Maintaining the oil in a semi-truck is essential for keeping it running efficiently and safely. As such, it’s important to know when and how often to change the oil in a semi-truck.
Oil change intervals will depend on the specific truck, its engine type, and the type of oil used. It’s important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule of your truck’s manufacturer as well as any additional recommendations from an experienced mechanic.
Engine Type
The type of engine your semi-truck has will be a major factor in determining how often you should change the oil. Diesel engines run hotter than gasoline engines, so they require more frequent oil changes.
Generally, diesel engines should have their oil changed every 10,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). For gasoline engines, you can typically get away with changing the oil every 5,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first).
Oil Type
The type of engine oil you use in your semi-truck will also influence how often you need to change it. Synthetic oils are known for their long life cycles and are capable of lasting up to 15,000 miles between changes.
Conversely, conventional oils require more frequent changes (usually every 3-5k miles). Ultimately, it is best to follow the recommendations set forth by your truck’s manufacturer.
Additional Factors
In addition to engine type and oil type, there are a few other factors that can affect how often you should be changing the oil in your semi-truck. If you drive in extreme temperatures or at high speeds frequently, then it is recommended that you shorten your oil change intervals accordingly. Additionally, if you regularly tow heavy loads or use leaded fuel then you may need to change your oil more frequently than normal.
Conclusion:
Overall, how often you should be changing the oil in a semi-truck depends on several factors including engine type, oil type and driving style/conditions. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule as well as any additional recommendations from an experienced mechanic. On average though diesel engines require an oil change every 10k miles or 6 months while gasoline engines only need an oil change every 5k miles or 3 months.
