More than $25 billion, alone, is spent annually on bridge maintenance in the United States. And budgets are getting smaller per project as civil engineers are called on for more work. The byproduct of this lower runway could be tighter overhead costs, and it’s important to lower repair and maintenance costs on machinery.

It’s impossible to take these projects on when equipment is malfunctioning, and missing a contract can be detrimental to the business. The average piece of construction equipment lasts for a median of about 10,000 hours before needing to be replaced, and a replacement can run upward of $100,000 you may not have.

But there are simple swaps that can extend the life of your machinery so that it’s less susceptible to breakdown and decommissioning. Here are four simple strategies for extending the life of machinery.

1. Fluid Replacements

Fluids are critical components in keeping your oil, coolant, and fuel clean. Fluid impurities can corrode equipment, causing leaks, smoke, and worse. Typical oils have 250-hour shelf lives, while heavy-duty oils can do 500 hours, although their cost goes up as well. Coolants can typically last about 500 hours, and hydraulic fluids last up to 1,000 hours before needing a change.

2. Filter Changes

Filters are an integral part of fluid and air systems because they keep the former pure and the machinery operating at manufacturer-recommended conditions. As they get clogged, fluids can have trouble passing through, much like a clogged artery. And when it’s powered off, these impurities settle at the bottom, clump together, and become a bigger problem in the future. Thus, you should replace filters with every fluid change.

3. Belts and Wiring

Belts and wiring are often the most fragile parts in machinery, and belts, in particular, are constantly in motion while powered on and working. If something goes wrong, it’s often the result of corrosion or breakage in these pieces. They’re also relatively cheap to replace and can be easy enough for self-repair if you properly diagnosed the problem.

4. Battery

Electric-powered vehicles are becoming more widespread, and these batteries have a limited shelf life. Standard lithium-ion batteries can last between 300-500 charge cycles, although some can go as high as 1,000. This is in line with lead acid, which lasts from 500-1,200 charge cycles. If you’re having power problems, test if the battery can hold a charge. If not, it’s a simple swap.

Everything in life is temporary, and all machinery eventually reaches its end of life. But that doesn’t mean it should automatically be junked. In fact, these simple replacements will ensure everything is operational for as long as possible, ensuring your engine maintains peak efficiency.

Author’s Bio

John Clifford is a managing partner at Big Bear Engine Company, which has deep roots in the heavy-duty diesel industry — most notably in the remanufacturing and machining of large diesel engines. Their master engine builders all have 30+ years of experience building and working on diesel engines. They specialize in three medium-duty models: the Cummins 4BT engine, the Cummins 6BT engine, and the Caterpillar 3306 engine. The company has also established itself as an industry leader catering to the 4BT Jeep Swap and Off-Roading Communities.