How Often Should a Truck Be Serviced?

Big-rigs require regular maintenance to function safely on the road. While many people are familiar with how often cars need to be serviced, not everyone is up-to-speed on the required frequency of truck maintenance. Below, we discuss how often trucking companies should service their vehicles to reduce the chances of accidents.

Basic, Thorough, and Full Inspections

There are various degrees of inspections that trucks such as tractor-trailers may undergo depending on the number of miles they have traveled recently. In general, the difference between basic, thorough, and full inspections are as follows:

• Basic Service (Every 15,000 miles): Every big-rig should receive basic service every 15,000 miles traveled. This type of inspection includes checking that the truck’s lights and brakes are functioning properly and refilling the vehicle’s fluids.
• Thorough Service (Every 30,000 miles): A more thorough inspection should occur after every 30,000 miles a truck travels. During this type of inspection, a big-rig’s oil, lubricant, and filters will be changed. Additionally, many trucks will require minor repairs to prevent more serious damage in the future.
• Full Service (Once per year): A truck should receive a full inspection at least once per year. During this inspection, the engine will be inspected and repaired or replaced, if necessary.

Trucking companies must perform regular inspections on the vehicles in their fleet for several reasons. In addition to improving the trucks’ performance, these inspections make the vehicles acceptable as per U.S. Department of Transportation’s standards. Thorough inspections can also protect truckers and other drivers on the road by making the trucks safer to drive.

Injured in a Truck Accident? We’re Here to Help

Even if big-rigs undergo regular maintenance, accidents still occur—often due to other factors. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our San Jose personal injury attorneys are here to help. We know how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re here to help you obtain justice.