Your truck’s battery is critical for powering the electrical system and ensuring reliable starts. Neglecting battery maintenance can lead to costly downtime and unexpected failures. At Ohio Peterbilt, we know winter brings extra challenges for your battery. Here’s why proper care matters, and what to ask for when you bring your truck in for service.
Why Battery Maintenance Matters
Truck batteries typically last 3–5 years, but harsh conditions, heavy electrical loads, and lack of maintenance can shorten that lifespan. A weak battery doesn’t just risk a no-start; it can lead to breakdowns, lost revenue, and expensive roadside repairs.
The good news? With proactive care during your regular service visits, you can extend battery life, reduce operating costs, and keep your truck running strong.
Battery Inspection Checklist: What to Ask for During Service
When you bring your truck in for maintenance, make sure your battery gets the attention it deserves. Here’s what should be included in a proper battery inspection:
Clean and Secure Connections
• Terminals should be free of dirt, grease, and corrosion.
• All connections must be tight, and hold-downs properly secured to prevent vibration damage.
Verify Full Charge
• Confirm the battery pack is fully charged before leaving the shop.
• If your truck sits idle for long periods, ask about opportunity charging to maintain optimal charge levels.
Inspect Cable Connections
• Technicians should check cables at both the battery and alternator.
• Rust or corrosion can reduce charging efficiency; these should be cleaned and protected.
Test Battery Health
• Request a battery load test to determine if the battery is in a testable state or how long charging will take.
• If the battery is discharged, it should be fully recharged and tested using a load or conductance tester for accurate results.
Review Electrical Loads
• Discuss any extra power draws, like air conditioning in summer or heating in winter.
• Excessive loads can shorten battery life and strain the charging system.
Preventive Maintenance from Ohio Peterbilt
Even with proper care, truck batteries typically last up to 5 years. Regular inspections and proactive replacements can prevent breakdowns and keep your fleet moving.
Preventive maintenance means regular check-ups to catch issues early and avoid costly breakdowns. By inspecting key components like brakes, tires, lights, and filters, you improve safety, reliability, and performance.
Benefits:
• Extends vehicle lifespan
• Boosts fuel efficiency
• Ensures DOT compliance
• Cuts costs by fixing problems in-shop, not on the road
Preventive Maintenance Services at Ohio Peterbilt
Ohio Peterbilt offers a full range of preventive maintenance services to keep your truck running at its best. Our certified technicians use advanced diagnostics to catch issues early and ensure top performance.
Services include:
• Oil & Filter Changes – Keep your engine clean and efficient
• Fuel Filter Replacement – Protect injectors and maintain fuel flow
• Tire & Brake Checks – Ensure safety and reliability
• Chassis Lubrication – Reduce wear and extend component life
• Belt & Hose Inspections – Prevent cracks, leaks, and downtime
• Electrical & Lighting Evaluations – Maintain visibility and safety
• Battery Health Checks – Verify charge, inspect terminals, and test performance
We’ll work with you to build a custom preventive maintenance schedule that fits your operation and minimizes downtime.
Need Assistance?
Battery care and preventive maintenance go hand in hand to keep your truck reliable and your business moving. From cleaning connections and testing charge to scheduling regular inspections, these simple steps help prevent costly breakdowns and extend your truck’s battery life.
Ready to stay ahead of downtime? Ohio Peterbilt offers expert battery checks and full preventive maintenance services tailored to your needs.