Whether you have your own fleet business or you’re a contractual trucker out on the road, repairs and maintenance of your truck are necessary. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by sourcing the correct semi-truck parts, so you don’t have to spend more time than necessary in the repair shop. This means that getting access to the right kind of auto parts is essential to keep the customers happy and your business growing since the right parts ensure your semi-trucks can get transported items shipped out and delivered on time.
The good news is that you can find these semi parts very quickly and easily. The problem is, however, that not all these parts are made equal; and just like any other product, there are limitations to each brand. Thankfully, finding a quality part for your semi-truck just got easier. Read below for our top tips on purchasing semi-truck parts so you can keep your vehicle just as happy as your customers.
Whether you are thinking of buying a new/used truck or replacing the existing auto parts, choosing the right provider you can trust is essential. Here are some helpful tips and critical factors to keep in mind when buying semi-truck parts for your vehicle.
Assess how you will use the semi-truck, the mechanical considerations, the budget, and the options you have in mind. And from there, you can determine the type of part you need and how much you can afford to spend on it. The insurance and financing options should be part of your list, too, and can even help you refine your list of requirements; so, don’t be afraid to ask your fleet manager or your agent what your company’s insurance will cover so you can save some extra cash.
Also, don’t forget to keep all your requirements documented. Having a list to check off will ensure whatever part you buy will be the perfect one for what your truck and your wallet need.
If you have been planning to buy a used semi-truck or a new part for it, you should always take time to check the quality and condition of the vehicle. Ask your seller for maintenance and oil change records, upgrades, or accident history, if any. That way, you can start to get an idea of how much money you will be spending on certain parts for your semi. For instance, a truck that’s in great condition but needs a new front wheel is going to be a lot easier to deal with than a truck that will need a total engine rehaul. If you’re shopping for a used semi on a budget, this is a crucial step.
Most importantly, you want to check how transparent your seller is. For new purchases, buy from a store that offers unmatched customer service and clear communication. Dealers who are not direct with you about the conditions of the vehicle are usually hiding something for a reason and are most likely not being completely honest about the quality of the semi. A trusted diesel mechanic will have lots of great connections to semi-sellers and so will other truckers you trust, so don’t be afraid to ask around if you’re a first-time buyer.
Whether you have a new or a used vehicle, it is necessary to check the model of the engine. Engine models can significantly vary in their performance. Some engines wear faster than others, while some are known for their chronic issues. Therefore, it is wise to research the best engine model that matches your criteria. This way, you can adjust your budget according to the quality of the service you get.
An ASE Certified mechanic will be able to help you understand your engine’s needs and make any necessary repairs to keep it in top shape. You can read more about the engine overhaul process here and tips for maintaining your new engine once you’ve bought it here.
Assessing the semi-truck’s overall quality and performance before buying is suggested as a way of ensuring all the semi’s parts are functioning as they should be. Most diesel mechanics recommend always checking whether the engine and oil transmission status of the truck is in good working condition. If you overlook these two crucial conditions of your semi, your semi could become inoperable and even hazardous to drive while out on the road.
Also look closely for the presence of rust in the exterior and interior surfaces of the car. Rust can compromise the vehicle’s performance, which is the last thing you would want, especially since you’ve already spent so much money on it. This could mean that there’s a hidden problem with the semi’s motor system or that it may be time for a re-greasing. A semi-automotive repair shop will be able to give you a better idea of what the rust might mean, if there is any.
Doing extensive research is very important to find the most suitable truck parts. Consult with a reputed truck provider that offers the best quality truck parts above all. It is worth investing in high-quality pieces that will save money in the future.
It is better to know about the dealer of these parts. When you have a trusted relationship with the dealer over time, you will get good service and good products. They will help you to become more familiar with the trucks.
Ask questions about the parts, guarantee, and functioning to ensure that you are getting genuine parts. It is good to avoid rebuilt parts. It is good to know the difference between the various options available before you pick the right one.
Semi-trucks are also known as semi-trailer trucks with a wide array of uses. They are considered the life force of the nation for many reasons. They transport gas to different parts of the state, support deliveries, and carry food. . With these many possibilities to offer, it can be said that investing in Semi-Truck parts is worth every penny. However, to make a successful purchase and an informed decision, you must make sure you know everything about them.
Now, let’s talk about what semi-truck parts need the most frequent care.
