A reliable mode of transportation is important for just about everyone. However, for a semi-truck driver, your vehicle’s reliability impacts far more than your own ability to get from Point A to Point B. It also impacts your ability to uphold business contracts, meet client expectations, and hold onto those valuable contracts to make a living. If your semi-truck becomes unreliable, you could find yourself facing a lot of consequences. You must replace your semi-truck when needed so that you can avoid these kinds of consequences. But how do you know when to replace a semi-truck? Keep reading to find out.
No vehicle was meant to last forever. A semi-truck will last an average of 750,000 miles, though some can exceed the million-mile mark if they’re well maintained. Assuming your truck averages 45,000 miles a year, this means your truck will last you about 15 years. If your truck is reaching this age, it’s time to consider a replacement. The last thing you want is for your old truck to break down halfway through a long-haul delivery completely. Replacing it at a reasonable point in its lifespan can help you to avoid these kinds of problems and those awkward conversations with your customers.
It’s normal for a semi-truck to need some engine repairs occasionally. And while you never want it to happen to you, most trucks will overheat from time to time while you’re on the road. However, if this is frequent and you’re constantly paying for engine repairs, it might be time to replace the truck. While this might feel like a large investment if you can simply do another repair, it’s important to think about how much money you’re sinking into those repairs and how often you’re doing it. In the long run, it might be cheaper to just get a new semi-truck (even a used one) instead of constantly paying to deal with one that’s on the verge of a breakdown.
First, it’s important that you ensure your truck is rated to pull whatever size load you’re hauling. But if your truck should have enough power to pull a load and it’s struggling to do so, then that’s a good sign that your engine is on its way out. Replacing a semi’s engine can be nearly as expensive as replacing the entire semi, so it may be worth simply getting a new truck with newer parts throughout the vehicle.
If your truck has any of these issues, look for semi-trucks for sale in San Antonio.