Keep Up On Your Summer Truck Maintenance
Make sure your truck is ready for the summer heat by performing some important maintenance.
Summer is a beautiful time of year. The weather is warm, the trees are green, and the flowers are blooming. Along with this beautiful season comes some special problems that can leave your truck in disrepair if it is not carefully maintained. After the frigidity of winter and the calm of spring, it’s important to do some summer truck maintenance on your big rig to make sure it’s in the best shape possible to deal with the summer heat.
Cooling System
It’s not just the driver that can overheat—the truck is susceptible to overheating as well. Have your truck’s cooling system thoroughly inspected and make any necessary repairs immediately before heading out in the summer. An overheated engine is a major inconvenience for any driver, and it can also lead to costly repairs and replacements due to significant engine damage.
Air Conditioning
First thing’s first—make sure your air conditioning system is in good working order. If there are any problems, it’s best to have them repaired right away. With heat indexes going above 80°F the cab of a truck will get very hot very quickly and be uncomfortable for even the most heat-tolerant drivers. If your a/c breaks while you’re on the road it could be inconvenient to find a place to stop and have it repaired, so it’s a good idea to have it taken care of before you hit the road.
Tire Pressure
One of the most common causes of truck breakdowns in the summer is tire blowouts. The heat from the asphalt and ambient air temperature causes the air in your truck tires to expand, which will ultimately lead to the tires building up too much pressure and exploding. This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s dangerous for both the driver and anyone near the truck. Have your tires before every trip and make sure you have a way to check them while you’re out on the road. Give them a quick check after your truck has been parked for several hours to ensure you can always carefully maintain a safe pressure.
Brake System
You should have your brake systems checked regularly for wear and tear to ensure they are always in prime condition. Having these inspected and repaired several times a year is the best practice for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. If you haven’t had your brakes checked recently, it’s a good idea to do so now.
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