Truck Maintenance: The Most Common Spare Parts

Heavy-duty truck parts are designed to be heavy-duty. They tend to bear greater wear and tear with greater resilience and last longer. However, truck parts cannot last forever and will need to be replaced at one point or the other. You may love your trucks and may take good care of them, there are many common parts that need regular replacement.

While many of these commonly replaced components are parts, certain consumables also need regular replacement. Besides, replacing certain components is part of the general maintenance routine. This can also extend the lifecycle of other components including major systems such as the engine, transmission, and braking system.

Most Commonly Replaced Spare Parts

Some of the most commonly replaced spare parts in your truck are as follows:

Clutch

Even when the clutch on a truck is heavy-duty, it tends to wear down faster compared to that on a standard car. A typical truck should have its clutch last for 200,000 miles given that the clutch is not used excessively.  It is important to have your clutch maintained regularly to increase its lifecycle. Regular inspection and maintenance will also make your drives smoother and more reliable.

Brake Pads

The brakes are among the most important components in vehicles and its key parts such as the pads will not last forever. All types of vehicles require that their brake pads are replaced at one point in time or the other. Larger trucks have greater mass and their brake pads can wear out quickly, requiring more frequent replacements.

Heavy-duty vehicles usually require their brake pads to be replaced 3 to 5 years. They require more brake power to slow down or stop. However, there are many factors that can affect the lifespan of these parts, including:

  • Kind of frequent driving
  • Driving style
  • Driving conditions such as stop-and-go traffic or highway driving

It is always recommended to avoid quick stops to extend the lifespan of the brake pads.

Tires

Again, truck tires are designed to last longer than the tires of standard vehicles. Heavy-duty truck tires can give up to 100,000 miles of mileage before requiring replacement. And that is only in ideal driving conditions. It is recommended to get your tires professionally inspected two or more times a year. The more time you spend on the road, the more frequently your tires and other components need to be inspected and maintained.

Oil Filter & Oil

An oil change is a basic maintenance task that should be done at least every 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months depending on driving conditions. Engine oil works by lubricating the engine and absorbing oil. The oil filter also needs to be replaced because dirt and debris from the oil can accumulate in it. The filter protects your engine by preventing these contaminants from reaching the truck’s engine.

Air Filter

Air filter is another component that protects your engine and it does so by filtering out dirt and dust from the air intake. It is recommended to change the air filter every year or once every 12,000 miles. If you drive your truck more often in a dusty area, the air filter needs to be replaced more frequently.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump works constantly to pump gas from the tank to the engine. This pump keeps running when your engine is operating. There are many factors that can affect the fuel pump’s performance and lifespan, including:

  • Regular wear and tear
  • Dirt
  • Rusting

This component will typically need replacement from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles.

Battery

The battery is also a part that needs replacement. Your truck relies on this component to power various components. It is most importantly required for the ignition process. The battery will also power the electrical components. A typical automotive battery can last for 3 to 5 years. Again, the replacement frequency depends on your driving habits. If your truck is taking longer than normal to get started, it may be time to charge or replace the battery.

Wiper blades, water pumps, spark plugs, and lights are also common spare parts that need to be replaced more frequently. It is recommended to schedule a regular inspection and general maintenance of your truck to extend the lifespan of these parts and consumables. Regular inspection and maintenance from a specialized truck repair and maintenance company can also detect any damage or potential breakdown before they occur. This can increase safety and also prevent costly repairs.

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