Semi Truck Maintenance Schedules: Monthly, Yearly & Mileage-Based Milestones

Keeping a commercial fleet on the road isn’t just about great drivers and well-routed deliveries; it’s about making sure every truck is maintained on a tight, consistent schedule. For tank trucks in particular, semi truck maintenance is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance with DOT and FMCSA standards. Whether you manage a small fleet or oversee dozens of units, a proactive maintenance strategy pays off in uptime, cost control, and customer confidence.

Let’s break down how to build a maintenance schedule that works, including time-based routines, mileage intervals, and what specific systems require attention throughout the year.

Why a Semi Truck Maintenance Schedule Matters

Tank trucks experience some of the harshest operating conditions on the road. They haul heavy loads, operate in various climates, and carry volatile or sensitive materials that must be transported without fail. That’s why semi truck maintenance is an operational necessity.

When you build your schedule proactively, you’re not just keeping the truck running. You’re protecting your investment, your compliance standing, and the people who rely on your service. Here’s what consistent maintenance helps you avoid:

  • Unexpected breakdowns and costly roadside service
  • DOT violations and penalties from missed inspections
  • Customer delays from failed equipment
  • Loss of revenue from parked vehicles
  • Dangerous safety failures that could lead to accidents

Monthly Maintenance: The Backbone of Fleet Readiness

Monthly checks act as your first line of defense. These basic inspections and service items help catch small issues before they turn into big ones.

Key Monthly Tasks

  • Visual inspection of tires and tread wear
  • Check and top off all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, DEF)
  • Inspect lights, reflectors, and safety systems
  • Grease and lubricate key chassis components
  • Battery terminals and connections
  • Inspect suspension components for wear or looseness
  • Air system and brake lines: Look for leaks or cracks

This is also the ideal time to review mileage since your last oil change or PM service. Catching things early keeps your yearly inspection list shorter and smoother.

Quarterly and Seasonal Semi Truck Maintenance Checklist: Adapting With the Weather

Every three months, or at the start of each season, you should perform deeper inspections, especially if your fleet operates in areas with changing weather. Seasonal maintenance aligns with operating conditions that change how your truck performs on the road. Prepare with the following considerations.

Spring

  • Look for corrosion from winter road salts
  • Ensure bird nests or debris are cleared from the tank trailer rollover protection and drains
  • Test blowers and compressors, especially after wet or idle periods

Summer

  • Check cooling systems and radiator pressure caps
  • Inspect belts and hoses for heat fatigue
  • Monitor tire pressure (heat affects PSI dramatically)

Fall & Winter

  • Service air dryers to prevent freezing in air valves
  • Use winter-rated fuel additives and check fuel filters
  • Inspect heating elements and auxiliary power systems
  • Moisture management is critical, especially for pneumatic equipment

Annual Maintenance: The Deep Dive Every Truck Needs

A full yearly service goes beyond oil changes and brake checks. This is the time to do in-depth inspections, catch hidden wear and tear, and make sure your truck is fully compliant with annual DOT regulations.

Key Yearly Items

  • DOT inspection and documentation
  • External visual inspection of tank trailers and cargo systems
  • Leakage test for liquid tanks
  • Inspect the fifth wheel and kingpin assembly
  • Replace air filters and cabin filters
  • Check the differential oil and transmission fluid
  • Fuel system pressure test
  • Detailed suspension and alignment evaluation

If your fleet includes cargo tank trailers, these must follow additional intervals. For example, internal visual inspections and pressure tests are required every five years to maintain DOT compliance.

At White Tank & Truck Repair, we help fleet managers build proactive maintenance strategies tailored to their operations. Check out more about our services.

Our Maintenance Plans

Semi Truck Service Intervals: Milestones By Mileage

Mileage-based service is an essential layer of your maintenance program, especially for components affected by operational time more than calendar dates. These are general industry benchmarks:

Every 5,000–7,000 Miles

  • Oil and filter change (may vary by engine manufacturer)
  • Lube and inspect driveline components
  • Check brakes, especially for linings and slack adjusters

Every 15,000 Miles

  • Inspect wheel ends and hub seals
  • Replace fuel filters
  • Inspect blower or pump mounts for movement or cracking
  • Check PTO operation and fluid levels

Every 50,000 Miles

  • Transmission and differential fluid service
  • Replace coolant filters and inspect hoses
  • Suspension torque check
  • Detailed frame and cross-member inspection

Tracking this accurately will help prevent major component failure. Plus, it allows you to predict wear patterns across your fleet.

Common Problems Caught by Routine Maintenance

Even experienced fleet teams can underestimate what routine service reveals. Preventive maintenance often catches issues early enough to save thousands of dollars and protect against lost loads. Some of the most common issues we see during regular semi truck maintenance include:

  • Cracked or dry-rotted air brake lines
  • Worn U-joints and driveline components
  • Leaks in cargo tank valves or seals
  • Misaligned axles causing uneven tire wear
  • Blower system inefficiencies due to contaminated filters
  • Moisture buildup in air tanks or compressors

Spotting these before a truck is out on the road saves time, prevents downtime, and reduces repair costs.

Don’t Overlook Tank-Specific Maintenance Needs

Tank truck fleets, especially those running pneumatic or liquid systems, require another layer of care. Whether your units are hauling food-grade product, chemicals, or dry bulk powder, your maintenance plan must consider these factors.

Cargo Tank Trailer Time Intervals

Every 6 Months or Sooner:

  • Grease all suspension, brake, and landing leg gear components
  • Inspect and torque clamps, fittings, and overfill sensors
  • Every 12 Months:
    • DOT inspection with leakage test
    • Annual external visual check
    • Verify rollover protection and ladder integrity
  • Every 5 Years:
    • Internal visual inspection of the tank shell
    • Pressure test per DOT cargo tank requirements

This is where working with experienced technicians who understand tank-specific maintenance requirements makes all the difference.

Let White Tank Help You Customize Your Maintenance Plan

A strong semi truck maintenance routine is a cornerstone of fleet success. With time-based inspections, mileage-based service milestones, and seasonal checks, fleet owners gain full control over operational uptime and safety. Avoiding DOT violations and costly surprises comes down to consistency, and a team that knows what to look for.

At White Tank & Truck Repair, we do more than just follow a checklist. We apply decades of experience and tank-specific knowledge to protect your investment. Get in touch with us to build a custom program that gives your fleet the confidence to run at full power, all year long.

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