Peterbilt Truck Repair: Essential Services Required to Keep Your Peterbilt Truck on The Road

Peterbilt Motors Company, an American company established in 1939, manufactures medium and heavy-duty trucks. As a division of Paccar, which also owns Kenworth, the company has been providing dependable and effective products to the North American commercial truck market for 80 years. Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt produces a variety of heavy-duty trucks, including medium-duty, work, and highway models. The Peterbilt brand is synonymous with trucks and its red oval logo can be found on various truck-related items. The company holds a 13% market share and is a well-loved brand among truckers. If you own a Peterbilt truck, it's important to follow proper maintenance guidelines to keep it on the road.

Do regular oil changes 

This is a simple but unquestionably crucial step you can do to prolong the life of your Peterbilt (or any heavy-duty truck, for that matter). Always replace the oil filter with the oil on older, higher mileage Peterbilt heavy-duty trucks. Select the ideal oil for your requirements. 

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Consult your owner's handbook to make sure you choose the proper viscosity index for your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck since there are several oil kinds and a variety of high mileage alternatives designed to prolong the life of older engines. Better yet, work with a diesel repair shop that specializes in Peterbilt trucks and you can be assured that your oil and fluid needs will be well met.

Rotate your tires 

Your Peterbilt tires can wear unevenly depending on your truck's powertrain, so it is good practice to check them every time you replace your oil. Tire rotation is crucial. Customers sometimes assume they only need to replace their oil at the recommended frequency, but we advise rotating your tires every couple of oil changes as well to ensure even tire wear. 

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The front tires of your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck will typically wear out the fastest. However, it depends on how you utilize them. Rotating them may improve the ride and lessen the stress uneven tire wear can have on your truck's suspension, extending the tires' life. Additionally, if there are any alignment problems, they are often visible during a tire rotation. See your owner's handbook for the recommended tire rotation schedule.

Maintain tire pressure 

Tire pressure is something that should be checked during your daily pre-trip inspection.  The air inside your tires can expand and compress depending on the environmental temperature.  Overinflated tires are more at risk of blowing out, especially with a heavy load.  And underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and negatively impact maneuverability. If you notice that your tires are consistently losing pressure you should take your truck in for a tire inspection. 

Perform wheel alignments 

It's probably time for a wheel alignment if your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck starts tugging to one side. Aggressive driving and high speeds over uneven roads may increase the possibility of misalignment. If your wheels are out of alignment, you'll cause uneven wear on your tires, have worse fuel consumption and have a harder time handling your heavy-duty truck. The long-term benefits of having your wheels adjusted are substantial. When your truck bed is excessively loaded on one side or your tires are inequitably inflated, your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck may pull to one side. To lessen pull, keep your cargo uniformly fastened and distributed throughout your trailer and maintain your tire inflation to the recommended pressure.

Inspect your lights 

It's easy to get comfortable and focus primarily on routine component maintenance like oil changes. Still, daily inspections of a few essential parts are worthwhile for the little amount of effort they demand. In this manner, you'll be aware of any difficulties with your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck before they turn into more serious concerns. Check, for example, if all of your interior and external lights are operational. A burned-out light may be unsafe and result in a sizable fine, while a dim light may indicate an electrical issue. 

Double-check fluid levels 

Engine oil is not the only critical oil in your Peterbilt truck that needs to be checked and monitored regularly.  The transmission fluid plays a vital role in the smooth operation of your transmission and should be checked regularly. The coolant helps to keep your engine running at the right temperature and should also be checked to prevent overheating and potential damage. If your Peterbilt relies on brake fluid, it is crucial to ensure that it is at the proper level to ensure the safe operation of your brake system for the safety of yourself and others. The differential oil helps to lubricate the gears in the differential, allowing your drive wheels to turn at different speeds.  If this fluid is low it can severely impact your ability to handle turns, especially with a heavy load in transit. If your truck is equipped with a hydraulic system, it is important to check the hydraulic oil as well to ensure that it is at the proper level and condition for the system to function properly. 

Make sure that the engine receives clean air 

Engines need clean air to operate at their peak efficiency, and air filters accumulate dust, debris, and chemical pollutants over time. Replace the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or even more often if you routinely travel on dirt or gravel roads. A clean air filter will not only extend your engine's life but also increase its fuel efficiency and acceleration.

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Final words 

Maintaining a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck requires more than just following a checklist and performing routine maintenance. The way in which the truck is used plays a significant role in determining the necessary upkeep. Factors such as hauling heavy loads, off-road driving, and frequent short trips all impact the maintenance needs of the truck. It is important to remember that certain driving conditions, such as high-idle positions or dusty environments, may require additional maintenance. We recommend consulting a local diesel mechanic to assess the specific maintenance requirements for your Peterbilt heavy-duty truck based on your daily routes.

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