Imagine getting your loaded truck stuck on a busy highway. What a catastrophic situation it would be! While backing up the road would be a dangerous condition, losing time & a gap in the productivity cycle would be even worse.
So, what can you do it avert such a situation? Simple, you need to adhere to the preventive maintenance method. Because this is the only way, you can always be sure of your truck's condition & prevent a sudden breakdown.
Even calling the on-call mobile mechanic, you will lose a lot of time & that means losing money. With a sudden breakdown, it may cost you thousands of dollars that will include lost productivity, repairs cost, & towing. However, by following preventive maintenance, you can reduce your loss by up to 50%!
To help you with the preventive maintenance, we have discussed five truck maintenance tips.
Check Your Tires Before Rolling Out
Tires cause a lot of breakdown incidents on the highways; this is why you must always inspect your tires before heading out. But what to look for while checking the tires?
Tire Pressure- Underinflated tires are prone to blowouts, whereas overinflated tires will cause steering problems. Tire pressure also affects the fuel economy of a truck. Always keep the tire pressure at the optimal level; check your owner's manual for the correct pressure. Also, remember that the tires lose about one psi every month & seasonal temperature changes of about 10 degrees take out an additional one psi.
Check Fluids Level
If you're heading out to the highways, then you must check the fluid levels. Checking fluids will ensure that your engine will not run out of radiator fluid (antifreeze coolant) or engine oil.
Keeping the correct level of coolant & engine oil is very crucial for the proper working of your truck's diesel engine. Also, don't forget to check the fuel level because you don't want your truck to get stuck on the highway with no fuel station within miles of its range.
By keeping the fluids at their optimal level, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns significantly.
Keep A Check On Electrical Systems
Trucks draw a considerable amount of power. And where do they pull it from? Their batteries and alternator! An insufficient electrical system will slow down the performance of the truck, eventually leading to breakdown & hefty repair costs. Here is what you should keep an eye on:
Battery- Make sure the battery is fully charged & has the manufacturer's recommended capacity. A battery with defects can lead to vital engine shutdown leaving you stuck on the highway.
Cables & Wires- Keep the cables & wires clean, intact & corrosion-free. Cable maintenance will help you avoid short circuits, faulty lights & some major system failures.
Audit Coolant & Engine Oil
To avoid overheating of the engine, always make sure that the coolant and engine oil are at an optimal level & clean. Do not head out for the highway with clogged coolant/oil unless you're planning to get stuck on the highway.
Inspect Brakes
The immense friction, pressure & high heat absorbed by the brakes make them susceptible to severe damage and one of the main reasons for truck breakdowns.
If you hear the brakes squeal or vibrating when stopping the truck, then it is a clear indication that they need repairs or replacement.
To Sum It Up
Preventive maintenance can take your truck a long way. And the best thing about preventative maintenance is that it's highly DIY possible. This allows you to stay dynamic about your truck's maintenance.
However, if your truck breaks down or if you decide to get the help of experts for routine preventive maintenance, then you can contact Wyoming Diesel Service. We have a team of technicians who are well-experienced to handle diesel engine repairs & commercial truck repair.