Maintain Optimal Peterbilt 520 Performance With Preventive Services

Your Peterbilt 520 is a workhorse, built for the toughest jobs, from waste collection to construction hauling. But even the most durable trucks require regular preventive maintenance to perform at their best. When you ignore maintenance it can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and downtime that hurts your bottom line. By staying ahead of potential issues with routine servicing, you can extend the lifespan of your Peterbilt 520, improve fuel efficiency, and avoid unexpected failures. Here’s how preventive services can keep your Peterbilt 520 running strong.

Regular Oil Changes Keep Your Engine Healthy

The diesel engine in your Peterbilt 520 works hard, and proper oil maintenance is critical to keeping it in top shape. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat. Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt, leading to poor lubrication and increased wear.

Follow manufacturer recommendations for oil change intervals, typically every 15,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on operating conditions. Using high-quality diesel engine oil and replacing oil filters ensures your engine stays clean and efficient. Oil changes matter because they prevent engine overheating and excessive wear, improve fuel efficiency by reducing friction, and extend the life of internal components, including pistons and bearings.

Keep the Cooling System in Check

Your Peterbilt 520’s cooling system prevents engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic damage. The system includes the radiator, coolant, water pump, and thermostat, all working together to maintain an optimal temperature.

Cooling system maintenance includes:

• Checking coolant levels and topping off as needed.
• Flushing coolant regularly to prevent buildup and corrosion.
• Inspecting the radiator for leaks or blockages.
• Checking hoses and belts for wear and cracking.

Low coolant levels or a failing water pump can lead to overheating, blown head gaskets, and costly repairs. Preventative checks ensure your cooling system functions properly, even in the toughest conditions.

Transmission and Driveline Inspections Prevent Costly Repairs

Your transmission and driveline are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, heat, heavy loads, and stop-and-go driving can wear down these components. Catching transmission issues early can prevent a costly breakdown and keep your Peterbilt 520’s drivetrain operating smoothly. Signs of transmission trouble include delayed or slipping gears, grinding or whining noises when shifting, and leaking transmission fluid under the truck.

Preventive maintenance includes:

• Checking and changing transmission fluid at regular intervals.
• Inspecting the clutch (if applicable) for wear.
• Lubricating U-joints and driveshaft components.

Brake System Inspections Ensure Safety

Heavy-duty trucks rely on air brakes, which require routine inspections to function correctly. A failing brake system puts you, your cargo, and others on the road at risk. A sign of brake damage starts with soft or spongy brakes, indicating air leaks or moisture in the system. You may also notice, excessive brake fade that indicates worn-out components or grinding noises that signal metal-on-metal contact. Keeping your Peterbilt’s braking system in top condition ensures safe stopping power and compliance with DOT regulations.

Preventive brake maintenance includes:

• Checking brake drums for wear.
• Inspecting air lines for leaks or cracks.
• Draining moisture from air tanks regularly.

Tire Inspections Prevent Blowouts and Improve Efficiency

Tires are the only point of contact between your Peterbilt 520 and the road. Worn-out or improperly inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. Proper tire maintenance helps extend tire life and improves the overall performance of your Peterbilt 520.

Tire maintenance tips:

• Check tire pressure regularly to prevent underinflation.
• Rotate tires to ensure even wear.
• Inspect tread depth—replace tires if they fall below 4/32” for steer tires and 2/32” for drive tires.
• Look for cracks, bulges, or sidewall damage that could lead to blowouts.

Electrical System Checks to Keep Everything Running Smoothly

Modern Peterbilt trucks rely on advanced electrical systems to power everything from lighting to onboard diagnostics. A weak battery or failing alternator can leave you stranded. A reliable electrical system ensures that your starter, lights, sensors, and onboard technology function without issues.

Electrical maintenance includes:

• Checking battery voltage and replacing weak batteries.
• Inspecting wiring and connections for corrosion.
• Testing the alternator to ensure it’s charging correctly.

Aftertreatment System Maintenance Prevents Costly Downtime

Your Peterbilt 520’s aftertreatment system reduces harmful emissions but clogged DPF filters and failing DEF systems can cause major performance issues. Common aftertreatment problems include DPF filter clogging leading to regeneration failures, DEF contamination or sensor failures triggering warning lights, and EGR valve malfunctions reducing engine efficiency. When you ignore aftertreatment system maintenance it can lead to reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and expensive repairs.

Preventive actions include:

• Performing DPF cleanings as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Using quality DEF fluid to avoid contamination.
• Inspecting EGR and SCR components to ensure proper function.

Keep Your Peterbilt 520 in Top Shape

Your Peterbilt 520 is a critical investment, and regular preventive maintenance is the best way to keep it running at peak performance. By staying ahead of oil changes, cooling system checks, transmission inspections, brake maintenance, tire care, electrical system checks, and aftertreatment service, you can avoid costly repairs and maximize uptime.

At S&D Auto & Truck in Cumberland, RI, we specialize in Peterbilt truck maintenance and repair. Our expert team ensures that your truck stays on the road, performing at its best. Schedule your preventive service today and keep your Peterbilt 520 running like new! For more information about trucks, read our article on trailer maintenance.