
Summer season is exciting for truck owners who love transporting cargo over long distances. However, the truck needs preparation for the hot summer days and long trips. Nobody wants to spend hours on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck or a mechanic to fix their truck because of mechanical issues.
Although it is almost impossible to eliminate the risk of the truck breaking down, effective maintenance can prevent unexpected mechanical or electrical issues on the road. With a reliable truck, the driver can enjoy peace of mind, whether transporting cargo for business or exploring a dream destination. This article highlights a few tips to ensure the truck is ready for longer drives in the blazing sun.
Inspect the Tires
Some truck owners rarely inspect the tires, especially if they are relatively new and well-inflated. However, tires are one of the potential weak points that could cause the truck owner to spend hours on the road replacing tires. Most drivers cover longer distances and carry more weight in summer. The extra distance and cargo put an additional strain on various vehicle parts, including the tires, increasing the risk of breaking down.
Truck owners should inspect the wheels and tires before starting the engine. They should pay attention to signs of damage or weakness. If the tires are damaged, it is advisable to replace them immediately instead of waiting until they give up on a busy highway. The leading shops selling commercial truck parts have quality truck tires and durable parts that can withstand summer heat and extra strain. Replacing damaged tires and wheels early reduces the risk of accidents and increases safety and comfort.
Tire depth is another aspect that truck drivers should check. The tire tread should be at least 1.6 mm to improve traction and reduce the risk of sliding. The truck owner should also check the tire pressure on all the wheels, including the spare one. The owner’s manual can help the truck owner avoid underinflating or overinflating the tires. Failure to check tire pressure could increase fuel consumption and affect handling.
Inspect the Lights
Old trucks do not display any warning lights when the bulbs are out, or fuses are blown. Therefore, the driver should start the engine, turn on the lights, and go around the truck to check if the lights work as expected. The driver should inspect the headlights, fog lights, reverse lights, indicators, and brake lights. If the cover is dirty or the bulbs are blown, the driver can clean or replace the bulbs or visit a local auto repair shop.
Check the Coolant
Truck drivers should check coolant levels every few days since low coolant levels could make the engine overheat. If the coolant is low, the owner should top up to the appropriate level. If the coolant is always low, it is advisable to inspect the system for leaks. An auto repair shop can help seal any leaks or replace the damaged parts.
Test the Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are one of the few auto parts that drivers remember when they need to use them. Before driving off, drivers should inspect the wiper blades to ensure they clean the windshield evenly. Using cracked or split wiper blades could reduce visibility on the road and increase the risk of an accident, especially when driving on dusty roads.
The wiper blades should wipe down water droplets on the windshield, not smear the dirt on the windshield. It is also crucial to top up the washer fluid and ensure the water jets direct water to the appropriate part of the windshield. The truck driver should clean the windshield before setting off for the summer drive.
Test the Air Conditioning (AC)
The AC of a truck can lose a significant percentage of refrigerant every year. Low refrigerant levels affect performance and strain the engine as it strives to maintain the desired temperature. Driving a truck with a faulty AC in summer can make the trip unbearable.
So, truck owners should inspect and maintain the air conditioning to ensure the occupants are comfortable. They can test the AC by turning on the coldest settings and increasing the fan speed. If the air is ice-cold, the refrigerant is within the desired level. If the AC blows relatively warm air, the refrigerant needs inspection and recharging.
Change the Engine Oil When Necessary
Engine oil prevents the internal parts of the engine from damage caused by friction. So, low engine oil could cause irreversible damage to the engine. Although the oil warning light turns on when the oil is too low, drivers should check the oil levels regularly to avoid last-minute rush.
The truck owner should check the color of the oil and the miles covered since the previous oil change. If the oil change is due, they should visit an auto repair shop for service to protect the engine.
Inspect and Test the Power Steering
The power steering wheel makes it easy for the truck driver to control the truck. However, the steering fluid should be clear and maintained at the appropriate level. Lower power steering fluid could lead to premature failure or increase the effort required to turn the wheels. If the oil is dark, it should be drained by a mechanic and refilled with clean oil. The driver can top up the oil if it is low, but it is good to visit a repair shop for the technician to inspect the system for leaks.
Inspect Safety Equipment
Truck owners need safety equipment to respond to emergencies on the road. The equipment should include reflector lights, warning triangles, a flashlight, engine oil, a fire extinguisher, a cooling fan, and a first aid kit. The driver can carry additional equipment depending on the distance to the destination and possible issues that may arise. The driver should test these safety tools and equipment to avoid inconveniences on the road.
The summer season allows truck drivers to cover longer distances and carry more cargo. However, truck drivers should inspect and maintain various parts to ensure the truck is ready for those trips. Effective truck maintenance improves performance and fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of breaking down.
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