Batteries play an essential role in the performance of commercial trucks. Aside from providing the engine with power, they also make it possible for the vehicle’s electrical components to work. Premature failure of this semi part can result in significant downtime, higher fleet costs, and unsafe driving conditions. Proper battery maintenance helps identify problems early, preventing potential breakdowns. The following guide breaks down how to get the most out of a truck’s battery life to improve fleet efficiency.

What to Know About Maintaining Semi-Truck Batteries

Common Reasons Batteries Fail

The cable connections should always be checked before a driver heads out on the road. If cables aren’t securely fastened to their terminals, the battery will have difficulty charging, and the truck likely won’t start. An unsecured battery is another issue to watch for. It needs to be fastened in place to keep it from vibrating while the truck is in motion, as this can damage its components.

When battery terminals are exposed to hydrogen gas, which is found in battery acid, they can begin to corrode, keeping a battery from getting a full charge. Terminals should be cleaned out and checked for corrosion often. A faulty alternator frequently leads to battery trouble. If it’s not supplying the correct amount of voltage, the battery won’t be able to charge.

How to Choose a New Battery

The right battery will ensure a commercial truck has the power it needs to survive harsh road conditions. When choosing a replacement semi part, consider battery type, cold cranking amps (CCA), and reserve capacity (RC). The most commonly used batteries are absorbed glass mat (AGM) and lead acid. AGM batteries have become popular due to their minimal maintenance requirements and longer life span, as well as for the ways they perform in high vibration applications.

Signs It’s Time for a Replacement

A battery should be replaced before it completely dies to keep drivers safe and comfortable and avoid a halt in business. A battery may be nearing the end of its life if the check engine light comes on, if the engine is slow to crank, if the lights are noticeably dim, or if electrolyte levels are low.

To ensure a battery isn’t replaced too soon, perform regular voltage tests, load tests, and circuit inspections. These will help determine if it’s the battery or another semi part that’s creating the resulting electrical problems.

If there’s an issue with your commercial truck batteries, turn to George J. Hust Co. in Cincinnati, OH, for help finding the right replacement. They carry a large selection of brand name semi parts at affordable prices. Since 1932, the family-owned business has remained committed to providing residential, commercial, and industrial customers with reliable products to keep their vehicles and equipment working in optimal condition. Call (513) 681-3120 to ask about current inventory, or visit them online to learn more about their services.