Industry Articles

7 Truck Maintenance Tips to help your truck from sudden breakdown

Written by the Brant Jones Team

Trucks are similar to mules. They can travel great distances, drive on uneven roads, and carry huge cargo. They handle all of the heavy liftings that most cars can't, and they're more robust as a result. Despite this, vehicles are machines as well. They, too, suffer from wear and tear, just like any other machine. Regular maintenance, servicing, and general care are required for improved performance.

When your vehicle is operating at peak efficiency, it reduces the danger of a breakdown, saves fuel, and, most significantly, extends the life of your truck. It also saves you a significant amount of time and money that would otherwise be spent on unanticipated repairs. This post will discuss a few tips for keeping your vehicle in good shape for your long journey.




Examine Your Brakes


The last thing you want to happen on your road trip is for your brakes to fail. It's a prevalent cause of collisions, and it often results in car damage, injuries, and lawsuits. To prevent all of this, make sure your brakes are serviced regularly. Depending on your driving habits, you may need to perform it more often. However, inspecting and maintaining them every time you change your oil is always a good idea.

Also, when you drive, pay attention to, and feel your brakes. Is there anything making a noise? Are your brakes too stiff or too flimsy? You should take your vehicle to a specialist if you see or hear anything weird.




Check out your engine.


Your truck's engine keeps it on the road; it's also the one that can take it off. Keep an eye out for indicators of engine trouble and address them as soon as possible to keep your vehicle on the road. A lack of power, a loss of oil pressure, or heavy smoking are examples.

Also, have periodical compression tests your maintenance provider performs to evaluate how long your engine will endure. Remember that each vehicle is unique, and competence may differ. When looking for a maintenance company, be sure you choose the best fit for your requirements. You should look for the most dependable and skilled box truck repair and maintenance service available if you own a box truck.




Examine the Electrical System


To keep their engines operating, modern vehicles depend heavily on electrical systems. These trucks include many sensors and connections that interact with the computer. Ensure your electrical system is inspected and regularly maintained for your safety.



Maintain the condition of your truck's body.


One of the main reasons particular trucks retire sooner than others is body rust. Chemicals often cause rust. If you travel on roads that must be treated for ice and snow, you will almost certainly encounter a rusted vehicle at some time.


Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid rust altogether; all you can do is slow it down. To accomplish so, keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • Paint your truck's body regularly to avoid chipping and scratches.
  • Wash your vehicle regularly, ideally every ten days.
  • Wash your automobile right away after the rain, snow, or sleet.
  • To prevent your door locks from moisture, lubricate them.
  • Examine the Fluid Levels
  • Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and other fluids keep vehicles running. To minimize difficulties and keep the vehicle running smoothly, these fluids must be in the proper amounts.

Fortunately, monitoring the fluid levels is simple and takes just a few minutes. If you see a drop in fluid levels between inspections, you may have a leak or a consumption issue. Make the necessary repairs before the situation worsens.



Change fluids regularly 


You must replace the fluids regularly in addition to monitoring the levels. Fluids do not endure indefinitely, and they get infected and eventually expire, making them unsafe to use.

Some fluids expire quickly, while others take longer. As a result, certain fluids will need to be changed more regularly than others. However, the frequency with which you change your fluids will be determined by the following factors: 

  • The distance traveled
  • Your driving style, such as whether you drive on a freeway, amid city traffic, or on desert roads
  • The amount of weight you have on your vehicle
  • Check the Pressure and Condition of Your Tires


Examine all of your tires, including your spare if you have one. Look for punctures, sidewall bulges, or gouges, as well as other signs of wear and strain. Before you go on your trip, make sure you solve any problems with your tires.

Also, check the tire pressure and ensure it's at the right level. Your truck's tires are its only point of contact with the road; keep them adequately inflated to minimize excessive wear and enhance fuel efficiency. Tires that are properly inflated provide optimal traction, braking, and load-carrying capability.

Each truck needs a different amount of pressure; see your owner's handbook to determine yours.



Final words 


Regular maintenance will not stop your vehicle from aging, but it will help to slow it down. It will maintain it in excellent working order at all times, allowing it to stay on the road for longer. There are a lot of maintenance companies out there, but not all of them are trustworthy. To get the most out of your vehicle, you must first know and comprehend what it requires. Then do your homework and take your time to choose someone who is looking out for your best interests. Make sure that you seek the assistance of a reputed partner to go ahead with all maintenance work as well. Then you will never end up with any problems. 


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