How to Maintain Your Truck During the Summer
Hot weather can cause costly damage to your truck if you’re not prepared, so it’s important to know what to do when the temperatures rise. Truck maintenance is important all year round and the right plan will protect your vehicles and keep drivers comfortable and cool.
Hot and dry summer weather can put extra stress on your vehicle and a breakdown can cost you a lot in terms of time and money. As we enter the warm summer months, see below for our top tips to keep your trucks in great condition.
Maintain your cooling system
It’s estimated that 40 percent of engine problems are caused by cooling system failures so it’s vital to maintain this system when it’s scorching outside. Regularly inspect the radiator inside and out for signs of damage and check the cooling fan for loose or damaged blades. The cooling system should also be full, with coolant that’s clean and free from rust or any other impurities.
Change worn hoses and belts
Hoses and belts carry important fluids (like coolant and oil) and summer is a great time to change any worn out parts. Inspect hoses and belts visually for cracks or any other signs of damage and squeeze coolant hoses near the ends to check for signs of wear and tear. A spongy (rather than firm) feeling indicates that it’s time for a replacement.
Test your air conditioning
It’s worth arranging a professional inspection to make sure your air conditioning system is working properly. Broken A/C can make long journeys very uncomfortable for drivers, so make sure everything is working efficiently. Check your hose and fittings for any leaks and test your blower motor to listen for any inconsistent, odd sounds – it could be time to replace it. Check filters too to make sure they aren’t plugged with debris.
Check your tyres
Extreme heat can cause your tyres to wear down more quickly, so regularly inspect the tread to make sure there’s enough depth. Check the tyre pressure too and look for any cracks, punctures or other signs of damage.
Regularly change the oil
Changing your oil regularly will reduce wear on your engine and guard against rust and corrosion in all climates. Extremely hot and cold temperatures can speed up the thermal breakdown of oil, causing it to become less effective as a lubricant. Schedule an oil change as part of your regular maintenance plan to ensure it doesn’t go overlooked.
If you’re having issues with your fleet this summer, get in touch with Transcare today for professional truck maintenance and repairs from the experts. We’re proud to provide a comprehensive range of services, including air conditioning repairs, body and accident repair, diagnostics and more. For more information about our truck maintenance support, give us a call today or contact us online.