Most vehicles, especially cars, and SUVs, typically have an average lifespan of around 200,000 miles, but semi-trucks are built to last much longer. Some trucks are known to rack over a million miles with proper maintenance. So, what makes the semi-trucks last longer? It all comes down to the way they are designed and built. Semi-trucks are considered the workhorse of the transportation industry. They are built to withstand the rigors of long-haul trucking due to their heavy-duty engines, improved transmissions, and superior suspension system.
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Average Lifespan of a Semi-truck
The average lifespan of a semi-truck is typically 750,000 miles, but some semis have been known to surpass the one million-mile mark. If you drive an estimated 45,000 miles annually, you can expect your semi to last up to 15 years. But this mileage may vary depending on location, road conditions, and the routine maintenance you have performed on your semi-truck. In addition, due to the larger engine and robust design or construction of semi-trucks, they have a longer life than that of a car or SUV, which is approximately 12 years or about 200,000 miles.
Factors That Contribute to the Longevity of Semi-trucks
Several factors contribute to the longevity of semi-trucks, including the durability of diesel engines compared to gas engines. Diesel engines are known for their extended lifespan, with many boasting the ability to achieve millions of miles without ever undergoing a major service. They are designed to haul large, heavy vehicles even in long distances and harsh terrain.
Also, diesel engines are powered with robust internal construction and components, making this durability rarely found in gasoline-powered vehicles. Thus, investing in reliable diesel engines is a crucial factor in extending the life of semi-trucks.
Moreover, the quality and construction materials used in these trucks are typically superior to those found in other vehicles. Quality materials can reduce wear and tear over time, extending the lifespan of the truck considerably. Additionally, most commercial trucking companies invest heavily in maintaining their fleets to ensure they operate at peak performance.
Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of a Semi-truck
- The type of trailer it pulls – Heavy loads can strain the vehicle and its components, leading to increased maintenance costs or damage over time.
- Driving conditions – Poor roadway conditions, extreme weather conditions, and harsh climates can shorten its useful life significantly, while regular maintenance and appropriate care from drivers may extend its lifespan.
- Fuel quality – Using lower quality fuels is less reliable and can cause engine wear or corrosion over time. Additionally, it may lead to higher air pollutant emissions, which could increase the risk of compliance violations.
- Idle time – Excessive idling can cause a semi-truck to be less efficient and require more costly repairs. It can also reduce the lifespan of a truck due to wear and tear on the engine components. In addition, if left dormant for too long, certain components may need to be replaced due to rust or simply becoming outdated.
- Driving habits – Inadequate rest breaks, overfilling the truck with cargo, and speeding are all common ways drivers often unknowingly shorten the life of their trucks. These excesses send stress beyond what the engine was built to handle and can result in costly repairs or damaged parts that could have been avoided if proper care were taken in managing how the semi-truck is used regularly.
Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for any semi-truck to extend its life as long as possible. Neglecting it will result in major components of the truck, such as the engine, cooling system, and transmission, breaking down or malfunctioning due to excessive wear on the parts.
On the other hand, regularly servicing your semi-truck according to manufacturer guidelines helps keep it running correctly and efficiently and prolong its life. Keeping up with annual inspections and regularly replacing worn-out parts also helps prevent costly repairs in the future and keeps the truck running optimally.
Specific Maintenance Tasks That Should Be Performed Regularly on Semi-trucks
When it comes to maintaining a semi-truck, some specific tasks should be performed regularly to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Among these are:
- Oil changes: This basic task involves draining the engine of its old oil and replacing it with fresh oil to lubricate its parts and protect it from wear and tear. Oil changes should be performed at least every 6,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first.
- Checking the cooling and exhaust systems annually: Checking coolant levels and inspecting the general health of the truck, including hose clamps, radiator caps, engine oil temperatures, fan controls, and belt tensions, is essential for its efficient and safe operation. The exhaust system also needs careful inspection for any loose parts or noticeable corrosion; adequate lubrication of moving parts helps reduce wear and tear, extending the truck’s life expectancy.
- Using diesel fuel additives: This help improves lubricity, as detergents prime engines, reduce smoke and other emissions, and provide anti-gel protection in cold climates. Installing these diesel fuel additives into your semi-truck tank at regular intervals will bring numerous benefits, such as increased engine life and improved fuel economy while staying informed that emissions are kept low to meet all required standards.
- Examining clutch and gearbox: This can be done in several ways, like checking for uneven wear or inspecting for signs of oil leakage.
- Checking tire pressure: Regularly checking tire pressures not only extends the life of the tires but keeps drivers and other road users safe by minimizing the chances of an accident due to tire failure. Furthermore, it also helps improve fuel efficiency since well-inflated tires have a reduced rolling resistance compared to under-inflated tires.
Bottom Line
Owning a semi-truck is the best option if you’re looking for a vehicle with a longer lifespan than that of a car or SUV. But still, this depends on a few factors, like driving conditions, the type of trailer it hauls, and your driving habits. Thus, while semi-trucks offer up to 15 years of life expectancy, it is essential to upkeep or maintains them properly to maximize their life and provide other benefits, including safe and smooth operation. These maintenances include checking oil levels regularly, inspecting coolant systems, using diesel fuel additives, examining clutches and gearboxes, and keeping tire pressures at optimal levels. Performing all these ensure you’ll get the most out of your investments in the long run.
Sources:
- https://www.baltimorefreightliner.com/trucking-basics/5-factors-that-will-influence-the-lifespan-of-your-semi-truck/
- https://you.stonybrook.edu/freedom/2022/01/26/prolonging-the-lifespan-of-your-semi-truck/
- https://info.rastrac.com/blog/fleet-maintenance-matters#:~:text=Factors%20such%20as%20frequency%20of,to%20how%20quickly%20a%20semi%2D
- https://nmccat.com/blog/equipment-and-solutions/top-ten-preventative-maintenance-tips-for-trucks/
