Evolution of Maintenance and Repairs
Trucking is a business. Business is about maximizing long term profitability. Maintenance and repairs are a cost 
of doing business. The cost of maintenance and repairs is not limited to parts and labor. Managing downtime and maximizing up time are serious considerations when managing your business.
My strategy is simple maintenance is good. Repairs are bad. Unexpected repairs are worse. Breakdowns are evil.
Those principles have stayed the same over the years. The details have evolved. Oil change intervals have been extended from my old 15,000 miles to my current 50,000 miles. Even simple lubrication intervals have been extended. That means that a mechanic's eyeballs may not see your truck as often as they used to. It is a good plan to schedule at least a 30 minute monthly check up. Let a mechanic inspect your truck once a month. It is a manageable expense that can be completed on your natural downtime.
Do some things yourself. Recently I broke the stow away for my airline hoses. It was -15f without the wind chill. The line did not go on easily, and I forced it. It broke. The part cost me about $20. When the weather was a little nicer. I fixed it. It is better to replace belts and hoses too soon than too late. I had this radiator hose 
break. It was completely my fault for waiting too long to replace it. I was able to avoid the hook with a bicycle inner tube and tape.
Information is a game changer. Virtual technician in my 2013 Evolution sends a message if I may need a repair. It tells me the severity of the issue. It may be something that needs to be repaired ASAP. In 250,000 miles, I have not received one of these messages. I broke a window. That needed to be scheduled, but I could call ahead to make sure that the needed window got there before I did. I had a leak in the DEF system. That was also called ahead to a dealership and scheduled as a natural downtime repair under warranty. The biggest hassle was an automatic on off switch failed. It caused me to need a jump start. The switch is designed to shut off accessories before they run down the starting batteries. It failed. My 2013 at one time was out ahead of the parts system. The repair was a simple 20 minute job. It was a matter of finding the part. The problem was diagnosed in Joplin, Mo. They did not have the part. The dealership at my destination did. I scheduled the 
repair. I was in and out of the dealership in less than an hour.
Communications with the dealership has changed. Now, I can simply call them with my VIN number. They can use virtual technician to know the best way to get the repair done. Remember that all downtime is not created equal. Downtime at home is preferred. That is the best time to schedule your maintenance. Road repairs can usually be scheduled around your 10 hour break. Scheduling is key. Call your dealer and let them know the problem. Make sure that they have the necessary part there. Reserve a time and treat yourself to a motel room. The repair should be done in the morning. Managing your maintenance and repairs helps maximize profitability.