When Is It Time to Change Your Truck’s Oil?

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Oil changes on a semi should occur roughly once every 25,000 miles. This longer span is due to increased engine efficiency as well as the general quality of the oil itself. This rough estimate is certainly helpful to know if you’re in Beaver Dam, KY, though there are a few things that can impact the actual numbers. We’ll look at what you should know.

The Maintenance Schedule on Your Semi

Your truck maintenance schedule in Beaver Dam, KY, is the foundation of your truck’s performance. Instead of waiting until your truck is sounding the alarm with flashing lights on your dash, it’s important to check the oil stick or sensors to see if they’re showing low oil. Plus, you should inspect the appearance of the oil, especially if you’ve been pulling a lot of long-haul shifts. If the consistency has turned to sludge, you should change it as quickly as possible.

How to Go Longer Between Oil Changes

The best way to avoid frequent oil changes in Beaver Dam, KY is to be as efficient as possible on the road to avoid overuse of the engine. This means avoiding stop-and-go traffic when possible, minimizing your air conditioning use, cruising along at the posted speed limit, and lightening your load whenever possible.

Find Oil Change Experts in Beaver Dam, KY

No matter how old your semi is, it will benefit from consistent, expert oil changes. The last thing you want is to have to call a 24/7 roadside service because your oil is out. If you’re looking for a team that specializes in keeping your truck on the road, the staff at Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or an oil change.

stacked truck Tires

Signs of Dangerous Tire Wear

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As a truck driver, tires are critical to your personal safety and the safety of your cargo. Understanding this, you should learn the signs of dangerous tire wear to bring your rig to Ohio Truck & Trailer Repair as soon as possible when you find certain signs. Our tire repair and replace services in Beaver Dam, KY, will help you get safely rolling again! Here are the most common signs of dangerous tire wear to know:

White Pieces Sticking Out
If you notice small white pieces sticking out of your tires, you may be seeing part of the steel cords within the tire’s structure. These cords are part of the tire’s internal construction and provide strength and support. When you see these cords protruding through the rubber, it clearly indicates significant tire damage and a potentially dangerous situation.

Cracks and Bulges
Cracks in the sidewall or bulges indicate tire damage and potential failure. Inspect tires regularly for any signs of damage, including cuts, punctures, or abrasions. Any visible damage should be addressed immediately to prevent tire blowouts.

Excessive Vibration
Vibrations while driving can indicate tire imbalance, misalignment, or worn-out suspension components. You may feel this vibration in the chassis or through the steering wheel. If you notice vibration, have the tires and suspension system inspected, as it can accelerate tire wear and compromise your safety.

Insufficient Tread
Insufficient tread depth can significantly impact traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. Use a tread depth gauge to measure tread depth regularly. If it’s below the recommended depth (typically 4/32 of an inch for steering tires and 2/32 of an inch for drive and trailer tires), it’s time for tire replacement.

When you need tire replacement in Beaver Dam, KY, come to Ohio Truck & Trailer Repair. We take care of your tire needs so you can ride with confidence.

semi truck repair Hartford KY

How Often Should I Replace the Brake Pads on a Semi?

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Replacing brake pads on a vehicle is standard practice, though the number of times you need to replace them will depend on a variety of factors. If you’re driving around a semi, particularly if you’re hauling heavy freight, you’re putting an intense amount of pressure on those pads every single day. We’ll look at the recommendations and how you can become better attuned to the signs of wear and tear.

When to Change a Semi-Truck’s Brake Pads?
The general advice is to go no more than 50,000 miles before you change a semi’s brake pads in Beaver Dam, KY. However, some semis will need them changed in as few as 25,000 miles. If you’re known to brake frequently or drive on plenty of hazardous roads, it’s important not to take chances when it comes to your pads. It’s much more cost-effective to change the pads than it is to change the brakes.

How to Spot the Signs
For the most part, brake pads will give you some indication that they’re becoming worn down. Signs include grinding noises, vibrations when you press the pedal, and warning lights on the dashboard. If you’re seeing any type of reduction in braking power, it’s time to get your brake pads inspected.

