What are the most important parts of a truck to maintain?
Jun 25, 2025
As a large-scale transportation tool, trucks undertake long-term and high-intensity transportation tasks. Many of their parts require regular maintenance. The following are some of the parts that require the most intensive maintenance:
1. Engine
Importance: The engine is the heart of the truck and provides power to the vehicle. If there is a problem with the engine, the truck will not be able to run normally.
Maintenance content
-Engine oil: Regularly replace the engine oil and oil filter. Engine oil can lubricate the internal parts of the engine and reduce wear. Generally, the engine oil needs to be replaced every 5,000-10,000 kilometers. The specific mileage depends on the type of engine oil (mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, fully synthetic oil) and the engine model.
-Air filter: If the air filter is clogged, it will cause poor engine air intake, incomplete combustion, increased fuel consumption, and may damage the engine. It is recommended to check it every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers and replace it if necessary.
-Fuel filter: It can filter impurities and moisture in the fuel to prevent impurities from entering precision parts such as the engine injector. Generally, it needs to be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
Cooling system: Regularly check the level and quality of the coolant to prevent the engine from overheating. The coolant generally needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years or 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
-Belt and tensioner: Check the wear, tightness and aging of the belt to prevent the belt from breaking and causing engine failure. Generally, it needs to be checked or replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
2. Braking system
Importance: The braking system is directly related to driving safety and is a key component to ensure that the vehicle can safely decelerate and stop.
Maintenance content
-Brake pads and brake discs: Check the thickness of the brake pads regularly. When the brake pads are worn to a certain extent (generally less than 3-4 mm thick), they must be replaced in time. At the same time, check whether the brake disc has cracks, excessive wear, etc., and replace it if necessary.
-Brake fluid: Brake fluid will absorb moisture in the air, causing the boiling point to decrease and affecting braking performance. It is recommended to replace the brake fluid every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 kilometers.
-Brake lines: Check the brake lines for oil leakage, deformation, aging, etc. to ensure the sealing and reliability of the brake system.
3. Gearbox
Importance: The gearbox is responsible for transmitting the engine's power to the wheels and adjusting the speed and torque according to the driving conditions, which has an important impact on the vehicle's power output and fuel economy.
Maintenance content
-Gearbox oil: Gearbox oil can lubricate the gears, reduce wear, and also play a role in heat dissipation and cleaning. Manual gearbox oil is generally replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, while the replacement cycle of automatic gearbox oil is slightly longer, generally every 80,000 to 120,000 kilometers.
-Check the sealing: Regularly check the gearbox for oil leakage to prevent the loss of lubricating oil and affect the normal operation of the gearbox.
4. Tires
Importance: Tires are the only part of a truck that contacts the ground, and are directly related to the vehicle's driving stability and safety.
Maintenance content
-Tire pressure: Check tire pressure regularly and keep it within the specified range. Too high or too low tire pressure will affect the service life of the tire and the vehicle's driving performance. It is generally recommended to check tire pressure once a week.
-Tire wear: Check the tread depth of the tire. When the tread depth is less than 1.6 mm, the tire ust be replaced. At the same time, check whether the tire has bulges, cracks, foreign objects piercing, etc., and deal with them in time.
-Tire rotation: In order to make the tire wear even, it is recommended to rotate the tire every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers.
5. Suspension system
Importance: The suspension system can buffer the bumps during the driving process of the vehicle, maintain the stability of the vehicle, and bear the weight of the vehicle and the load of the cargo.
Maintenance content
-Shock absorber: Check whether the shock absorber has oil leakage, deformation, failure, etc. If the shock absorber fails, the vehicle will experience problems such as body shaking and increased bumps when driving. Generally, the shock absorber is checked every 40,000-60,000 kilometers.
-Suspension spring: Check whether the spring has deformation, breakage, etc. to ensure the normal operation of the suspension system.
-Ball head and tie rod: Check the wear of the ball head and tie rod. If these parts are severely worn, the vehicle's driving direction will be unstable, affecting driving safety.
6. Electrical system
Importance: The electrical system provides power for various electrical equipment of the vehicle, including lights, instruments, air conditioners, starter motors, etc., and is an important guarantee for the normal operation of the vehicle.
Maintenance content
-Battery: Check the battery voltage, electrolyte level and cleanliness of the poles. The service life of the battery is generally 3-5 years. If the battery is found to be low or difficult to start, it should be replaced in time.
-Generator: Check the belt tension and power generation of the generator to ensure that the generator can charge the battery normally.
-Lighting system: Regularly check whether the vehicle's headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. are working properly, and replace damaged bulbs in time to ensure driving safety.
7. Vehicle chassis
Importance: The chassis is the supporting structure of the vehicle, carrying the weight of the vehicle and various components. Its condition directly affects the driving performance and safety of the vehicle.
Maintenance content
-Chassis anti-corrosion: Since trucks often travel on various road conditions, the chassis is susceptible to corrosion. Regularly check whether the chassis is rusted, damaged, etc., and perform anti-corrosion treatment when necessary.
-Chassis bolts: Check whether the connecting bolts of various chassis components are loose or missing to ensure the firmness of the chassis.
Regular maintenance of these key components can not only extend the service life of the truck, but also improve the operating efficiency and safety of the vehicle and reduce the probability of failure.





