Understanding Oil Usage and Maintenance in Semi-Trucks: A Comprehensive Guide
Semi-trucks are vital components of the transportation industry, and proper maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity and efficiency. One of the most critical maintenance tasks is changing the engine oil, which is essential for the smooth operation of a semi-truck. This article discusses the typical oil usage and the recommended maintenance intervals for semi-trucks.Standard Oil Usage for Semi-Trucks
Most semi-trucks are equipped with a standard 10-gallon capacity for their engine oil, specifically a 15W-40 grade. The exact amount and frequency of oil changes can vary depending on the specific make and model of the truck, as well as the type of work the truck is used for. Generally, the oil change interval can range from 10,000 to 15,000 miles, as indicated in the following segment:Most hold 10 gallons of 15W40 oil. I usually went 10000 to 15000 miles between services depending on the work I was doing.
Engine Oil Varieties and Capacities
Not all trucks are created equal when it comes to engine oil capacity and the recommended change interval. The chart below outlines the specific models and their required oil capacities: Cummins ISX engine: 14 gallons, often used in various brands. Paccar MX-13 engine: 10.5 gallons, commonly found in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. Detroit DD-13 engine: 10 gallons, used in Freightliner and Western Star trucks. Volvo D13 engine: 9.5 gallons, typically integrated into Volvo trucks. The oil change interval for these engines is critical, as it can significantly impact the life of the engine and overall truck performance. Based on the models, the oil change interval can range from 30,000 to 40,000 miles, as suggested below:Cummins engine in my international used 11gal the oil and filter was changed every 35000 miles along with all other filters greased and ready for another 35000.
The modern engines take less 38 quarts/36L and get changed at 40000 miles what's that 62 thousand km. Fuel filters get changed at 20K miles. For us that's 5 weeks on the fuel filter and 10 weeks on the oil.