yThough modern diesel engine trucks are built to withstand the rigors of the road, they can develop problems which can be attributed to different factors. However, if you own a truck or a fleet of trucks, there are certain steps that you can take to avoid regular visits to the repair shop and breakdowns.
Top Truck Maintenance Tips You Should Remember
If you do not know where to begin when it comes to taking care of your truck, here a few beginner tips:
• Change Your Fuel and Air Filters on A Regular Basis
Clean filters will be able to sieve out pollutants which can damage the systems of your vehicle. If you want your vehicle in prime condition, you should therefore ensure that you replace filters regularly. In order to know when you should change the filters in your truck, you can refer to your truck manual. On knowing the most appropriate time to change your filters, ensure you set and stick to the changing schedule.
• Understand When Your Truck Requires an Oil Change
Like fuel and air filters, you can know when you should change the oil in your truck by referring to the owner’s manual. For most trucks, the oil should be changed about every 5,000 miles. However, the ideal mileage for an oil change can vary depending on the truck model. If you drive your vehicle frequently or use it to ferry heavy goods, you may need to change your oil more frequently.
• Ensure You Take Care of The Cooling System
Diesel engines usually produce a lot of heat and they are generally in a hot place and as such, your truck needs to have a fully functional cooling system at all times. To keep your engine functioning optimally, you should ensure that your cooling system is properly serviced. You should acquire a coolant hydrometer from a local auto spares store and test the freeze protection that your antifreeze offers the truck. If the hydrometer indicates that the truck has lower than normal boiling point (lower than 265 degrees Fahrenheit) and/or freezing point that is too high (higher than 34 degrees Fahrenheit), it is an indication that you need the cooling system of your truck.
You should follow the tips discussed above if you want to maintain your truck in excellent shape. If you need more practical tips on how to maintain your truck in top shape or your vehicle has broken down and it requires servicing, contact your local Fleet Tech.