Truck Repairs Are Unavoidable: Here’s the Secret to Keeping the Costs Manageable

Tractor trailers and their drivers keep the world up and running. Without them, store shelves would be empty, and warehouses would be overflowing. Many manufacturers wouldn’t be able to get the materials they need to produce their products, and they wouldn’t be able to get their wares into the waiting hands of the public. There’s little arguing that the trucking industry is in high demand these days, and it’s only going to become more essential moving forward.

With that being the case, being a part of the industry can be a lucrative venture. Of course, it also comes with certain major expenses. Buying an 18-wheeler is a significant investment. There’s also the cost of insurance and fuel to consider. At the same time, parts and repairs are crucial for keeping the truck safe and in working condition. Though those expenses are unavoidable, certain measures can help make them more manageable.

Routine Maintenance

It’s impossible to overemphasize the value of routine maintenance in keeping the costs of owning and operating an 18-wheeler at a minimum. Obviously, semi truck service helps to prevent breakdowns and their resulting repair costs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? Maintenance isn’t just about reducing repair costs, though. Its benefits extend well beyond that.

Since routine maintenance minimizes breakdowns, you won’t have as much downtime to deal with. That means you’ll be able to keep your drivers working and your customers happy. When you keep your trucks maintained, they run more efficiently too. As such, they’ll burn less fuel. Considering the cost of diesel and the miles your trucks travel, even a seemingly minor increase in efficiency could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Maintenance could also save you money on insurance coverage. A well-maintained truck is a safer truck. That could reflect in your CSA score. In turn, you’ll be considered a low-risk carrier, so you potentially won’t have to spend as much on your premiums.

High-Quality Parts and Technicians

Another way to lower the cost of truck repairs is to use high quality-parts and technicians. Higher quality parts may be more expensive than cheaper alternatives, but that’s only from the perspective of the initial purchase. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheap parts won’t work as well or last as long, so you’ll need to replace them more often. They could even have a negative impact on other components. Investing in more costly parts generally saves you money in the long run.

The same can be said of high-quality mechanics. They may charge you more, but their certifications, skills, and experience are well worth the added cost. Look for a shop with a reputation for excellence. They’re not very hard to find; all you really have to do is ask around. Truck owners and carriers are generally quick to tell others which shops they’ve had good experiences with and which ones let them down.

Keeping Your Truck Repair Costs in Check

Those are some of the most effective ways to keep your truck repair costs in check. Hiring experienced drivers with good driving records will help as well. Using telematics and fleet management systems can also make a difference in maintenance needs, repair costs, fuel consumption, and other factors. All these measures will help you keep your trucks up and running so they can keep the rest of the nation moving forward.