The Lifespan of Trucks: Why Genuine Parts Matter More Than Ever

As the number of heavy vehicles on Australian roads continues to rise, the focus on vehicle maintenance is intensifying. The average age of trucks is now around 13 years, according to recent data from the Australian Government's Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE). The statistics show that light trucks typically last around 9.85 years, while heavy rigid trucks have a much longer lifespan of 16.3 years.

Despite the growing age of the truck fleet, businesses are becoming more aware of the advantages of using genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for truck maintenance. Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Head of Aftersales, Brett Stewart, highlights that these benefits go beyond just keeping vehicles running – they also ensure safety, improve compliance, and boost operational efficiency for businesses of all sizes.

In fact, Isuzu’s recent report, The Future of Trucking: The Way Forward, surveyed heavy vehicle operators and found that 65% of respondents agree that using OEM parts helps ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Compliance and Safety Standards
Compliance with safety standards is a key component of the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). These regulations ensure that all parties in the supply chain share responsibility for meeting specified safety standards.

Operators are required to assess risks associated with transport activities and either eliminate or mitigate them. Non-compliance can lead to serious penalties, with enforcement supported by random inspections conducted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and state-based authorities.

The Business Benefits of Genuine OEM Parts
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, using genuine OEM parts also brings operational advantages. According to the Future of Trucking report, 64% of respondents said that using genuine parts results in better business outcomes, thanks to improved vehicle performance and reduced downtime.

Mr Stewart adds, “Smart businesses recognise the operational and compliance benefits of using OEM parts, and we encourage all operators to factor both into their decision-making when it comes to replacement parts.”

Built for Australia's Harsh Conditions
Australia’s unique climate and rugged terrain place significant strain on heavy vehicle components. Isuzu parts are engineered specifically to handle the diverse environmental conditions and tough demands of Australian industry.

Isuzu's parts are tested locally to ensure optimal performance, and they are available at more than 70 locations nationwide, including Isuzu Trucks dealerships and Authorised Service & Parts Outlets (ASPOs). With over 30,000 different parts in stock, Isuzu has more than three million parts ready to ship from its National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne.

“Our highly trained professionals are ready to provide the right parts and expert advice at each Isuzu aftersales location,” said Mr Stewart.

For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 EFTEAM (1300 338 326) today or visit CreditOne.com.au