You are starting a new job and you decide to invest in your new career. You want a truck that will last. You are deciding on mileage, model, and year. You also want some amenities too, like a fridge or an automated transmission, to hopefully extend the longevity of your truck.
For those of us in the trucking industry, buying a new semi-truck is important. You want to try to stay away from ones that are over a million miles as they will need an overhaul. You are generally looking to replace it within six years.
Preferences and Lifestyle
Preference comes in big. Diesel fuel is lighter and more efficient. They do produce less wear and tear for it. It also has been designed to prevent failure from the multiple gear mechanics and values installed.
- Do you want gas or diesel for your engine?
- Consider if you are a high-mileage driver or are you doing it for a side gig.
- Consider how long your career is going to be.
- Is it worth it for the high maintenance every month, do you make more money in the long run?
- Think about buying new or old.
The average semi-truck lasts about ten to fifteen years. Many trucks will reach a million miles if you take in a count that those that love to drive will exceed twelve hundred thousand miles in one year. They are replaced within three to six years, if well maintained.
Engine Types
Semi-trucks last longer than most as they are built differently. They are about six times the size of a standard car engine and tolerate almost a million miles. Most go about three-quarters of a million miles. They should be able to take more damage from day-to-day driving.
Semi-trucks are can be used in the city and for long hauling.
- For those going coast to coast, you are probably going to be in the highest gear for hours at a time.
- There is not as much strain taking place.
- For those in the city, stopping and starting does make the trucks last much shorter.
A good way to make your truck last is to buy a PACCAR engine.
- These are built for Peterbilt and Kenworth.
- Thirteen-liter engineers with 500 horsepower and torque at 1800 Nm.
- A more expensive option, but with a lack of repair.
- It is a great investment for the long haul.
Engine Maintenance
Gasoline deteriorates the engine and prevents good oil flow. In simple terms, it does not run as smoothly.
- It burns quicker as it is not as much energy, by thirty percent less per gallon.
- Diesel does have the issue of improper usage, causing it to overheat to break down.
To make your engine last, maintenance is required. If done properly, your semi-truck may last your entire career. Do regular oil changes and prevent multiple starts. Do not overheat the engine so use the cooling systems. Check yearly on them, if anything is off, go to a mechanic. Add additives to your fuel for stabilization.
These diesel engines are build to be rebuilt. Cylinders are lined so you do not have to change the entire engine. You are allowed to switch parts and create a new engine without having to buy a new one.
Sitting in Idle
Another great way to help make your trucks last longer is to not put them in idle while you stop for a break. Most drivers want their engines to run during cold temperatures. The idea is that it will keep your fuel and engine warm. This tactic actually causes an emissions problem and can damage the truck and make the lifespan shorter.
More than half of the time being used is sitting idle. For most, this time is wasted and so is the money involved. You do not need to keep idle in the colder months. It takes five minutes to cool it down before you shut it down.
Replace the Tires and Brakes
Brakes are another good way to extend the life span. To help the lifespan of the truck, change the tires every twenty-five thousand miles. It will prevent blowouts and accidents. Replace them in sets as the uneven tread could be more dangerous for you and the other drivers.
- Every quarter of a million miles, get an inspection and use a wear gage.
- The wear will be different if you are local or coast.
- If the weather is hot and if you are constantly breaking like in the city.
Conclusion
There are tons of ways to help the lifespan of your engines. If you keep good maintenance on it and have good driving habits, it should last you at least ten years. It is your responsibility to maintain it, if not, you will waste money and time on issues created.
