How Often Should a Truck Be Maintained?
3 Answers
Trucks generally require their first maintenance at 5,000 kilometers. The engine oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers. During the oil change, it's recommended to replace all three filters simultaneously, while the gear oil should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. Wheel maintenance should be performed every six months. For long-distance trucks or dump trucks, maintenance should be done monthly, with brake adjustments every half month. Basic maintenance items for large trucks include: Changing the engine oil and three filters (oil filter, air filter, and diesel filter); Wheel hub maintenance: Due to their heavy load capacity, large trucks use tapered bearings that require high-grade grease. Truck first-level maintenance inspection items: Replace engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; Check if the coolant level meets specifications; Inspect the brake and clutch fluid levels; Verify if the power steering fluid reservoir level complies with regulations, and check all system oil pipe interfaces for leaks.
I've been driving trucks for over 20 years, and maintenance intervals really depend on how you use them. Manufacturers generally recommend every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months, but for long-distance freight like mine, I have to check the engine oil every month and keep an eye on tire pressure regularly to avoid serious problems like tire blowouts. Last time I got lazy for a few months, the engine oil turned black, fuel consumption skyrocketed, and I ended up spending thousands on engine repairs—a huge lesson. Changing filters yourself is simple and saves money, so you don’t always have to go to the shop. The key is your driving habits—if you haul heavy loads or frequently drive in mountainous areas, get maintenance done earlier. In short, the manual is the golden rule; don’t wait until the truck breaks down to regret it.
Maintaining trucks should focus on cost-effectiveness and savings. I insist on changing the oil and filter every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers to prevent major repairs, which is the most economical approach. Doing the oil change myself with affordable tools saves a couple hundred bucks each time, and choosing high-durability oil can extend the service interval. During busy freight periods, checking tires and brakes monthly reduces breakdowns and business disruptions. Air filters are cheap and easy to replace—swap them out when dirty to keep the engine running smoothly. High fuel consumption means wasted money; proper maintenance ensures the truck runs longer and more reliably. Don't underestimate how these small things add up to big savings.
