Everything You Need to Know About Semi Truck Oil Change
The engine oil is one of the most important things for having a properly functioning diesel truck. The engine oil is what keeps the semi truck running and stops the engine from overheating. If the motor oil is low or bad, it can cause some severe damage to your truck. That is why it is vital to know everything about semi-truck oil and oil filters, and lucky for you, we have all that information right here about a Semi Truck oil change.
How Often Do You Change Oil in a Semi-Truck?
When you change the oil in an everyday vehicle, you typically change it about every 3000 miles or so, topping off in between when needed. However, in a semi diesel truck, you won’t have to change the oil for about 25,000 miles or more with the proper care and preventative maintenance.
Thanks to all of the upgraded technology used in the way vehicles work, you can get more miles out of your truck now than ever before. However, it is best to keep it as close to the 25000-mile mark as possible unless your vehicle tells you it needs it sooner.
How to Know When Your Semi Truck Needs An Oil Change
There are a few different ways to check to see if your oil needs changing in a semi-truck. First and foremost, you might notice that annoying alarm on your dashboard flashing a check engine signal every time you start the truck up.
You can also tell your truck needs an oil change by checking the oil itself with the included dipstick. If the oil is a really dark color or starting to look like sludge, then you know for sure it needs to be replaced.
Reasons Semi-Truck Oil Will Need Replaced Frequently
As mentioned above, semi’s will not need oil changes more than every 25000 miles for the most part. However, there are a few situations that can cause this amount to go up. Below is a list of the few significant reasons truck drivers might have to make rest stops more often.
- Terrain: If you are frequently driving the truck through rough terrain, unpaved roads, or up steep hills, you will need to change your oil more often than those driving for days down a smooth concrete highway.
- Bad Oil: If you use poor-quality oil, it may not work with your engine as well as high-quality brands do, causing you to change oil much more often.
- Older Truck: Older vehicles tend to require more oil changes than newer models do, and this is because of the wear and tear they have been through over the years and the age of the engine.
- The shape of the engine: Semi-trucks frequently make stops where they can be left idling for long periods, and this can put a lot of pressure on the engine, wearing it down and requiring more oil changes.
How to Extend the Life of Your Semi-Truck Oil
Now that you know what causes the oil to go bad quickly, it should be pretty simple to figure out how to keep it lasting for more extended periods.
- Stay on smooth roads as much as possible
- Use the best oils available every time
- Always drive with fuel efficiency in mind
How to Change Semi-Truck Oil
Semi-trucks should be routinely serviced by professional mechanics who know how to work with these enormous vehicles safely. However, many drivers prefer to change the oil themselves.
Changing the oil on these big trucks is relatively similar to how you change the oil on any other vehicle, just on a much larger scale.
Ensure you have all the proper tools, including a funnel, wrenches, safety equipment, an oil pan (or drum), etc. It is very important to remember that you will need a large drum to store the old oil. Whereas cars and trucks hold a few quarts of oil, semi-trucks can use up to 15 gallons, which is one reason taking it to the professionals is more than worth an extra stop.
Drain all of the oil from the engine into the drum and safely store the oil somewhere until you can dispose of it properly and legally. Next, you will want to change the oil filter if needed, then lubricate and reseal the oil plug back into its opening before adding new clean oil.
Choosing the Best Oil and Filter For Your Semi-Truck
The best types of oils for semi-trucks will be those labeled as max or heavy-duty synthetic diesel. These vehicles come with engines in various sizes and can hold different amounts of oil and different brands. It is best to refer to the manufacturer’s manual or a professional to choose the best options for your specific truck.
Summing Things Up
Changing the oil in a semi-truck is extremely important to keep it up and running effectively and efficiently. If you are not interested in having it maintained by professionals, you must purchase the proper tools and products with the best quality for the longest amount of life.