Brake Pads for Semi Trucks in Beaver Dam, KY
At Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair, we recommend servicing your brakes at least once every 5,000 miles. This doesn’t mean changing your equipment; it means only ensuring that the brakes are in good enough shape to handle the road. Whether you’re tough on your truck or you treat it with kids’ gloves, the weight of the road will eventually take its toll. Talk to us to learn more about truck repairs in Beaver Dam so you can keep your vehicle going strong.

When Do You Need a Tri-Line Kit?

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A tri-line kit is a strong and durable way to unload any number of heavy-duty truck applications, whether it’s a lowboy or a trailer. They’re more efficient than two-line kits and tend to be more cost-effective over time. However, tri-line wet kits in Beaver Dam, KY, may not be right for every trucker, so we’ll look at their benefits and how they’re used.

When to Use a Tri-Line Wet Kit in Beaver Dam

A tri-line wet kit relies on pressurized oil to raise the bed of the trailer, so there’s less burden on the operator. Tri-line kits operate at a lower pressure than two-line kits, which makes it more likely to withstand repeated pressure. With three hoses in the kit (suction, pressure, and return), there’s more oversight over how the oil is treated, which makes it less likely for the system to overheat.

For truckers who are constantly unloading, a tri-line kit may be a good investment. (This is particularly true for truckers who need to minimize their expenses over the course of the year.) They also require less maintenance than two-line kits, and they have faster cycle times for truckers without a lot of time to spare.

Full-Service Truck Installation and Repair in Beaver Dam

Once you know what you need, you’ll need to find a pro that can help you get the most from your investment. If you’re looking for installation or repair services for your truck in Beaver Dam, KY, Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair has a staff that can help you find the most efficient solutions. If you need the lines repaired or a pump swapped out of a tri-line wet kit, we can help you keep your ancillary equipment as well-maintained as your truck.

How to Budget for Truck Repairs

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No matter how much money you make on the job, budgeting for truck repairs is a skill that you’ll have to work on. You already know that your truck is going to need maintenance from time to time. The questions are more about how often and what kinds of services will help you save money in the long run. We’ll look at a few tips for getting the most out of every dollar.

All Preventative Maintenance Is Important

Truck maintenance in Beaver Dam, KY should include the whole enchilada. This doesn’t just mean changing the oil or the air filter when it’s time. Checking brakes, replacing the hoses, and making sure all of your fluids are topped off is really the bare minimum. You need to know your maintenance model recommendations inside and out.

If you’re going to step outside the boundaries of those guidelines, you need to be prepared to deal with the consequences. As a general rule, you’ll need to schedule this kind of service twice a year at minimum and more like once a month if you’re putting on plenty of miles. You’ll also need to get those DOT inspections, so make sure that you have a pre-inspection long before your scheduled appointment. Finally, consider what an additional warranty would cost for your truck versus the projected cost of repairs. Remember that not every single major repair can be prevented.

Truck Repair in Beaver Dam, KY

If you’re looking for a team that can help you keep your costs down, Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair is staffed with truck repair experts in Beaver, Dam who know how much your truck means to you. After all, keeping your livelihood on the road is the way to keep ours going, too.

When Do You Need Tarp Repair?

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Tarps don’t just protect your materials from damage or exposure, they protect you from liability when you’re on the road. While these coverings are designed for durability, they won’t last forever. If you want to avoid a worst-case scenario, we’ll give you a few tips on when it’s time for tarp repair.

The Tarp Is Showing Signs of Age

Tarps show their age based on the amount of wear and tear you put it through, meaning you should check out the condition of the tarp regularly — particularly if it has to stand up to wicked weather. If you have a heavy-duty tarp made from a poly material (e.g., polyvinyl, polyethylene, etc.), then it should last anywhere from 2 – 5 years.

