How Often Should You Replace Your Semi Truck Battery?

Having trouble with the battery-powered systems in your semi truck and wondering if it’s time for a replacement? While it’s not always easy to tell what the root problem is without a closer look, there are a number of simple procedures you can follow to make sure your Ft. Lauderdale travels won’t leave you in need of a jump start. Learn more about your semi truck battery replacement options and battery lifespan below with the Rechtien International Trucks parts department specialists.

The Basics of Semi Truck Battery Life

First, we’ll take a look at some of the contributing factors to the semi truck battery you use around Riveria Beach:

• Cold Weather: Batteries that start the engine often experience a higher load in winter, especially if the running time is short. If your truck doesn’t reach operating temperature, the glow plugs take more current and less recharging time may leave a battery operating in an undercharged state, reducing its lifespan.
• Prolonged Hot Weather: If left unattended, a semi truck battery life can be greatly reduced by the summer heat evaporating water from the battery.
• Corroded connections: This may reduce the voltage to the starter and electrical system, or prevent the alternator from adeptly recharging a battery. To reach the full potential of your semi truck battery life keep the battery terminals free of corrosion as well.
• The Function of the Alternator: If an alternator is overcharging your battery, this can dramatically shorten a battery’s life by boiling the water out of it, a much faster version of the summer heat damage possible around Ft. Pierce.

Naturally, serious vibrations and unchecked loosening of clamps, needing a jump often, and the passage of time will also take their toll on a semi truck battery life. Scheduling regular service will diagnose any potential problems long before they arise.

Selecting the Proper Semi Truck Battery Replacement

There is no hard and fast rule for the average 24-volt battery, and unfortunately, there is no expected semi truck battery replacement timeline to closely follow. Because of the many factors above, the range is quite wide, typically three to five years. If you suspect an issue with your battery, follow the steps below:

1. Start your engine and turn on the headlights.
2. Rev the engine. Does your headlight brightness change?
3. If this is the case, that means the usual current is not strong enough to produce the correct brightness while the car is idling.
4. Check your terminals and connections in case this is the culprit. If not, it may be time to replace your battery.

If you have determined you need a semi truck battery replacement, you can simply order the correct parts and make the shift yourself, or have our service technicians take a look. When you do, the two main ratings to consider are cold cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC). RC batteries hold more power for long-lasting operations, and CCA-focused batteries are best for trucks that require a lot of power to start up. If you’re unsure of the correct battery for your truck, check your owner’s manual or consult a technician who can help

Rechtien International Trucks, Your Semi Truck Specialists

Of course, the best way to extend your semi truck battery life is to keep it maintained. Get more tips on how to care for your battery, as well as learn about your catalytic converter, from the experts. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. At Rechtien International Trucks, we understand that the performance of your business depends on the performance of your truck, and we have the expertise to make sure your business is booming.