by: Mike Selvon
The sheer size and weight of a semi trailer tractor will make it extremely difficult to control once a chain of events leading to an accident gets started. You need to be sure that none of the truck trailer parts are faulty or worn by being sure to have preventative maintenance performed frequently. As well, you should always double check everything before heading out on the road.
Buying a commercial truck trailer is a big investment, as the total cost can easily exceed the cost of a new home, yet it can be used to generate a nice income as well. Often, the biggest expense for these rigs is the truck trailer repair, considering the cost of parts and labor these days. In addition to those costs you need to keep in mind that as an owner you are not generating any income when your vehicle is down for repairs, which is why it is so important to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
When you purchase a new tractor semi trailer you will normally receive a warranty that covers the vehicle for a period of time, usually about one year or until you reach a certain number of miles. Sometimes you will also be given the opportunity to buy an extended warranty and for some this may be a good investment, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for several years.
Of course, many semi drivers can drive thousands and at times hundreds of thousands of miles without having any major problems by simply taking care of the truck trailer parts with routine preventative maintenance.
It is also a good idea to have some money set aside for the parts truck trailer repairs and maintenance, such as for the brakes, wheels, transmission and even the truck trailer hitch. As a matter of fact, many companies will set a driver up with what is called a maintenance fund.
A certain amount is put into the fund every pay period and then if you need repairs done, then the money is taken out of the fund. Repairs to a semi trailer tractor can quickly reach thousands of dollars so having some money set aside for it can be a big help.
If the dealership where you purchased your truck does not offer an extended warranty to cover your future repair truck trailer needs, then you can always check around with some of the independent insurance companies to see what they have to offer. However, keep in mind that not all policies are the same and not all cover the major truck trailer parts so be sure to ask them if their coverage includes these parts before purchasing the warranty.