Semi-trucks are obviously far more complicated than regular cars, requiring additional knowledge, licensing and training before they can be driven. This knowledge is needed over a variety of fronts, including maintenance. Maintenance of a semi isn’t something that can be put off or ignored; doing so risks others who drive and increases the potential for costly and dangerous accidents. As such, here are three reasons why semi-truck maintenance is so important.
Extending the Life of the Semi
If one part breaks, it usually doesn’t just affect one part, as one broken car part can often result in several others breaking at the same time. As a result, you should keep in mind that regular maintenance catches small problems before they become large ones, resulting in cheaper and faster repairs on the issue in question. Remember, this goes for all parts of your semi—everything from your brakes to your truck body to your tires.
Accident Prevention
Some types of truck accidents can be prevented, or the severity lessened, by observing a regular maintenance schedule. Preventative maintenance can catch problems before they start, alerting drivers to the need to repair or replace parts before they break on the road, potentially causing a major accident that can result in injury or death. Additionally, regular maintenance can often result in mechanics discovering that certain parts are out of date and being upgraded, resulting in safer driving experiences for everyone on the road.
Lower Insurance Rates
Regular maintenance keeps the semi in better condition and can help prevent accidents. These are two factors that help determine the insurance rates a driver or company will receive. As such, it follows that regular maintenance can help keep your insurance rates low. This is yet another reason why you should never look at maintenance on your semi as an expense, but as an investment in reducing your own costs in the long run.
Regular semi maintenance is not optional in most cases: Regulations or company requirements often demand that it occurs. As a result, truck drivers find themselves needing to get maintenance more often than is convenient. However, as noted above, regular maintenance on your semi-truck can stop an accident, prevent a lawsuit and save a life. While it can be annoying and time-consuming, remember: Preventative maintenance and addressing problems before they become too severe is far, far better than the alternative of ignoring a problem until it absolutely cannot be ignored.
If your semi breaks down, call A-HESSCO Roadside Assistance & Towing Innovations for roadside assistance!
