Where to Maintain a Truck?
3 Answers
Trucks can be maintained at large repair and maintenance shops. The basic maintenance items for trucks include: 1. Replacing filters: changing the oil and three filters (oil filter, air filter, diesel filter). 2. Wheel hub maintenance: Due to their heavy load capacity, trucks use tapered bearings, which require high-grade grease. 3. External inspection: Walk around the vehicle to check for damage to bulbs and lamp covers; inspect the fixation of body ornaments; check the condition of rearview mirrors. 4. Tires: Check the wear of tires and clean the trunk; replace tires when they approach the wear indicators, and inspect for bulges, abnormal wear, aging cracks, or other damages.
I've been driving trucks for nearly twenty years and am very particular about choosing maintenance spots. Generally speaking, brand-authorized 4S shops or large professional repair centers are the most reliable because they have new equipment and experienced technicians specifically trained for truck types like heavy-duty trucks or box trucks. For example, brake systems and driveshaft inspections—these small details are easily overlooked, but 4S shops can diagnose them precisely. In the past, I tried saving money by going to small roadside shops, but even the oil changes didn’t meet specifications, leading to faster engine wear and ultimately higher repair costs. Now, I only trust appointment-based service centers. Though slightly more expensive, they are efficient and use genuine parts. The truck is my livelihood, and the time saved allows me to complete more trips. I also insist on quarterly minor checks to ensure proper tire pressure and functioning lights—never let small issues turn into big ones.
As a long-haul truck driver, I find it most convenient to choose chain quick-service shops or 4S stores for maintenance. Booking online for basic services like oil changes and filter checks takes just half an hour, saving me from queuing and delaying work. Chain shops have transparent pricing with clear price tags, unlike some small stalls that charge randomly. I've also tried repair shops in auto parts markets, but the quality of parts is unreliable—last time, the brake pads I replaced wore out severely within days. Trucks need to haul loads, so key components like the air conditioning and battery must be checked regularly to avoid breakdowns in hot weather. Budget-wise, don't risk saving a few bucks—find a well-reviewed place where safety comes first, and it can also extend your vehicle's lifespan.