Taking time to maintain and repair a semi-trailer is an investment in the future or your rig and your business. Following this general checklist and any additional manufacturer guidelines will help you stay on top of semi-trailer maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
Your tires are essential for the quick and timely movement of freight, but one busted tire, or a few, can be an expensive and unexpected semi-truck trailer repair. By simply checking tires on a regular basis, you may avoid a major expense or an unsafe situation on the road. As a driver, you should check tires before every trip to ensure there is no damage or leaks.
Additional checks include checking tire wear, any pressure monitoring or inflating systems, and any components that could affect tires such as:
How often to check: Before and after each haul, and during all regular semi-trailer service appointments.
Part of safe highway travel is making sure that all lights are functioning on your trailer. Whether you’re traveling in the daytime or at night, trailer lights tell other drivers when you’re changing lanes, braking, hazard lights, and illuminate the roadway. If even one light is out, it can lead to unsafe conditions. And if something is wrong, semi-trailer parts for lighting systems are a quick, cost-effective fix in many cases.
Since lights are highly visible, they may be a common target for violations, adding to the reasons for checking them regularly. Here are a few things to look for:
How often to check: Before each haul and during regular semi-trailer maintenance appointments.
When lubing semi-trailer parts, be sure to start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re choosing the right kind of lube and applying it correctly.
Trailers have numerous parts that need to be lubed for proper functioning and to help prevent issues like corrosion, especially in the winter when parts can get locked up. Without regular maintenance and lube, you could end up with more frequent and costly semi-trailer repairs.
More specifically, check around the:
How often to check: Check manufacturer guidelines but should be done every 12,000 to 24,000 miles.
Security is more than just a locking door. Semi-trailers feature a number of mechanisms to help secure freight, doors, and other potentially loose components during transit. If a tie-down or chain is broken or damaged, it could lead to broken freight or unsafe conditions. Inspect the following semi-trailer parts for tears, holes, snags, corrosion, or other damage regularly:
How often to check: Most security components should be checked before each haul to ensure safety.
One of the simplest ways to conduct semi-trailer maintenance is to clean it. Trucks and trailers come in contact with dirt, chemicals, and other debris every day, and over time, that build-up can lead to additional repairs that could be prevented.
Taking time every four to six weeks to clean the trailer also gives you the opportunity to conduct a visual inspection, which may reveal other issues you weren’t aware of. It’s also a good time to remove any debris that’s caught in trailer components.
Of course, don’t forget to clean the inside!
How often to clean: Wash and visually inspect the exterior every four to six weeks. The inside of the trailer should be cleaned after each haul.
Brakes are one of the most common things people think about when it comes to vehicle maintenance, and for good reason. They are an essential component of your trailer and truck.
Of course, brakes vary depending on the type of trailer and freight being hauled, so inspection intervals may vary. Additionally, if your trailer travels through heavy winter conditions, the brakes could be affected by de-icing chemicals.
How often to check: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Generally, have brakes inspected at each oil change.
