{"id":1819,"date":"2021-06-09T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T13:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/?p=1819"},"modified":"2021-06-16T02:11:06","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T07:11:06","slug":"reliable-semi-truck-mechanic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/reliable-semi-truck-mechanic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find a Reliable Semi Truck Mechanic and Repair Shop"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fleet operators and truck drivers have a clear perception that semi-trucks are not forever. The average life expectancy of a semi-truck is around\u00a010 to 15 years. Yet, they are highly variable on proper maintenance and usage. Many semi-trucks run a million miles during their lifespan. But with the high mileage of hauling, most semi-trucks exceed 120,000 miles per year. At that rate, they can only last for around 8 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semi-trucks typically haul loads as heavy as 80,000 pounds. When they are used for vocational work, they do a lot of heavy hauling all year round. This makes semi-trucks susceptible to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/27\/common-semi-truck-breakdowns\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breakdowns<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and repair needs. So, it is smart for a fleet operator or truck driver to find a reliable mechanic or repair shop. Here\u2019s how!<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 3px solid; padding: 10px; width: 100%; border-radius: 25px; border-color: #F4A70F; color: #007bff;\">\n<strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #007bff;\">What&#8217;s Inside<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs\"> 5 Most Common Truck Repairs<\/a><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs1\">Brake Failures and Fluid Leaks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs2\">Degraded Wheel Bearings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs3\">Engine Overheating<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs4\"> Failure to Start<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#commonrepairs5\"> U-Joint Malfunction<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#howtofind\"> How to Find a Semi Truck Mechanic<\/a><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#howtofind1\"> Ask Your Colleagues, Family, Friends, and Neighbors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#howtofind2\"> Check for Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#howtofind3\"> Find a Mechanic or Repair Shop Specializing in Your Truck\u2019s Brand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#howtofind4\"> Search the Internet<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"commonrepairs\"><strong>5 Most Common Truck Repairs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, let\u2019s discuss the 5 most common truck repairs.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"commonrepairs1\">Brake Failures and Fluid Leaks<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The braking system of a semi-truck regularly fails because of the pressure brought about by large payloads. So, truck drivers and operators need to keep the break in good shape. In general, a semi-truck\u2019s brake pads need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. Brake fluids also play an important role in a semi-truck\u2019s braking system. Flushing them out every 3 months can lengthen the lifespan of the other components in the braking system. From time to time, truckers should conduct a manual check on the fluid\u2019s color and level.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"commonrepairs2\">Degraded Wheel Bearings<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wheel bearings are the components that hold the wheels of a semi-truck. It allows the wheels to spin properly for a smoother hauling and ride. Semi-truck drivers commonly experienced degraded wheel bearings. This is because of the constant movement of the wheel bearings as a semi-truck travels long trips. The most typical signs of a degraded wheel bearing are noises on the wheel, jerking, or unstable wheel movement. Most semi-truck mechanics and\u00a0repair\u00a0shops recommend replacing wheel bearings after 150,000 miles.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"commonrepairs3\">Engine Overheating<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to long-distance travel, semi-trucks are highly prone to overheating. The engine of a truck produces a lot of heat. But the excessive heat under it may cause engine damage. Engine overheating may result from a blocked thermostat, blown gasket, defective cooling fan, or fuel leak. Whatever the reason is, a truck driver should immediately call a semi-truck mechanic to resolve the issue.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"commonrepairs4\">Failure to Start<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most semi-truck drivers encounter the failure of a truck to start, especially when the temperature drops during winter. This may either be because of the semi-truck\u2019s battery or starter. There is no expected timeline for a semi-truck battery to break and be replaced. But smart truckers will know that car idling, changing headlight brightness, and hard starting are signs of the need for a battery replacement. On the other hand, the average lifespan of a semi-truck starter is a truck mileage of 150,000.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"commonrepairs5\">U-Joint Malfunction<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Universal joints or U-joints are mechanical devices that link the shafts of a semi-truck together. There is no recommended timeline for replacing U-joints but they should be lubricated every 5,000 miles. This is to keep them moving as the shafts move. A U-joint malfunction is manifested by clicking noises and vibrations under a semi-truck.