The Tarp Is Showing Signs of Wear

Because tarps are so big, it may take you a while before you notice a small amount of damage. Tree branches and road debris can start a nearly undetectable level of fraying that can eventually unravel entirely. Tarp repair in Beaver Dam, KY doesn’t just fix major damage, it prevents major damage from happening in the first place. Pay close attention to signs of thinning in certain places, because it may not take much force in those areas to create a rip. Depending on what you haul, this could lead to mayhem on the road. In this case, patching may help it last longer, so you don’t have to shoulder the expense of replacing the tarp entirely.

Contact Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair

If you’re looking for tarp or truck repair in Beaver Dam, KY, Ohio County Truck and Trailer Repair knows what’s at stake. The more reliable your equipment is, the more likely it is you’ll have success on every haul. Contact us today if you need anything from an oil change to new tires.

Top Three Signs You Need Your Brakes Changed

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As a truck or trailer owner, you must ensure your brakes function correctly to keep you and others safe on the road. However, brake pads wear out over time, and you need to change them to avoid potential accidents. This article will discuss the top three signs indicating it’s time to replace your brakes.

The professional team at KY Truck Repair of Hartford, KY, is proud to serve the local community with premium truck and trailer repairs, including being there for you when you need us the most.

Squeaking or Grinding Noises

One of the most common signs that you need new brakes is hearing unusual sounds while braking. Squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises indicate that your brake pads are worn out and must be replaced. The sounds are produced by the brake pad indicator, which alerts the driver that the pads are worn out and need replacement.

Reduced Responsiveness

Another sign that it’s time to replace your brakes is if you notice a decreased responsiveness when you apply them. If your brakes feel spongy or take longer to stop than usual, it could mean that the brake pads have worn down significantly. In this case, it is vital to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic to determine the extent of the damage and replace any worn-out components.

Vibrations or Shaking

If you experience vibrations or shaking while braking, it’s a sign that your brake rotors may be damaged. The rotors can become warped due to excessive heat or wear and tear, leading to vibrations when the brakes are applied.

Your Local Trusted Truck & Trailer Experts

Regular brake maintenance is crucial for truck and trailer owners to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. Failing to replace worn-out brake pads or rotors can lead to severe accidents, and it’s not worth risking your safety or the safety of others on the road. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s essential to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic immediately.

During your next visit to the skilled team at KY Truck Repair of Hartford, KY, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and guidance you and your unique situation deserve.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Need a Full Service-Garage

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Nothing can be as frustrating as your truck or trailer breaking down in the middle of the road, or even during a long and complicated job. Having to diagnose the issue, repair it, and move forward quickly are all confusing questions that need to be taken care of right away. The team at KY truck and trailer repair in Hartford, KY is proud to offer a full-service garage that can repair all issues regarding your vehicle, all in one location.

What is a Full-Service Garage?

When shopping around for services, you may have encountered many instances where the mechanic or shop owner will say that they do not perform a particular type of service, and offers you an endless list of other contacts. Full-service garages offer a holistic range of services that will restore your truck and quality of life, back to working condition.

Services Offered for Diesel Engines

Full-service garages can fix a wide range of problems, including some of the most common cases that we have seen:

Oil and Filter Changes

Regular oil changes are extremely important for the maintenance and longevity of your vehicle. It is crucial to stick to the recommended frequency of oil changes and filter changes provided by your mechanic or manufacturer, especially when it comes to diesel engines.

Heater and Air Conditioning Repair

Ensuring proper function of your temperature control can reduce the chance of incurring motor vehicle accidents as a result of fatigue, frustration, or discomfort.

Transmission Service and Repair

We provide transmission fluid replacement to prevent further failure, and our experienced team will always look to repair your transmission before recommending a replacement.

Your Local Truck & Trailer Experts

Don’t wait until a minor problem becomes a larger and more expensive one. All issues, big and small, can be resolved by contacting the quality team at KY repair in Hartford, KY. Our fully qualified and licensed team will give you full-service confidence that your unique situation will be properly tended to.