How Long Do Truck Batteries Last: When You Should Replace Them
There are many factors to bear in mind regarding how long do truck batteries last. But, the honest answer is that some batteries could last a few months, while others can last up to 15 years or more. That’s why you must stay on the lookout for potential red flags a battery might present.
Signs that you need to replace your battery:
- Batteries run for long periods of time
- Deep discharge cycles
- The engine does not start on the first or second try on turning the key
- Corroded battery terminals and connectors
As truck batteries age, their ability tends to change. Internal resistance increases while capacity decreases. As a result, an old battery may not charge up at the same rate as a new one, causing a shorter lifespan of both batteries. In addition, as one battery may overcharge, the other can undercharge, regardless of whether they wire together in series or parallel.
Suppose you have a truck that runs two or three batteries, and one needs replacement. In that case, every other battery in the application needs substitution, moving it to any other vehicle with only one battery.
How Long Do Truck Batteries Last: How Often Should You Get Maintenance on Your Truck?
Semi-trucks batteries tend to last around four years. Therefore, following a truck maintenance schedule is essential. It will expand the lifespan of your truck, guide you on how long do truck batteries last, and significantly reduce any damage in between the maintenance visit.
Choose The Best Battery for Your Truck
When it comes to semi-truck maintenance and choosing a good performance for your truck, the battery is a crucial part of it. The last thing you want to worry about is having a jump start or using a battery charger in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, battery problems can cause additional costs and extreme damage to the internal parts of your diesel truck.
There are only a few of the leading manufacturers that are producing the batteries for different truck brands. Therefore, you need to make sure your new battery is up to the task and look for the many options’ size, functionality, and price.
It is essential to recognize that the longevity of a battery depends on the nature of road trips, frequency, and the climate conditions for usage.
When choosing the correct battery for your truck, it is essential to recognize the different types offered in the market, from full maintenance batteries to AGM or CCA’s. Taking the right choice will help you have better battery life and consequently better performance.
Battery Type
Know which battery type meets your requirements:
- Full maintenance battery: It needs the capped vented holes on the top for the battery to be filled with distilled water to run efficiently.
- Maintenance-free battery: It has a dual venting system and does not require water or frequent maintenance.
- Absorbed Glass Mat Battery (AGM): Quick charge up, maintenance-free, and longer than conventional batteries
Cold-cranking Amps
CCA’s are the amount of current supplied by the battery at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, so the higher it is, the better your truck’s drivability.
Top 10 Preventive Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Truck Running
Prevention is vital when it comes to truck maintenance.
Here are the top ten preventative tips to ensure your truck runs more reliably and less susceptible to breakdown.
- Check fluid levels: Verify your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, and other fluids to avoid any further major leak problems.
- Change fluids: Always follow the suggestion for changing fluids dates.
- Tire pressure: Often check when it comes to tire pressure. Tires are the connection with the road, and you have to make sure to provide optimum traction.
- Tires: Check on your tire condition and tread depth as part of a preventive maintenance plan.
- Brakes: Air pressure sometimes comes from the brake system. Check your brakes and replace them when they reach their minimum condition.
- Air filters: Inspect and change air filters at regular intervals. Check if you drive on dirty or dusty roads.
- Battery load test: Add an alternator and electrical system to your battery for a yearly preventive maintenance check. If you operate in cold weather, test your battery before winter to avoid any charging problems.
- Gearbox and clutch: Ensure that your clutch is not slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.
- Exterior lighting: Avoid burnt-out bulbs and replace them before hitting the road.
- Fifth wheel platform: Inspect your platform, adjust or grease it as necessary. Clean any accumulated dirt and inspect any excessive wear and complements that need replacement.
Signs of Dying Truck Battery
A breakdown on the road complicates your truck’s performance, and if you are not checking the battery, you may end up calling roadside assistance on the road.
To avoid this problem, read these warning signs that you should replace your bad battery soon.
Slow Engine Crank
To start your truck’s engine, the battery needs a significant amount of power to start the engine. So when it cranks and turns over, it means that there is not enough energy to get the vehicle moving.
Frequent Jumpstarts
Clicking as you turn on the battery is likely to give you a dead battery. Giving a jump start to your engine could be a short-term solution. Unfortunately, it’s not safer in the long run.
Trouble with Electrical Components
Radio and headlights are some of the few accessories that give you signs that your truck’s battery may be running out. Lights are slower, and the radio could start to restart channels.
Misshapen Battery Case
An old battery can lead to a sudden failure. Check on the appearance of your battery, and if it looks swollen or bloated, it means that chemical reactions from extreme temperatures have caused deformity and reduce the battery lifespan.
Is It Recommendable to Jump-Start a Semi-truck?
Knowing how you can jump-start a semi-truck is helpful to understand on those longer trips where you are likely to run into a secondary vehicle that can help you fully charge the battery. Read on below to learn what you should have in your cabin.
You will need:
- Jumper cables that are 15 to 20 feet long with a 2-gauge thickness
- An assisting vehicle with a battery of equal voltage
- Safety Glasses
- A battery charger with the correct voltage and heavy-duty cables
Jumpstarting a truck isn’t a reliable option because it depends on other trucks, so your best solution is to call roadside assistance
How Many Miles Do Semi Trucks Last?
A diesel engine can go a lot more miles than 500,000 miles. With that high number of miles, it is regular and adequate to give the proper maintenance. Five hundred thousand miles mark the breaking-in point and when the semi-truck starts to nickel.
Difference Between Diesel and Gas Engine
One of the biggest reasons for semi-trucks to last is the diesel engine. For a professional driver, the diesel engine has these advantages:
- Light and efficient design.
- Slower rate with lower RPM.
- Diesel design prevents engine failure through gear-based mechanics.
Benefits of Batteries for Diesel Trucks
The most apparent benefit of diesel truck batteries is powering trucks. Including that, here are some others of the many benefits:
- Diesel engines offer low carbon output and are most cost-effective when it comes to filing the gas.
- Trucks have a complex electrical system and offer power to crank the starter and kick the truck into gear.
- At least four years of use, even in harsh conditions.
If you have any questions about how long do truck batteries last, maintenance or repairing, give us a call at LV Road Tec Assistance.