While any part of your semi can affect its overall performance, some parts are prone to constant wear and tear more than others. They need regular maintenance and often replacement. When you find that any one of the following semi-parts below has started to mess with your ability to drive your truck as normal, it will be a problem for the truck owner.
However, the fleet owner should be the one to ensure that each truck is outfitted with the right auto parts. The most common factors that need replacement are listed below and remember to follow the tips above when purchasing these parts. The cheaper part may save you more in the short term, but it could end up costing you a fortune more later down the line. You can find a more comprehensive list of common fleet truck repairs and replacements here.
This is the most obvious answer since the truck’s tires have constant contact with the road. As the truck travels for a longer distance, it can quickly wear and tear down the tires fast. Therefore, if you keep the semi tires in top shape by getting regular, routine rotations and replacements, you can save yourself time in the future and prevent the chance of a breakdown.
Even when there is less traffic, the truck drivers must use the brakes to stay safe. Ensuring your semi has high-quality brake pads will keep your drivers out of accidents and keep business moving steadily. These will need to be replaced regularly just like tires, so most diesel mechanics will always offer to do both while you’re in the repair shop. Save yourself some time and tell them yes!
You might not think about the importance of these machines, but lots of wear and tear happens to these wiper blades with constant use. Truckers have to drive in all sorts of conditions while they’re out on the road, so the devices that they use to battle the elements should be in top shape. That way, no matter if it’s sunny or sleeting, your drivers will be ready for anything.
The clutch of your semi helps to transmit the torque of the engine to the drivetrain, and that makes it essential to keep a good grip for smooth delivery of power from the engine and move it. Ignoring clutch issues can lead to engine breakdowns and potentially wrecks on the road, so keep your drivers safe while they’re making shipments and invest in quality clutches for your semi-trucks.
Remember, your trucks reflect how you do your business. If yours require constant replacements for parts, breakdowns, and accidents, customers will take notice when their shipments begin arriving late. Therefore, if you want to provide your customers with quality service, you must first provide them with quality trucks.
At CDS, our team of well-trained ASE-certified staff, innovative diagnostic technology, and the latest equipment in semi-truck automotive services makes us more than ready to take care of any make and model of the tractor-trailer and diesel truck. Whether your transportation company is looking for an automotive service partner, fleet management assistance, or a total diesel engine overhaul, CDS has you covered with professional, efficient service that will have you back behind the wheel and out on the road again in no time. Call us to make an appointment today at 865-964-6598 or contact us online to schedule one of our services.
It is hard to know what to expect during your first visit to a truck dealership. All truck dealerships are slightly different, but all Freightliner dealerships are dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience. However, it never hurts to be prepared by knowing what questions to ask when visiting truck dealerships. Below are several frequently asked questions that arise at truck dealerships. Be sure to go over these questions when visiting your local Freightliner dealership to get the most out of your visit.
If the semi-truck is on the lot, then absolutely! Most truck dealerships have a variety of on-highway trucks available for test drives. Due to the customized nature of vocational trucks, dealerships may not have every vocational truck on the lot, but contact your local Freightliner dealership to find out what trucks are available for a test drive. If the truck isn’t on the lot, there are other opportunities to drive the truck as many truck OEMs will also have ride and drive events or demo programs that dealerships can take potential or current customers to as well.
The inside of a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia has a noise level of 57.5 decibels to 67.5 decibels when the truck is in motion. Our advanced engineering allows the Cascadia to provide 50% less vibration noise than our competitors.
The Cascadia Evolution boasts one of the largest cabs in the industry today. Cab configurations for the Cascadia Evolution include 48” Mid-Roof XT, 60” Mid-Roof XT, and 72” Mid-Roof XT and 60” and 72” Raise Roof options. Wide cabs improve on comfort, visibility, and reduces driver fatigue.
The main safety features to look for are…
If you are buying a new truck, it is important to understand the potential resale value of the truck when you reach 500,000, 600,000, etc. miles. This factors into your real cost of ownership and dealerships can provide you with this data upon request. Currently, the Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution has the highest resale value in the industry.
These are questions that all truck dealerships should expect from their customers and be equipped to answer. Before visiting the truck dealership, make a list of all the questions that you have about the truck and the purchasing process. This will allow you to organize your thoughts and ensure that all of your questions are answered. After visiting the truck dealership, you will be on the road in no time!