When you’re completing a long job haul in your big rig, the last mishap you want is to wind up on the side of the road needing semi-truck towing. Luckily, there are several preventative maintenance tasks you can utilize to avoid costly repairs and semi-truck towing. Save money and time by following these four maintenance tips for your truck.

Top Tips to Maintain Your Semi-Truck

1.  Get Your Oil Changed Regularly

You may think skipping one oil change or putting it off for an extra month won’t cause much harm, but this can cause many different problems with your semi-truck. Without enough lubricant, your engine will not run effectively, and the important components will begin to warp. Eventually, your engine could completely shut down—leaving you with only two options—a semi-truck towing service and costly repairs. Prevent these scenarios by changing the oil every 25,000 miles.

2. Carefully Inspect the Radiator & Fluids

Your big rig relies on the radiator for temperature control. When preparing for a long trip ahead, always inspect your radiator to check for any potential leaks, deterioration, and to top off any fluids that are running low. While radiator fluid should be checked, you can also add to your power steering, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid.

3. Check Your Brakes

Depending on how many miles you log annually, chances are your brakes have garnered a significant amount of wear and tear. As a general rule, brake pads last around 25,000 to 65,000 miles before needing to be changed. Before any extended hauls, visibly inspect your brakes for any obvious damage, such as worn pads or rusty rotors. Additionally, if you notice any cranking noises, squealing sounds, or heavy vibrations, have these looked at by a professional.

4. Grease Appropriate Components

While it can be a time-consuming project, greasing the various parts of your truck is one of the best maintenance tips you can follow—and something you can easily do on your own. Grease the truck chassis, which contains components like the upper and lower kingpins, the drag link, and tie-rods. Keeping your semi-truck greased will allow the various moving parts of your rig to efficiently function, which can actually increase the life span of your equipment.

Even with effective maintenance, breakdowns can happen, which is why drivers trust Tomah Wrecker & Repair, LLC, in Monroe County, WI, for semi-truck towing services. For more than 50 years, this company has provided drivers with a safe way to get their damaged or broken-down semi-trucks off the road for service. To learn more about the company’s offerings, visit them online, or call (608) 372-2550 to schedule a tow.