Nearly four million class 8 trucks are currently on the roads in the United States. These can include tractor-trailers, some types of fire trucks, and dump trucks, to name a few possibilities. According to the latest reports, these types of vehicles are becoming more common, increasing at a rate of at least two percent per year over the last several years. From commercial uses to safety and security applications, they’re sure to continue to be a more commonplace sight during the years to come as well. While these trucks are essential to everyday life in many ways, they have a range of maintenance needs.
Exploring the Maintenance Needs of Class 8 Trucks
Class 8 trucks are larger than standard passenger vehicles. Their internal systems are also more complex than those of their smaller counterparts. At the same time, they’re typically subjected to more wear and tear than conventional vehicles. All that adds up to more extensive and often more costly maintenance and repair needs than those of other vehicles. Take a look at some of the most common and expensive Class 8 truck repair and maintenance needs owners are bound to face.
Tire Replacements
Tires are the most significant expense associated with class 8 truck maintenance according to ongoing reports. Since these types of trucks tend to travel extensively and are often forced to endure more extreme conditions than other vehicles, their tires typically acquire more wear and damage than those mounted on passenger vehicles. That means their tires and associated components need to be replaced or repaired more often.
Brake Repairs
Class 8 trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. That means they require more force to stop. This is especially true if they’re traveling at high speeds or going downhill when sudden braking needs arise. Because of that, their braking components see more wear and tear than those of smaller, lighter vehicles and need to be replaced more frequently. At the same time, safety regulations and common sense dictate that their brakes need to be kept in optimal condition at all times to prevent accidents.
Fuel System Maintenance and Repairs
Fuel systems in class 8 trucks also require a certain amount of attention. These are often diesel trucks, so they’re more prone to fuel contamination, uptake issues, and other problems that affect the fuel system. Those problems can lead to extensive damage, loss of power, and a range of additional complications if they’re not addressed promptly. It’s important to have class 8 trucks’ fuel systems maintained regularly and repaired as needed to prevent those more in-depth problems.
Addressing the Unique Requirements of Class 8 Trucks
Those are only a few of the maintenance requirements of class 8 trucks. They also tend to need more maintenance and repairs on their lighting and exhaust systems, engine and transmission, and other systems. Those aspects and the expenses they generate can certainly drive up the cost of owning and operating these types of trucks. Still, in the long run, routine maintenance and timely repairs can actually help prevent more costly repairs.
