Routine service and preventive maintenance checks help prolong the life of your business partner ā your truck.
- It really helps to change your oil and oil filter per the specifications described in your truckās service manual more often, or at least every 3,000 miles, if you frequently run it for many short trips, or run it hard for extended trips with a full payload or trailer.
- The fuel filter on your truck should be changed at least every 10,000 miles to prevent dirt, rust, and other impurities from getting into the fuel system.
- Your truckās Air, Fuel, and PCV filters should be replaced not only as recommended, but even more often in dusty work conditions.
- As soon as you experience any engine drivability problems such as rough idling, stalling, hard stops, or diminished power, contact The Truck Shop right away.
- A truckās cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled at least every 2 years.
- Remember to never remove the radiator cap until the truck engine has cooled completely.
- Your truckās transmission fluid and filter should be changed every 15,000 to 18,000 miles to help protect the components and extend the life of the transmission and transaxle.
- Have the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses looked at by a professional to save more costly repairs in the future.
- Keep your truckās windshield clean because a dirty windshield not only can create a safety hazard, but also causes eye fatigue.
- Replace worn wiper blades on your truck and keep the windshield washer solvent reservoir filled.
- Your truckās tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles for maximum efficiency and even wear. The entire suspension system needs to be inspected regularly also.
- Do check the tire pressure at least once a month, but let the tires cool down first if youāve been on the road.
- Keep your truck tires inflated to the proper PSI levels because under-inflated tires can make it more difficult for your truck to get down the road and can cause your engine to consume more fuel to maintain a proper speed.
- It is suggested that you use the AC minimally on pleasant days because the air conditioner puts extra load on the engine and forces more fuel to be used. However, it is also beneficial to keep your windows closed, because when windows are opened wide – especially at highway speeds- the increase in aerodynamic drag can create a 10% drop in your vehicleās fuel economy.
- Allowing your truck to idle adversely impacts fleet and truck owners by increasing both fuel and maintenance expenses. Just one hour of idling time consumes about one gallon of diesel fuel and it has beenĀ estimated that a reduction in idle time can reduce fuel usage This adds up to over $3 billion additional dollars annually in the trucking industry that could have been saved in fuel costs. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your truck uses less fuel than letting it idle.
- Watch and observe the posted speed limits. Did you know that the faster you drive, the more fuel you use? Just driving at 65 miles per hour instead of 55 mph increases your fuel consumption by 20 percent.
Keep your truckās engine tuned at The Truck Shop. Something as small as a bad spark plug or clogged fuel injector results in costing you more down the road. These small repairs can reduce your truckās overall fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent if they are not fixed.
Routine service and preventive maintenance checks help prolong the life of your truck. Your truck is your business partner, and it can remain at its peak performance with the right equipment and repairs. Consult a trusted mechanic ā a professional service center like The Truck Shop, LLC can save you time and additional problems down the road.
A maintenance manual should come with every truck leased or purchased from a reputable dealer. This important accessory should be stored in a location where it can be readily available. Truck maintenance manuals contain the valuable information from the manufacturer regarding proper operation, suggested maintenance schedules, lubrication and fluid level checks, emission controls, and torque specification.
Maintenance compliance is also important. The safety regulations manual that is required to be carried in your truck usually outlines in detail the compliances and regulations that need to be met. Every heavy duty work truck must comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. The Truck Shop offers full DOT Inspection services to get your truck prepared to pass. Roadside maintenance checks are regularly conducted by the DOT. They also require annual inspections. āØāØPreventive maintenance (PM) schedules need to be based upon the details specific to your truck. The Truck Shop can help you plan a maintenance program that works.
Preventive maintenance (PM) schedules need to be based upon theĀ details specific to your truck. The Truck Shop can help you plan aĀ maintenance program that works.
It can be beneficial to record the driving distances, common driving conditions, average speeds, and weight history of your truckās hauls or loads. As an example, an average speed of 75 mph over time can lead to higher or more frequent maintenance requirements than an average speed of 60 mph. Terrain can also play a role in the wear and tear on your truck.
Simple PM procedures such as checking tire pressure and the engine oil can make a big improvement on the lifespan of your truck. Other frequent PM schedules will include maintaining the wipers, belts, hoses, lights, filters, coolant, tires, as well as engine fluids. Regular servicing and care of the transmission, battery, brakes, drive axles, seals, exhaust system, clutch, driveline, steering, suspension, and engine tune-ups can make all the difference.
Contact The Truck Shop in New Martinsville, West Virginia for more information on a Preventive Maintenance plan for your truck.