Even if you consider yourself to be a competent DIY mechanic, it always makes a lot of sense to ask some serious questions about whether you should attempt to repair your semi-truck yourself when it breaks down.
With a good availability of commercial truck parts at your disposal, labor costs on the rise, and repair shops booked out for weeks, DIY repairs might seem like a no-brainer solution.
However, you need to keep in mind that you are talking about a serious piece of machinery that you rely on to haul freight across the country. That means it’s not always so simple, or safe to attempt repairs yourself.
As you might expect, some repairs could be within your scope of knowledge and competency, and some repairs require the services of a professional mechanic.
Let’s break down when it makes sense to take repairs into your own hands and when you’re better off calling in the pros.
Regular tasks suitable for DIY
There are several repairs and maintenance tasks that you can likely confidently handle on your own. You will need to order replacement parts in preparation. For the task itself, all you need is a basic tool kit and some mechanical know-how.
The sort of jobs that you can tackle on your own include oil changes, and basic fluid top-offs, replacing air and fuel filters, plus belt changes. Brake inspections and minor adjustments, and replacing lights or fuses are also fairly straightforward jobs.
Generally speaking, these kinds of jobs don’t usually require a heavy-duty lift or any specialized diagnostic software. All you need is the right space to do the work, and you will be able to save on some garage costs.
Know your limits
There is a point when you might find an issue takes you out of your comfort zone and you don’t feel 100% confident about what you are doing. Trying to DIY repairs under those conditions can quickly become dangerous, and even end up costing you more if something goes wrong.
It’s always a good idea to know your limits and have the sense to know that some repairs are best left to trained mechanics.
Typical repairs that are unlikely to be suitable DIY projects include things like engine overhauls or diagnostics, transmission repairs or replacements, electrical system troubleshooting, and suspension or axle problems.
Other tasks that are best left to a professional include dealing with air brake system repairs and exhaust system issues.
Remember, modern semi-trucks rely heavily on computer systems, sensors, and high-precision parts. If you don’t have access to the required OEM software or detailed repair manuals, trying to diagnose and fix these systems yourself can lead to costly mistakes. There is even a possibility that you might breach regulatory issues if emissions controls are adversely affected.
When in doubt, call the pros
Although DIY truck repairs make sense in certain scenarios, especially for routine maintenance or simple fixes, when you’re dealing with critical systems or high-dollar components, seeking expert assistance is often worth the cost.
Bear in mind that a certified mechanic has the tools, training, and diagnostic systems needed to ensure the job’s done right the first time.
The best advice on whether to DIY your truck repairs is to know your limits and avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
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