As the weather warms up and the days become longer, there are some safety factors that you should consider when loading up your heavy-duty truck. In this article, we’ll review the top 5 preventive maintenance tips for summer driving.
Your rig's tires are what keep it rolling, and they need regular observation and maintenance. You should frequently check your tire pressure, especially this summer. Your tire pressure readings may alter as the seasons and temperatures change. As a result, you must monitor each tire's pressure and make sure they're properly filled.
Proper tire balancing may significantly extend the life of your tires and increase fuel economy. This is also a perfect opportunity to examine your tires for damage and consider how well they have held up during the winter and spring seasons as the new season approaches. Plan ahead for any replacements that may be needed soon to keep your vehicle operating efficiently.
Your heavy-duty truck's brakes are probably utilized and mistreated all year long, but they are more stressed now that the colder months are finally coming to a close. If you've been driving in any way through snow or ice, your brakes have taken a hammering. You should still make it a top priority on your to-do list for the following summer months to inspect the brakes on your heavy-duty truck properly. Verify the fluids, parking brakes, lines, and hoses. As the rainy season approaches, having a fleet with poor brakes is the last thing you need!
For a semi-truck to operate correctly, the necessary lubrication must be used in the proper quantity. When choosing the correct lube for your rig, the grade, the performance rating, and the thickening system are three crucial factors. Your alternatives will mostly be lithium complex-based, but some may also be calcium-based. The performance of your equipment will suffer if you combine the two.
The viscosity of the lube is determined by its grade. The most common grease for heavy-duty trucks is NLGI, which has a viscosity akin to peanut butter. Since not all grease producers provide the performance characteristics on the label, it might be harder to calculate them, so be sure to ask them about it.
The suspension system of your semi-truck has to be visually inspected as well. You need to check your air springs for any indications of atypical wear and strain or heat cracks. Additionally, make sure nothing is contacting the suspension and that nothing is obstructing its motion. The air springs also need enough and uniform pressure.
All air suspension systems have a predetermined "riding height position," however, damage or even an accident can cause this position to change. You won't benefit fully from the air-riding technology if the ride height is off. Make sure it isn't too high since doing so may make it difficult for you to cross an overpass safely. Be careful not to set it too low, however, since it could cause the airbag to ride on the suspension's bumpers, harming the other parts of the system.
Driving in winter road conditions can wreak havoc on the body of your heavy-duty truck, with a build-up of salt and sand. In order to prevent rust and corrosion, be sure to get your truck thoroughly cleaned. Maintaining the functionality and safety of your heavy-duty truck depends on keeping your equipment clean.
While you're at it, take advantage of the chance to "spring clean" the interior cab of your rig too. Put it another way, use this opportunity to tidy up and prepare the cabin for the next season by organizing any equipment or documents you may have. For future comfort and convenience, it is worthwhile.
It's crucial to double and triple check the functionality of all your heavy-duty truck's critical features, from the lights to the wipers to the fluid levels in your engine compartment, as you prepare your heavy-duty truck for the next season.
Reviewing a comprehensive check-up checklist would be a fantastic idea. While this may seem like a lot of "small things," looking into them early will help you lessen the likelihood of unexpected and expensive repairs.
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