Keeping A Truck In Top Maintenance Will Prolong Its Life And Make More Money

By Author: Larry Chandler
Total Articles: 739
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Most people do their best to keep up the routine maintenance on their cars. However, for a trucking company or an individual owner-operator, vehicle maintenance is paramount to keeping the business going. In this business a truck that is not running can cost the company hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in lost revenue. Besides keeping the business going, proper maintenance of the engine, radiator, truck condenser, and drive train can help the rig last a much longer time.


The Basics


The single most important piece of maintenance is keeping the oil changed on a regular basis. Keeping fresh oil moving through the engine, as well as changing out the oil filter, will prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, helping the engine to work better. It is also a good idea to schedule an analysis of your oil on a regular basis just to make sure there is nothing wrong.


The Cooling System


Besides keeping the oil changed, maintaining the cooling system is another prime area for keeping a truck in top condition. When people hear the term cooling ...
... they often think of the air conditioner. However, the radiator and truck condenser are responsible for keeping the motor cooled. An engine that gets too hot will overheat and can destroy a lot of internal parts, leading to thousands of dollars in reapairs.


As the winter months approach it is a good idea to keep the ratio of antifreeze to water around 60/40. Water is an intergral part of the radiator’s function, but too much will lead to scaling. This can break down a radiator and eventually the truck condenser and cause some serious problems.


Most truckers also use additives in the coolant to protect against any serious harm. These additives have been formulated and tested to keep radiators and condensers working under extreme temperatures and to reduce the presence of scaling.


Battery


Having a proper working battery will prevent a lot of cold toes and fingers during the tough winter. Check the battery on a regular basis to make sure it is properly charged. Also, check the belt that goes around the alternator. A loose belt can drain the battery and leave you stranded. It is a good idea to always have a spare alternator belt on hand just in case of an emergency. Also, check the battery terminals and connections and keep them clean at all times. Acid and dirt can build up on the terminals and weaken the connection, killing the battery. Vinyl can be purchased in a spray-on application that is useful to cover a connection to prevent water or salt from damaging the connection.


This list is not the only type of maintenance that needs to be performed on a big rig. However, these are some of the more important items and the ones that can keep a truck going for a long time. Set up a schedule to monitor these items on a regular basis and you should see a long, useful life out of your truck.

Larry Chandler is a freelance writer for Truck Radiators one of the leading providers of cooling parts like a Volvo condenser. If you need a truck condenser visit their site to see their current offerings at Truckradiatorspa.com.