You are highly dependent on your Peterbilt truck to be running and in good working condition. ? That being said, breakdowns are an inevitable aspect of operating heavy-duty trucks, and they are a reality of day-to-day operations that every operator will face at some time. Breakdowns in Peterbilt trucks may be highly costly. There’s not just the expense of fixing the truck and replacing damaged components, but the missed productivity and money that a truck out of commission creates for you.
A “minor” breakdown may result in significant expenditures when you consider missed deliveries, towing charges, and customer service costs that are included. As a result, you must make as many efforts as possible to maintain your Peterbilt in top shape and decrease the number and severity of failures. We’ve given four tried-and-true methods, techniques, and tactics that you can use to minimize the number of truck breakdowns you deal with each year, save expenses, enhance dependability and get more out of your claims.
1. Preventive maintenance should be taken seriously
While some faults are inevitable, many may be prevented by following a rigorous preventative maintenance program. Although a preventive maintenance program has certain upfront expenditures, it may save you money in the long run by lowering the frequency of failures and the severity of those that do occur.
Understanding your Peterbilt trucks is essential to running a PM program. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended preventative maintenance intervals for each truck and ensure your truck get full service when needed.
Preventive maintenance is extremely important if your Peterbilt is always on the move and under heavy usage. To generate a reminder that each service date is coming, it’s often ideal for planning PM servicing before it’s necessary.
The expense of routine maintenance and service is not insignificant. However, compared to the significant expenditures that might arise from an unexpected failure, the cost of paying regular attention to your Peterbilt trucks is cheap in the long run.
2. Avoid putting off truck maintenance
Many operators postpone maintenance, pushing expenditures to the following month or quarter for financial reasons. While this may work in the short term, it increases the chance of your Peterbilt trucks developing reliability and performance difficulties in the long run.
The significant advantage of preventative maintenance is that it lowers the danger of failures and allows you to notice any problems.
You could get better numbers in the short term if you put off maintenance, but “minor” problems can morph into considerable difficulties that go unreported until they result in a damaged or broken down Peterbilt truck at the worst possible moment.
3. Before every journey, double-check the “little things”
A modest, isolated problem, such as a slightly underinflated tire, may sometimes escalate fast, especially when you’re on the road, resulting in a blowout at the most inconvenient moment.
Environmental conditions may often have a rapid and unexpected influence on your Peterbilt truck, changing tire pressure, coolant, etc. These “little” faults may have significant ramifications on the road, so it’s critical to be aware of them when they occur.
The easiest method to remain on top of these minor issues is to perform a pre-op check before every trip thoroughly. Staying on top of the “little” things that may go wrong, such as brakes, electronics, tire pressure, oil, engine coolant, and more helps prevent significant problems much more straightforwardly.
4. Ensure that your trucks are up to date
A well-maintained truck might suffer dependability concerns over time due to wear and tear on its components, chassis, and engine.
Replacing and modernizing your Peterbilt’s components is crucial for maintaining high dependability and minimizing breakdowns. There’s a reason why older Peterbilt trucks aren’t famed for their reliability, and it’s a fact that applies to older, severely utilized commercial Peterbilt trucks.
You don’t have to completely rebuild your truck but it is s a good idea to be mindful of the reality of frequent usage on your Peterbilt trucks and plan for the next engine or component upgrade.
5. Maintain optimum oil and coolant levels in your engine
There’s no faster way to ruin your truck’s engine than failing to maintain the oil and coolant systems correctly. Keep track of when these fluids were examined and serviced by consulting your truck’s maintenance records. Then, follow the maintenance intervals prescribed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). There are a few things to bear in mind:
– Oil: Work with a service shop at major oil change intervals (every 10,000 miles), particularly after your second-hand truck has accumulated 300,000 miles. Professionals may examine how your specific engine uses oil, breaks down its viscosity, or runs outside of OEM limitations.
– Coolant: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult a professional for significant intervals. Keep track of the kind of coolant your engine needs (for example, Extended Life Coolant or conventional coolant). A visual check is also relatively simple. Take a coolant sample and examine it for clarity, color, and particles. Antifreeze concentration and additive levels may be determined using low-cost test strips.
Bonus tip: upgrade at the right time
Even the most well-kept Peterbilt truck will ultimately fail. When an owner-operator must choose between preventative maintenance and replacement/upgrade, now is the time to do so.
When the principal, interest, maintenance, and operating expenses of an old Peterbilt truck are more than the similar expenditures of a new truck, consider a new purchase. The most significant basis for conducting repair vs. upgrade calculations is detailed service records, including charges.
Final words
Now you know how to take good care of your Peterbilt truck. Focus on these, and you will be able to enjoy hassle-free operations on the road.