Truck Maintenance Tips II

KEEP ABREAST OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ISSUES

Newer trucks are more reliant on electrical systems to keep the engines running at peak efficiency or at all, for that matter. These newer vehicles use bundles of wires and many sensors to communicate with an onboard computer to keep their engines turning.

CHECK FOR FUEL AND STORAGE TANK CONTAMINATION

Keeping your fuel and storage tanks free of contamination and moisture will keep your fuel flowing and engine purring.

Maintenance Tips: If you’re not using a professional maintenance provider, follow the manufacturer’s specifications for moisture control treatment to avoid water accumulation in the fuel. Water in the fuel can cause major engine problems, so eliminating the presence of water will ensure you can keep the wheels turning.

MONITOR COOLANT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

Many premature engine failures are the result of improper maintenance of the coolant system, so it’s important to understand coolant types and adhere to the manufacturers’ requirements. Doing so will ensure the antifreeze keeps engine temperature in the right range and protects the cooling system from corrosion and rust.

Maintenance Tips: Keep the coolant system clean at all times, which includes replacing damaged or corroded components. Make sure you use the right type and amount of fluid. You’ll also want to pay attention to balance, coolant must be correctly diluted in order to maintain engine temperature, usually in a half-and-half coolant-water mixture.

Another important maintenance step is to conduct a proper coolant system diagnosis after use. The coolant filter grabs the dirt and other contaminants that are actually visible to the naked eye, so inspect the filter after taking it out to see if debris is slipping through and infiltrating the coolant system

PROTECT YOUR TRUCK AND BUSINESS WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS

Next to fuel and equipment, maintenance is one of the costliest aspects of the trucking industry. Simply keeping up with a routine is tough enough without also having to respond to expensive unanticipated emergencies.