For semi truck drivers, keeping up with the maintenance of your vehicle is key to ensuring a long life for your truck. One of the most important aspects of semi truck maintenance is regular oil changes. In this article, we will give you a rundown on a semi oil change – what you need to do, when you should do it, how to do it properly and more.
What is a Semi Oil Change?
Oil is the lifeblood of your semi truck. It helps to lubricate and protect all the moving parts in your engine, as well as keep everything cool. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you change your oil regularly – doing so will help extend the life of your truck and prevent costly repairs down the road.
A semi truck oil change typically involves changing the oil, the filter, and the fluid in your transmission. It’s a fairly simple process that most drivers can do themselves with just a few basic tools however getting an expert’s opinion on the best semi truck oil change intervals and oil types for your specific make and model is always a good idea.
The type of oil you use is especially important. You’ll want to use engine oil that is specifically for semi trucks. There are many assorted brands and types of semi truck oil on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Moreover, the interval at which you should change your oil will vary depending on the make and model of your truck, as well as the type of oil you use.
What is the best oil for semi trucks?
There are three types of engine oil semi trucks use:
- Mineral oil: This is the most common type of engine oil and it’s made from refined crude oil. It doesn’t have as many additives as synthetic oils, but it is still a good choice for semi trucks.
- Synthetic oil: This type of oil is made from man-made chemicals and it has more additives than mineral oil. It is a good choice for semi trucks that are used in extreme conditions (such as high temperatures or dusty environments), as it can withstand higher temperatures and resist breakdown.
- Semi synthetic oil: This type of oil is a blend of mineral and synthetic oils. It is a good choice for semi trucks that operate in moderate conditions.
When it comes to the best oil for semi trucks, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s important to consult with an expert and choose the oil that is best for your specific truck and driving conditions.
The Benefits of Semi Truck Oil Changes
There are many benefits of regular oil changes for semi trucks.
By keeping up with your semi truck’s oil changes, you can:
Extend the life of your truck – A semi truck that has a regular oil change schedule is likely to last longer than one that doesn’t.
- Prevent costly repairs – Changing your oil regularly can help prevent major engine problems down the road.
- Keep your truck running cooler – A well-lubricated engine runs cooler and more efficiently.
- Reduce emissions – Newer semi trucks come with engines that meet the latest emissions standards. A semi truck that is properly maintained, including regular oil changes, will also meet these standards.
- Save money – Changing your oil regularly is a lot cheaper than having to repair or replace your engine.
The bottom line is that semi truck oil changes are a critical part of maintaining your vehicle.
How Often Should You Get a Semi Oil Change?
As we mentioned earlier, the interval at which you should change your oil will vary depending on the make and model of your truck, as well as the type of oil you use. However, most drivers should aim to get a semi truck oil change every 25,000 miles.
If you’re not sure when your next semi truck oil change is due, your best bet is to check your truck’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for more specific information.
Semi truck oil change intervals can also vary depending on the type of driving you do. If you’re mostly driving in stop-and-go traffic, for example, you’ll need to change your oil more often than someone who is doing long-distance hauls.
How to tell when it’s time for a semi oil change?
There are a few telltale signs that it’s time for a semi truck oil change.
If your truck is starting to smoke more than usual, if the Check Engine light comes on or if you’re experiencing reduced fuel economy, then it’s likely time for a new oil change. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your truck’s oil level. If it’s getting low, that’s a sign that you need to change your oil soon.
Checking your oil and engine performance on a regular basis is the easiest approach to tell when it’s time to change your semi truck’s oil. However, there are a few other indicators to look for:
- The color of your oil – If your engine oil is dark and sludgy, that’s a sign that it’s time for a change.
- The smell of your oil – A strong odor coming from your engine oil can be a sign that there’s something wrong.
- The oil stick shows degraded oil – If your oil stick is covered in sludge, that’s another sign that it’s time for a change.
Since there is no way to check your engine’s oil in real-time, it is recommended that you check the oil every few days depending on your travel. You should complete maintenance based on an analysis of your oil.
Semi Oil Analysis
The best way to make sure your semi truck is getting the right type of oil and the correct intervals for an oil change is to have it analyzed.
There are a few different ways to have your semi’s oil analyzed, but the most common is through a lab analysis. This process involves sending a sample of your engine oil to a laboratory, where it will be tested for things like viscosity, acid levels and metal contamination.
Once the analysis is complete, you’ll receive a report that tells you everything you need to know about your oil – including how often you should change it.
Having your semi’s oil analyzed is a great way to make sure your truck is always running at its best. By catching small problems early on, you can prevent them from becoming bigger (and more expensive) issues later.
The following are some examples of issues that may be diagnosed via oil analysis:
- Excessive metal contamination
- Insufficient levels of additives
- Coolant contamination
- Dirt contamination
- High levels of water or fuel dilution
- Acidic or corrosive conditions
Oil analysis is an important part of semi truck maintenance, and it’s something that all drivers should consider.
What kind of maintenance do you need to do between oil changes?
Aside from getting an oil change, there are a few other things you should do between semi truck oil changes to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Here are a few tips:
- Check your fluid levels – Make sure that all your vehicle’s fluids (including brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid) are at the correct level.
- Check your tires – Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread.
- Inspect your brakes – Make sure your brake pads are in good condition and that your brake fluid is at the correct level.
Common Semi Truck Oil Issues
While you can perform preventative maintenance on your semi truck, there are a few typical oil problems that may arise, and it’s crucial to be aware of them.
Here are a few of the most common:
- Low oil pressure – This can be caused by a number of things, including low oil levels, worn bearings or a clogged filter.
- High oil temperature – This can be caused by a number of things, including a clogged oil cooler, excessive engine loading or low oil levels.
- Degraded oil – This can be caused by a number of things, including overheating, improper maintenance or using the wrong type of oil.
By being aware of these common issues, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in your semi truck.
Oil Change Tips
Changing your semi truck’s oil is an important part of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Here are a few tips to better care of your engine and its oil:
- Use the right type of oil. Make sure to use semi truck oil that’s specifically designed for your vehicle.
- Change your oil regularly. Depending on your driving habits, you should change your semi truck’s oil every 15,000 to 25,000 miles.
- Inspect your engine frequently. By checking things like fluid levels and tire pressure, you can catch small problems before they become big ones.
- Get routine maintenance on your truck engine. Scheduling semi truck engine maintenance can help prevent expensive problems down the road.
- Keep your engine clean. Wipe down your engine compartment on a regular basis to keep dirt and dust from building up.
- Practice fuel-efficient driving. By driving smoothly and avoiding hard acceleration, you can help extend the life of your semi truck’s engine oil.
- Choose routes that offer smoother terrain. By avoiding potholes and other rough terrain, you can help extend the life of your semi truck’s engine oil.
Performing semi truck oil changes and other preventative maintenance tasks is an important part of owning a semi truck. By following the tips above, you can help keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Looking for a Semi Truck Oil Change Near Me?
If your semi truck needs an oil change or other truck maintenance or repairs in Northern Utah or Evanston, Wyoming, give Bozz Towing a call. We’re a full-service semi truck repair shop with certified technicians here to help you keep your vehicle running. Contact us today!