If you are a driver, owner-operator, or fleet owner, knowing the proper oil change procedure for your Dallas trucks is crucial to maintaining your truck.
An essential part of preventative maintenance is oil changes. Keeping your truck’s engine well lubricated can extend its lifespan and lower its overall maintenance costs.
The question is—how should you conduct a proper oil replacement for trucks? Our Dallas truck repair experts answer three commonly asked questions about oil change.
Why Should You Change Your Oil More Often?
As you drive your truck, dirt and debris accumulate inside the engine. If drivers do not conduct regular oil replacements for their trucks, these things may happen:
- Improved gas mileage. A well-lubricated engine performs at its best and consumes the least amount of fuel.
- Maintained engine lubrication. An oil change can make a drastic difference to the engine components and prolong their lifespan.
- Less wear and tear of engine components. By performing regular oil changes, you make engine components less prone to wear and tear, thereby reducing their chances of being severely damaged.
- Removed engine wear particles and oil sludge. Oil changes flush out wear particles and oil sludge and fill the engine with fresh oil.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
If you’re wondering how often to change semi-truck oil, that depends on the driver and the vehicle. An oil change on a truck typically lasts between 10,000 and 25,000 miles.
There are a few factors that determine how often you should change the oil in your vehicle. As technology has progressed over the years, drivers of newer trucks can go longer between oil changes, so older vehicles may need more frequent maintenance. Furthermore, your driving habits may affect the life of your engine oil. If you drive over challenging terrain or accelerate harshly often, you may need to change your oil more frequently.
In addition to environmental factors, you may not be able to control how long your truck can go between oil changes. Frequent driving through extreme temperatures, dusty or sandy environments, and more can result in more frequent oil changes.
When Should You Change Your Oil?
Whether you are a trucker, owner-operator, or fleet owner, you need to know when to change your oil. Your owner’s manual will instruct you on the exact interval for your vehicle, but there are other signs to watch for.
Use the dipstick at every stop along your route to check the oil. When the dipstick shows low engine oil levels, it’s time to find an oil change place near you. Additionally, your truck may have oil sensor alerts that turn on when your oil is getting low or you are nearing the end of its lifespan. In the event your oil sensor turns on, check your levels as soon as possible.
How Can You Extend Your Oil’s Lifespan?
Most truck oil changes are fairly regular, pending any external factors that may require you to change the oil sooner than you normally would. As the engine lubricant protects all the vital parts of your truck, it would be best if you never drove your truck for an extended period without changing the oil. However, you can follow the best driving practices to minimize the chances of needing an oil change too soon.
Make sure you use an oil filter that meets the specifications of your engine manufacturer. Regular maintenance at a professional center ensures that the right parts are used on your truck every time.
By ensuring that your truck receives oil changes at the proper intervals, you can help prevent premature wear and tear on engine parts that can lead to unexpected breakdowns and time away from work. Maintenance is an investment in your truck’s future. No truck driver, owner-operator, or fleet owner wants to have their truck in the shop when there are jobs to be done.
We’ll Take Care Of Your Truck
At WTX Truck Repair, LCC, we provide quality truck maintenance repairs in Dallas, TX. You can rely on our team to provide expert service and fast repairs.
We are experienced with most makes and models of trucks, having worked on them all. Whether you need preventive maintenance or serious repairs, our experts will restore your vehicle’s original charm.
We can accurately diagnose all mechanical problems. Our goal is to make sure your vehicle rides like new by identifying and implementing the right repair solutions.
Get in touch with us and get a free quote today. Call (432) 444-3284.