As an owner-operator of an 18-wheel truck, one of the most important things you must keep in mind is the trucking maintenance of your vehicle. Proper trucking maintenance can help ensure that your truck is always running at peak performance, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and keeping you on schedule. In this article, we will discuss the various annual maintenance work that an owner-operated 18-wheel truck would need to account for, as well as typical one-time maintenance that should be done on a regular basis.

1. Annual Trucking Maintenance:

a. Oil Changes: One of the most important annual maintenance tasks is changing the oil in your truck. This should be done at least once a year, or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. During an oil change, the old oil is drained and replaced with fresh oil, and the oil filter is also replaced. This helps to keep your engine lubricated and running smoothly.

b. Tire Rotations: Another important annual maintenance task is rotating your tires. This should be done at least once a year, or every 10,000 miles. Rotating your tires helps to ensure that they wear evenly, which can help extend their lifespan.

c. Brake Inspections: Regular brake inspections are essential to ensure the safety of your vehicle and other drivers on the road. Brake pads and rotors should be inspected at least once a year, or every 10,000 miles. This ensures that they are in good condition and that they will work properly in the event of an emergency.

d. Battery Maintenance: It is important to check the battery of your truck at least once a year, or every 10,000 miles. This includes checking the terminals, cleaning them if necessary, and ensuring that the battery is properly charged.

e. Alignment: Aligning your truck’s wheels is another important annual maintenance task that should be done at least once a year, or every 10,000 miles. This helps to ensure that your truck is driving straight and that your tires are wearing evenly.

2. One-time Trucking Maintenance:

a. Transmission Service: It is important to have the transmission of your truck serviced on a regular basis. This typically involves changing the transmission fluid and the filter. The transmission is an important component of your truck and regular maintenance can help to ensure that it is running smoothly and will last for many years.

b. Fuel Filter Replacement: Replacing the fuel filter on your truck is another important one-time maintenance task. This should be done every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. A dirty fuel filter can cause poor engine performance and can lead to costly repairs.

c. Timing Belt Replacement: The timing belt on your truck is an important component that should be replaced on a regular basis. This typically should be done every 100,000 miles, but it can vary depending on the make and model of your truck.

d. Coolant Flush: It is important to have the coolant in your truck flushed on a regular basis. This should be done every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. A coolant flush helps to remove any contaminants that may have accumulated in the coolant system, which can help to prolong the life of your engine.

e. Serpentine Belt Replacement: The serpentine belt on your truck is an important component that should be replaced on a regular basis. This typically should be done every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. A worn serpentine belt can cause your truck to overheat and can lead to costly repairs.

It is important to note that the above trucking maintenance schedules are general guidelines and may vary depending on the make and model of your truck.