts. To stay on the safe side, it is important to make regular vehicle maintenance checks a priority. If you require semi-truck repair, use these tips to guide you through the process.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to save money on repairs is through preventative maintenance. Regularly checking your vehicle for parts that are over-worn, old, or broken can allow you to replace them before they break on the road. Waiting too long to fix certain parts of your rig can lead to much more costly repairs down the road. According to the FMCSA Regulations, “Every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.” This law requires the owner of any big rig to complete regular maintenance, and for good reason. A properly maintained vehicle is more reliable, fuel-efficient, and profitable. Worn-down and deflated tires cause the most write-ups for heavy-duty haulers year after year, so be sure to keep an eye on both the internal and external parts of your truck. Before you set out on your next long-distance haul, use this preventative maintenance checklist to make sure you are good to go;
- Engine oil and filter changes
- Oil pressure
- Transmission fluid
- The fuel filter and system check
- Cooling system
- Engine and transmission mounts
- Driveshafts or CV joints
- Belts and hoses
- Electrical system components
- Braking system
- Steering and suspension system
- Tires
- Exhaust system
- Undercarriage and frame
- Exterior and interior lights
- Body, glass, and mirrors
- Windshield wipers
- Parking brake
- Horn
- Seat belts
- Fluid leak
- Auxiliary systems
- Steering mechanism
- reflectors
- Tires
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
Professional Repairs
Larger repairs and bodywork usually require the services of a professional. After a breakdown, semi-truck drivers will have their rigs towed to a repair station for any necessary repairs, or in some circumstances, a repair team can come out and do a roadside repair. Most semi-truck repairs require a highly skilled individual and a large number of tools to carry out, which makes it difficult to do heavy-duty repairs on your own.
Semi Truck Repair Tips
When you are buying replacement parts for your truck, it can be tempting to purchase the most affordable solutions. Cheap replacements and aftermarket parts might save you some money now but often break quickly. If the part you need is essential to the functioning of your rig, it may be worth it to spend the extra dollar for a quality part. Even if you are great at repairs on the go, it is always important to have reflectors, flashers, and warning devices to keep you safe.
Heavy Duty Truck Repair in DallasTX
Driving any vehicle for a long time comes with its challenges. Maintaining your rig and keeping up with breaking parts while you are on the job can be overwhelming. At Massey Towing and Truck Repair, we aim to develop relationships with our customers through reliable service and quality repairs. Our team of professional tow truck operators is ready to help you at a moment’s notice, 24/7. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you require heavy-duty truck repair in the Dallas Fort Worth area, contact us for service you can count on.
