As a driver, owner-operator, or fleet owner, knowing the proper semi-truck oil change intervals is key to maintaining your truck. Oil changes are an essential component of preventative maintenance. Keeping your engine well lubricated can extend your truck’s lifespan and lower the total cost of ownership over time. At 1st Truck and Trailer Repair, we are often asked, “how often do you change the oil in a semi-truck?”. Our expert technicians are here to answer all of your questions.
Semi-Truck Oil Change Intervals
If you wonder how often to change semi-truck oil, the answer varies between different drivers and vehicles.
The average lifespan of an oil change on a truck is anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 miles. How often you need to change the oil in your particular vehicle can depend on a few elements.
Older vehicles may need more frequent maintenance, as technology has progressed over the years allowing drivers of newer trucks to get more miles between oil changes. Additionally, your driving habits may impact how long the oil in your engine lasts. Practices such as frequent harsh acceleration or driving over challenging terrain can increase how often you need to change your oil.
Other factors that can impact how long your truck can go between oil changes include environmental factors that may be out of your control. For example, frequent driving through extreme temperatures, dusty or sandy environments, and more can result in more frequent oil changes.
How to Know When to Change Your Oil
As a trucker, owner-operator, or fleet owner, knowing when to change your oil is imperative. While your owner’s manual will guide the specific interval for your unique vehicle, there are other signs to look out for.
At each stop along your route, you should always check the oil using the dipstick. If the dipstick shows the engine oil levels are low, it’s time to find a semi-truck oil change place near you. Additionally, your truck may have oil sensor alerts that turn on when your truck is running low or when your oil is nearing the end of its lifespan. Whenever your oil sensor turns on, check your levels as soon as possible.
Ensuring that your semi-truck receives oil changes at the proper intervals not only helps maintain your vehicle’s health but can help avoid premature wear and tear on engine parts that may lead to unexpected breakdowns and time off the road. Routine oil changes are an investment in your truck’s future–the last thing that any truck driver, owner-operator, or fleet owner wants is to see their truck in the shop when there are jobs to be done.
Why Regular Oil Changes Are Important
The longer you drive your truck, the more dirt and debris accumulate inside your engine. The following are possible if truck drivers do not change their oil regularly:
- Corrosion of vital components
- Damage to your truck engine
- Costly repairs
- Time spent off the road due to maintenance
- Unforeseen breakdowns
- Decreases in fuel economy–a key expenditure when you’re on the road
Regular oil changes help your truck improve fuel economy and ensure that each part works together as it should for a healthy engine that keeps running.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Oil
Semi-truck oil change intervals are fairly regular, pending any external factors that may require you to change the oil sooner than you would otherwise. It would be best if you never tried to drive your truck for longer than necessary without changing the oil, as the engine lubricant is what protects all of the vital components that keep your truck running. However, you can take the best driving practices to minimize the chances of needing a premature oil change.
First, always ensure that you use an oil filter that meets your engine manufacturer’s specifications. Having your routine service done at a professional center, such as 1st Truck and Trailer Repair, is an excellent way to make sure the right parts are used on your truck every time. As truck industry experts, our technicians and service representatives can match the correct parts to your engine.
Oil Analysis
You may want to consider completing a full oil analysis. 1st Truck and Trailer Repair is proud to offer this service, providing you with a comprehensive overview of your engine’s health.
Oil analysis involves taking a small sample of oil from your engine during the draining process, storing it, and having it tested for specific contaminants. If your engine isn’t functioning as it should, and there is too much friction between the different components, traces of various elements are left behind in the oil. An expert technician will evaluate the findings of your oil analysis and provide direction on any additional maintenance your truck needs to get the most out of every oil change.
Stop by Today
Following the correct semi-truck oil change intervals is essential to protecting the life of your engine and the overall truck’s health. When answering how often to change semi-truck oil, the answer will be slightly different for each truck. You must check your owner’s manual. Get to know what signs to be aware of that may mean it’s time for an oil change.
The friendly service technicians at 1st Truck and Trailer Repair are here for all of your full-service oil change needs. We have extended hours for your convenience, and you do not need an appointment to come in.
If you’re on the road, are about to begin, or have just finished a trip, stop at the nearest LubeZone for your next semi-truck oil change. We’ll get you in and out in just 30 to 40 minutes!
