Important Tips for Greasing A Semi-Truck Effectively
Learn how you can best grease a semi-truck and its parts for optimal function.
As a semi-truck owner, you know that proper maintenance is essential for keeping your truck on the road. However, if you’re not sure how to grease a semi-truck effectively, you may be making some mistakes that could inadvertently shorten the lifespan of your truck.
This blog post will discuss some tips for greasing your vehicle correctly. So, if you’re looking to keep your truck running smoothly for years to come, make sure to keep reading!
Why Do Semi-Trucks Need to Be Greased?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why greasing a semi-truck is so important. As you already know, semi-trucks constantly carry heavy loads, which puts a lot of stress on the truck’s components. Without proper lubrication, these components can begin to wear down prematurely, leading to costly repairs.
In addition, greasing your truck can also help to improve fuel efficiency. When the moving parts of your truck are properly lubricated, they can move more freely, which requires less energy (and fuel) to operate. So, proper greasing can help extend the life of your truck, but it can also save you money at the pump!
Which Components of a Semi-Truck Need to Be Greased?
Now that you know why greasing your truck is so important, let’s discuss which semi-truck parts need to be lubricated. The fifth wheel is one of the most critical parts of a semi-truck to grease. The fifth wheel connects the tractor to the trailer, and it experiences a lot of wear and tear over time.
You should also pay close attention to:
- Kingpins
- Drag Links
- Tie Rods
- Pitman Arms
- Steering Gears
- Axles
All of these parts are essential for the operation of your truck, and they can all benefit from proper lubrication.
What Type of Grease Should You Use
Next, you need to choose the right type of grease for your truck. There are a few different types of grease on the market, including AP grease (All Purpose), MP grease (Multi-Purpose), and EP (Extreme Pressure) grease. The two most common types are lithium-based grease and petroleum-based grease. Lithium-based grease is typically used for light-duty applications, while petroleum-based lubricant is better suited for heavy-duty trucks.
Make sure that your thickener is compatible with your base oil. This will ensure that your grease will perform as expected and provide the necessary protection for your truck.
How Often Should You Grease Your Truck?
Depending on your driving conditions and habits, you may need to grease your truck more or less often.
In general, it’s a good idea to grease your truck at least once a month. However, if you’re driving in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to grease your truck more frequently. As a general rule of thumb, your semi-truck should be manually greased approximately every 12,000 to 20,000 miles. The fifth wheel might need more regular lubrication.
Before the process, degreasing is just as important as the greasing process itself. It would help to ensure that all of the old grease and grime were removed before inspecting and applying fresh grease.
MIDDLETON & MEADS IS YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE’S NEEDS.
Need to repair your truck or bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads provides quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD area. We have over 100 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.
