Long haul truck drivers can clock in anywhere from 80,000 to over 100,000 miles annually. Truckers are expected to drive between 2,000 to 3,000 miles each week with the restriction of a 70 hour maximum over an 8 day period. With the amount of time truck drivers spend on the road, there comes a time when you need to take some time away from the road. Knowing how to properly store your truck during long periods of time is important. Not properly storing your truck can lead to damage and expensive repair costs. Avoid damaging your truck and follow these steps on how to prepare your semi truck for long term storage
Change Oil
Due to the variety of temperature changes between night and day, your truck will take a toll. Make sure to change your oil, oil filter and fuel filters before parking your truck for a while. It is also recommended that you add fuel stabilizer to avoid condensation build up.
Invest in a Trickle Charger
Trickle chargers are car battery chargers designed to be left on a vehicle for long periods of time. While your truck is in storage, the trickle charger slowly adds charge to the battery. Not using a trickle charge can run your battery life completely down and leave you with no power when it’s time to use your truck again.
Drain Air Tanks
To avoid brake failure, drain your air tanks before storing your truck. Water in your air compressor, if left for long periods of time, can cause brake failure. Water and oil tend to collect in the bottom of the air tank. Be sure to drain everything well to avoid issues later on.
Maintenance check
Another thing to consider is getting a maintenance check on your truck before storing it. If anything is in questionable shape it would be a good idea to replace it before the time comes to get your truck out and moving again
Clean Your Truck Out
It is highly recommended to do a thorough cleaning job on the inside and outside of your truck before storing it. That way when it’s time to hit the road again, your truck is clean and ready to go.
Do a good, deep clean on the inside of your truck. Wipe down the interior and vacuum everything. Take out all the food and everything valuable.
On the outside of your truck, wash the entire truck and give it a fresh wax job to protect it from any damage while it sits in storage.
Share with us your tips on how to prepare your semi truck for long term storage.
For more cleaning tips check out Spring Is Near! It’s Time To Clean Your Truck.
