Learning About Automotive Braking Systems

What Can The Oil Change Schedule Say About A Used Semi?

19 September 2017

Gwendolyn Fletcher

If you have been looking for a used semi truck, then you may understand that it is extremely important to look at the maintenance record of the vehicle. Maintenance records say a great deal about heavy duty vehicles, and the oil change record can provide you with some of the vital information you need to choose the right truck for you. When it comes to the oil change schedule, there are a few things that you can infer from the records.

Driving Conditions

When it comes to the oil, there are a number of things that can cause an engine to lose the lubrication it needs to remain in good condition. If you notice that oil is changed frequently, then this may mean that the previous owner was diligent about regular changes. However, if they are completed more than average and when the truck was driven fewer than 30,000 miles, then this can indicate a semi that was used in extreme or severe duty conditions. 

If you consider the fact that a semi oil change can cost several hundred dollars due to the ten or more gallons of oil required, then it is more likely that the semi was driven under extreme conditions. You also must take into consideration the fact that the truck may have been used as part of a fleet. If the fleet manager scheduled the changes, then the shorter intervals may have been due to this maintenance regimen. It is wise to do your research to see if this is the case.

If you suspect that the semi was placed under severe conditions, then you should know that extreme temperatures are often the cause of oil deterioration and the need for more timely oil changes. Specifically, cold causes thickening and heat causes oxidation. Both of these things can affect the lubrication of the engine and create a situation where the bearings, cylinders, and various seals start to break down. 

Other types of extreme conditions include dirty roads and high humidity and cause contaminants to infiltrate the oil. This can create a thickening situation where the oil needs to be changed more regularly and some of the dirt can cling to the engine components. 

As with the possibility of the fleet scheduling, driving conditions should be looked into. The travel log of the vehicle can help you with this. 

Oil Quality

Since semi oil changes are expensive, individuals will sometimes choose the oil that is the cheapest. If this happens, then you are likely to see few notes within the maintenance records that indicate the type of oil. You may simply see intervals and possibly the oil grade and volume. However, if you notice the name of the oil or a specific type, then there is a good chance that the previous owner invested in premium oil. 

Premium oils are usually synthetic and while they are typically used to improve fuel efficiency, they can also protect the engine better than common oils. The oils do this by removing more debris and contaminants and by resisting oxidation and breakdown. Not only does this increase the interval between oil changes, but it can also allow you to put more miles on the semi.

If the semi you are considering is inching towards the 1 million mile mark, then questions about a possible rebuild may be bouncing around in your head. Some semi engines can reach this mark and beyond while others need to be rebuilt closed to the 500,000 or 750,000 mile mark. Maintenance, driving conditions, driving habits, and general wear and tear on the vehicle can all lead to a rebuild.

Of course, poor maintenance and not taking oil changes and types of oils into account can be a factor in breakdowns on the side of the road. These are things that need to be considered, not only due to cost, but lost time as well. For more information, visit websites like http://www.arrowtruck.com/.

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