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"uv-lst\" data-category=\"125\" data-count=\"6\" data-type=\"new\"> <\/div>\n<h2 id=\"howtofind\"><strong>How to Find a Semi Truck Mechanic<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find a reliable semi truck mechanic and repair shop, fleet owners and truck drivers must first know the difference between semi-truck maintenance and repair. Maintenance is a routine check-up and replacements suggested on a vehicle\u2019s manual. While repairs are processes of fixing a semi-truck problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scheduled maintenance is typically performed on truck dealerships or service shops. There are times that the maintenance is covered by the truck\u2019s warranty. Since maintenance items are a basic routine, they can be performed by any truck mechanic or repair shop. Repairs can be categorized as minor and major issues on the truck. They may also be covered by the warranty of a vehicle dealership.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are cases when the semi-truck can be recalled if a major repair issue happens within the warranty period. Once the semi-truck is out of warranty, that is the time that you may need to find a skilled mechanic or local repair shop.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"howtofind1\">Ask Your Colleagues, Family, Friends, and Neighbors<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to search for a reliable mechanic or repair shop in town is to ask for personal referrals. A colleague, family member, friend, or neighbor may have been a semi-truck owner too or knows someone with a semi-truck. They may have experienced having a truck repair with a nearby auto shop. As such, they may be happy to share their stories with you to help you find a reliable mechanic or repair shop.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"howtofind2\">Check for Certifications<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checking for mechanics or repair shops that are AAR or ASE certified is a technical way to qualify them as reliable and trustworthy. There are more than 7,000 repair shops across North America that are accredited by the American Automobile Association (AAA). These accredited shops meet the professional standards of AAA for customer service and expertise. A semi-truck mechanic should also be certified by the National Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). An ASE certification means going through a 2-year mechanic course plus a 2-year automotive repair on-the-job training OJT. Semi-truck mechanics with ASE certifications undergo a retesting every 5 years<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"howtofind3\">Find a Mechanic or Repair Shop Specializing in Your Truck\u2019s Brand<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some mechanics and repair shops specialize in certain truck brands. They likely have the proper knowledge, skills, and training to fix your semi-truck. You can ask your insurer or truck dealer for recommendations. Alternatively, you can search online on the truck manufacturer\u2019s website to ask for a nearby mechanic or repair shop. For instance, if you are having troubles with your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/semi-trucks-for-sale\/peterbilt\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peterbilt semi truck<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can find a dealer who can provide parts or full service through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peterbilt.com\/products-services\/dealers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the Peterbilt website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"howtofind4\">Search the Internet<\/h3>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The internet is also a perfect place to source out reliable mechanics and repair shops. For instance, you can find valuable information about local mechanics on Cartalk.com\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cartalk.com\/mechanics-files\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mechanic files<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To find a perfect match, you can also check with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/category\/trucks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better Business Bureau<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for honest feedback about mechanics and repair shops.\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Need a truck for your fleet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b><\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned, trucks do not last forever. When you think it\u2019s already time to get a new truck, visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UsedVending.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the largest selection of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/semi-trucks-for-sale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">semi trucks for sale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in America.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fleet operators and truck drivers have a clear perception that semi-trucks are not forever. The average life expectancy of a semi-truck is around\u00a010 to 15 years. Yet, they are highly variable on proper maintenance and usage. Many semi-trucks run a million miles during their lifespan. But with the high mileage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":191,"featured_media":1823,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102],"tags":[103,636,637],"class_list":["post-1819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-semi-truck","tag-semi-truck","tag-semi-truck-mechanic","tag-semi-truck-repair-shop"],"modified_by":"Titus Asher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/191"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1819"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2038,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1819\/revisions\/2038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1819"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1819"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usedvending.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1819"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}