Running a semi-truck for 100,000 miles a year doesn’t come cheap — annual maintenance costs typically land between $16,000 and $25,000. But what actually drives those expenses? And what corners do fleets or owner-operators cut when they try to keep costs down? More importantly, how does all of this affect the everyday drivers who share the road with these massive vehicles?
From routine essentials like oil changes, tires, and brake replacements to major repairs on engines, transmissions, and suspension systems, every component of a commercial truck takes a beating over the course of a long haul. When budgets get tight, some maintenance gets delayed or overlooked, which can lead to worn-down parts, reduced vehicle performance, and even safety risks.
Understanding what goes into keeping a semi-truck road-ready and what can slip through the cracks helps highlight why maintenance matters for everyone on the highway. After all, the better a truck is cared for, the safer the road becomes for all of us.
Braking systems
The braking system is a key component to any vehicle. However, this holds especially true for semi-trucks, which can take up to two football fields to stop safely.
The braking system is different in semi-trucks than in motor vehicles. Automobiles use hydraulic brakes, which use fluid to transmit force from a brake pedal. However, most semi-trucks utilize air brake systems, which are typically used for commercial vehicles and can help stop semi-trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Air brakes utilize compressed air to stop large vehicles. When the pedal is pressed, air is released from storage tanks through brake lines to activate the brakes. There are a few common causes of brake failure with semi-truck brakes.
- One is brake fade from excessive heat building up in the brake system. This can happen in instances of prolonged braking, reducing braking stopping power.
- Another common cause of brake failure can include misaligned brakes when there is an improper distribution across axles and wheels. This can have negative impacts, such as an increased risk of jackknifing.
- Damaged air lines can occur when the tubing freezes or there is excessive weather exposure.
- Brake locking is when a wheel stops rotating in the process of braking. This can create a condition where skidding is more likely.
Proper maintenance of braking systems helps ensure that large, heavy vehicles are able to stop as quickly as possible when needed.
Tires
There are various tire options for semi-trucks, and which tire is used depends on the needs of the semi-truck and the driver. One type of tire is a long haul tire which, much like it sounds, is made for higher mileage vehicles and can last upwards of 100,000 miles.
Another type of tire is a regional haul tire that can handle medium to heavy loads within a 300-mile area. Additionally, some semi-trucks can opt for all-terrain tires or city tires if they are expected to encounter uneven surfaces throughout their journeys.
Factors that go into the need to replace tires on a semi-truck include:
- The age of the tires
- Indicators of visible wear, especially if wear bars are visible
- Uneven wear on the tread of each tire, indicating the possibility of alignment or inflation issues
- Any visible damage to the tires; such as bulges, cuts, or cracks
Choosing the proper tires for each vehicle and changing tires out regularly can help ensure a safer roadway for the driver and those on the road alongside them.
Electrical Issues
Electrical systems in semi-trucks control everything from headlights and brake lights to dashboard warnings, engine sensors, and safety systems. Electrical issues can be difficult to diagnose and are sometimes treated as lower-priority repairs.
When electrical problems go unresolved, they can lead to malfunctioning lights, failed warning systems, or undetected mechanical issues — making trucks harder to see and more dangerous on the road.
Steering System
Worn steering parts can cause drifting, delayed response, or loss of control — especially during emergency maneuvers. Suspension issues can worsen braking distance and increase rollover risk, particularly for fully loaded trucks.
Inspection requirements
Commercial trucks are subject to regular inspections under federal and state regulations. Drivers are required to conduct pre-trip inspections, and trucks must pass periodic safety inspections.
However, inspections depend heavily on follow-through on repairs. When time pressures, financial strain, or tight delivery schedules come into play, deficiencies may be documented but not immediately fixed.
What can go by the wayside
When maintenance budgets are stretched thin, the most commonly delayed items include:
- Brake servicing
- Tire replacement
- Electrical repairs
- Steering and suspension components
- Preventive engine maintenance
These shortcuts may save money in the short term, but they significantly increase the risk of mechanical failure and serious crashes.
Why it matters to everyday drivers
Poorly maintained semi-trucks don’t just put drivers at risk. They endanger everyone sharing the road. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and engine malfunctions can all lead to devastating accidents.
Understanding how maintenance costs influence safety helps explain why truck maintenance records are often a critical part of investigating serious truck accidents. When maintenance goes by the wayside, the consequences can be life-altering.
Proper truck maintenance isn’t just a business expense — it’s a matter of public safety.
How Allen & Allen can help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, our team is here to help. We offer guidance from experienced professionals who understand the complexities of these cases. The dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at Allen & Allen is ready to help you navigate this challenging time.
