If you’re tackling the transport of a heavy load across far distances, no one wants to think about making a sudden repair. Unfortunately, sometimes the unexpected occurs and you find yourself on the side of the road with an expensive semi truck needing repair. To mitigate the risk of a costly repair happening on your trip, it’s important to be aware of what issues can arise that typically cost more. In this article, you’ll discover the 5 most expensive semi truck repairs, from engine overhauls to brake system replacements. You’ll also learn how to avoid costly breakdowns and keep your truck road-ready.
1. Engine Repair or Replacement
As with any motor vehicle, engine repair and replacement is one of the most expensive items to deal with. Since the vehicle cannot run without its engine, fixing a malfunctioning one is essential and cannot be ignored. If you have to rebuild an engine for a semi truck, this can cost thousands of dollars, and if needed, replacing the engine will increase the cost. With labor costs, complete engine replacements in a semi-truck can exceed $10,000. Doing regular maintenance on your engine and keeping up with oil changes and oil quality can keep the engine in good condition. This will hopefully lead to a better functioning engine that does not need replacement for the lifespan of the vehicle.
2. Transmission Repair or Replacement
The transmission system in a semi-truck is very delicate, making it an expensive part to replace or repair. Without a good transmission, the semi-truck will not be able to drive properly, especially on the long distances that semi-trucks usually require. As with the engine, transmission repair typically costs thousands of dollars, and most of the time the entire transmission has to be removed to fix the problem. A full replacement increases that cost even more. You can protect your transmission by doing regular maintenance, as well as driving at constant speeds and avoiding sudden braking. Keeping an eye on transmission fluids and temperatures will protect the transmission. You can also save yourself from a costly bill by addressing transmission problems before they get extreme.
3. Turbocharger Replacement
Another essential part to a semi-truck’s performance is the turbocharger, a mechanism that increases the truck’s engine usage and helps with fuel efficiency. Since the turbocharger can get overused, it is often replaced and is quite expensive. Though the turbocharger itself is expensive, a malfunctioning one used over time can cause engine issues, leading to an even higher bill. Consistent maintenance of the turbocharger and proper driving techniques can assist in extending the lifespan of the mechanism.
4. Differential Repairs
The differential system is extremely intricate, making it a costly fix on a semi-truck. Differentials send power out to the truck’s wheels, so they are essential for proper driving. Without functioning differentials, the driver will experience poor handling and notice wear and tear on the tires faster than normal. Since it is such an intricate system, the parts for a differential repair are costly and the labor is more extensive. Keeping a close eye on the fluid you are using is the key to increasing the lifespan of a differential. As with the other expensive fixes, using proper driving techniques will keep your differential system in working order. Stop expensive fixes before they happen: if you notice a problem, handle it promptly before it becomes a bigger issue.
5. Brake System Overhaul
Brakes are important on any vehicle, but especially for a vehicle the size of a semi-truck. Without a proper breakage system, a semi-truck and its cargo will not be protected on the road. When you require a brake system overhaul, that typically means replacing all of the brake parts, including brake pads, rotors, and calipers. Because of the size of the vehicle, fixing all of these things can add up quickly. Thankfully, doing regular maintenance and inspections on your brakes will allow you to spot issues early so that you can replace only the parts that are needed instead of requiring a complete overhaul of every issue.
Get Quality Repair From a Company You Can Trust from Sports Towing
The more you know, the better off you are. Being aware of these expensive repairs and how to avoid them is key in protecting yourself, the semi-truck, and other drivers, while also saving yourself some money. Handling repairs ahead of time will make sure you don’t end up with a bill you can’t pay. Don’t let costly repairs catch you off guard. When your semi truck breaks down, rely on Sports Towing for fast, reliable towing, roadside assistance, and repair to get you back on the road quickly! For more information on Sports Towings’ semi truck repair services, click here.