Are you wondering how much it really costs for big rig upkeep? These massive vehicles can be a good source of income, but continual maintenance can eat away at revenue. You’ll need to commit to a regular maintenance schedule and watch your budget.
And the responsibilities don’t end there. Read on to learn more about the regular semi truck cost in upkeep!
A Big Rig Requires Sturdy and Reliable Tires
Tire maintenance is a core component of big rig upkeep. The last thing you want is a tire blowout on a cross-country trek. You could lose control of the vehicle and jeopardize the safety of those around you.
Consider retreading your tires since this approach to tire maintenance can save money. You can avoid shelling out around $500 per tire for a new set. But if you’re looking at more than tire issues, it may be time for a new big rig.
When you need help financing a new truck, turn to big rig lending sources. With some careful shopping, you’ll get a fair interest rate and a reasonable timeframe to pay back the loan amount. Just be sure to check the paperwork before you sign anything!
Semi Truck Cost Includes Continual Maintenance
Hitting the road means lots of long hours and time driving through anything from winter snowstorms to thunderstorms. All of this takes a toll on your big rig. Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring that you get the most mileage out of your truck.
Maintenance includes checking oil, tires, brakes, and fluids. While most repairs will be a few hundred dollars, be aware that you could spend over $10,000 for a significant truck repair.
With preventative maintenance, you’ll want to create a schedule for repairs. Aim to do continual maintenance checks every 10,000 miles or so. Your best bet is to check the owner’s manual to see what the recommended repairs are — and when they should happen.
Plan on Insurance and Toll Costs
When you live the trucking life, you need to plan for logistical matters and associated costs in your budget. Expect to pay several thousand dollars in insurance per year. You should have an idea of the ballpark figure by checking on trucking insurance rates in California . On top of that, you may have recurring loan payments if you haven’t paid off your truck.
If you’re driving on highways with tolls, you may end up spending a lot for tolls. Likewise, you’ll need to shell out money for taxes. You could try to choose different routes to save money, but you’ll lose time.
You can turn to personal loans to help finance unexpected costs. Alternatively, you could try refinancing a loan to shore up a little more money for insurance and other costs.
Understand the Costs of Trucking
The semi truck cost may sound daunting, but with proper budgeting and continual maintenance, you’ll get a lot of mileage from your truck. Account for insurance and title costs. And make sure you check your tires regularly!
For more tips to keep your life on track, check back for new and informative articles.
